Embedded Files
Civics: Power, People, and Progress
Class Expectations
Todd W. Sundstrom 781-316-3745 x1311
Email-tsundstrom@arlington.k12.ma.us
Course Overview
This course of study begins with the roots and foundation of United States democracy and follows the development of the nation centered on the roles of individuals in maintaining a healthy democracy. Units of study include; influences and foundations of Democracy, state and local government, federal government, racial equality, women’s equality, immigration, selected topics on equality for minority and oppressed peoples, and Civics in action. The goal of this course is to provide students with a strong foundation of US government and history through the development of 21st century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving. In doing so, students in establishing their own voices to be successful in future learning as well as future citizens.
Essential Questions:
What is the purpose of government?
What does it mean to be a citizen in a democracy? What is the role of the individual citizen in fighting to maintain a healthy democracy?
What is a right?
What responsibility do we have to ourselves and others?
Who has power in a democracy? (How has “Who” has power changed over time?)
How does one accomplish change in society?
How is our democracy a work in progress rather than a finished product?
Cluster Website
On our cluster website you will find contact information, the cluster and school calendar, and a list of students homework assignments. Access code for our online textbook on the History page of the cluster website. All assignments and important announcements will be posted on the cluster web site.
Google Classroom
Homework, handouts and resources for class will be posted on google classroom. If you would like to get notifications from Google Classroom as well, please email me and I will add you to the parent/guardian list.
Projects
In addition to more formal assessments, we will also work on numerous projects throughout the year, including a Civics in Action project. These projects will be multi-day assignments aimed at deepening their understanding on a specific topic. There will be class time permitted to most projects, but some work will need to be done outside of school hours. Each project will be presented with plenty of advance notice and a detailed description and rubric.
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