Honors United States Government
This course provides students with knowledge of our government and their role as citizens. The first term of the course begins with the nature of government and citizenship. Students then study the creation of our federal government and the principles of the U.S. Constitution. Next the focus is on political parties, elections and how we can influence the government. The course also examines local and state governments. In the second term of the course students learn about the operation of the three branches if our government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Throughout the entire course a great deal of attention is paid to current events.
What Makes This an Honors Level Course?
The honors course is designed for students who want to be challenged with problems and concepts that our democratic system is struggling to resolve. The course covers the same major units in the 9th grade U.S. Government class, but with advanced levels of content, process, products and evaluations in both the instruction and in the expectations for student performance. The honors course also stresses higher level thinking skills such as critical thinking, creative thinking, problem solving. Additionally, the development of self-direction, interpersonal relations and leadership is emphasized.
Included in this course are a few important projects that students in the Regular level course are not expected to.
This Honors level course presents students with an exciting challenge- it is both difficult and rewarding. It is expected and likely that all students achieve and A or B grade. Every effort will be made to assist students in achieving that high level of performance. In the unlikely event a student receives a letter grade lower than a B a student may also be asked to transfer to a regular level course for the second half to be more successful.
Key to Success
This honors course is more challenging that the regular U.S. Government course. TO be successful a student should strive to produce quality work, use high level thinking, ask probing questions, pay attention to events and issues in the news and keep a journal on these events, write and read extensively, express viewpoints with supporting evidence, listen to and respect others, work independently with necessary, cooperate with others in the class, seek help or clarification when needed, and keep up with the pace of the class.
Managing Time and Meeting Deadlines
It is especially important to complete all assignments, projects and tests on time. Certainly, many students have very busy lives. In order to accommodate that, students will have plenty of advanced notice for extended projects and tests so that they can manage their own time in preparing and completing the work. Full credit will be given only for work completed on time. Rarely will a deadline be extended for an individual student. If there is a clear need for additional time on a specific assignment for many students that may be negotiated. If any case, difficulties with time and deadlines should be discussed early with the teacher. Students who need helpful strategies for planning and time management may certainly receive them.
Materials and Supplies
Every day each students should come to class prepared with the following materials: a notebook just for government class; a second notebook for journaling; either a two pocket folder or a three-ring binder with space for government work; and pencils or pens for writing.
The course uses many materials supplied by the school and teacher. These include a U.S. Government textbook frequently used for homework, various handouts, worksheets, outlines, and a study-guide.
Grading
Course work is graded and given points according to the level of performance exhibited. As points are accumulated a grade is calculated based upon the percent of the total possible points a student achieved. It also may be necessary for some work to be redone at a higher level of quality following suggestions.
A= 90-100%
B= 80-89%
C= 70-79%
D= 60-69%
F= Below 60%
Extra Credit: Bonus work is available at various times. It can improve a grade no more than one level.
Help Time
Seek help any time you think you need it- especially when having difficulty with tests or with your major project. There are often hints I can give to help you be more successful.
Try to make arrangements in advanced to meet with me. I will generally be available before and after school and may be able to stay late for students needing help or doing make-up work. I am generally found in the Social Studies Resource Center before or after school where my office is located. Please also view my website which contains all power points.
Tara Hoffman: School 763-506-6251
E-mail Tara.Hoffman@ahschools.us