Syllabus

Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.” – Thomas Jefferson

This course is designed to simulate a agriculture based, introduction to political science.  The goal of this course is to engage students and help them see the numerous connections between the academic courses they are enrolled in and their everyday lives!  Students need to know that the political world affects their lives, and the political world is truly global in scope.  By the end of the semester students who have worked hard will have a better grasp of political events and appreciate how American and world history have shaped current political beliefs, political parties, national institutions, policies, and laws.

Behavior: I expect all students to:

• Be in class on time. I zoom must be in waiting room by assignd time.

• Come prepared for class with required materials. 

• Respect your teacher and classmates, in person and over the web.

• Keep camera on during distance lerning sessions

• Turn off and do not use cell phones and electronic devices during class.

• Turn work in on time.

• Be a benefit to a group, not a hindrance.

• Actively participate in class discussions.

• Accept an academic challenge.

Consequences: 

1)    Verbal Warning 

2)    Teacher /Student Conferences/ Parent Contact

3)    Parent Contact/SRC Refrral

4)    Parent Contact/SRC Refrral

Absences: If you have a planned absence from school, please notify school attendance and mysefl in advance and I will give you the upcoming assignments.  If you have an unplanned absence from school, please contact me immediately upon your return to class to obtain any make-up work (see below).  You may also e-mail me to find out assignment details. 

Grading

Your grade will be based on:

Projects                                        10%

Community Service                10%

Class Participation                  25%

Homework(assignments     20% 

Exams &quizzes                       25%

FFA & SAE                                    10%

Projects- Consists of large assignments that will take weeks to complete.  Examples of projects are: President Reports, Political System reports and Judicial Review Cases.

 Community Service- The semester project will account for 10% of your grade, equivalent.  This project will include a variety of activities that you will complete throughout the semester.  It is important that you do NOT put this off until the end of the semester.  The purpose of the project is to be an active citizen in the local community and must be twenty hours to earn full credit. I do realize this will look different durind Covid-19 era. Examples are donating blood=5 hours, working on political campaign, passing out or collecting food, working or donating to shelter.  

Class Participation- Everyone is expected to participate in class discussions and activities.  It is imperative that each student have their voice heard! This will be one of the largest parts of your grade.

 Homework- Consists of any work assigned outside of class.  Examples of homework are: annotated notes to go along with readings, guided reading notes, article research, vocabulary etc.

 Exams/Quizzes-  Exams and quizzes will consist of identification, multiple choice, short answer, and/or essay questions.  Exams will be announced, but quizzes may be unannounced.  If you miss an exam or quiz please refer to the make-up work policy listed above.

 Plagiarism / Academic Dishonesty Policy

I begin the year with complete trust in each of you. Please do not abuse that trust by being dishonest.  Plagiarism and academic dishonesty are serious offenses. The academic work of a student is expected to be his/her own effort. Students must give the author(s) credit for any source material used. To represent ideas or interpretations taken from a source without giving credit is a flagrant act. To present a borrowed passage after having changed a few words, even if the source is cited, is also plagiarism. Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade in that portion of the course work.  Acts of academic dishonesty will be reported to the administration.

Scheduel of Topics

I.               Constitutional Underpinnings of United States Government

II.            Political Beliefs and Behaviors

 III.          Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media

IV.          Institutions of National Government:  The Congress, The Presidency, the Bureaucracy, and the Federal Courts

V.             Public Policy

VI.          Civil Rights and Liberties

Distance Learning Expectations

     enable video the entire class period with face shown 

·      use first and last name as your computer Zoom name (unless approved by teacher)

·      be seated in an appropriate learning space (e.g. desk, table, counter, quiet space 

·      must follow CUSD Dress Code policy while on Zoom.

·      abide by the Technology Agreement form

·      actively participate in online learning the entire time with teacher, support staff, and peers, daily via online learning, email, google classroom, etc.

·      stay on pace with daily assignments

·      take assessments online as directed by teacher

·      have access to laptop/Chromebook and internet for work completion (devices available through the site

“Sessions may be recorded for instructional purposes.  Student privacy will be protected.”

Please click on the approiate button below to submit your acknowledgement of reading, understanding and agreeing to the syllabus.