Syllabus

United States Government and Economics

Policies and Syllabus

Stacey McSkimin

Phone: 303.982.8179

Office Hours: Before and after school by appointment; 7th hour.

Course Description

This course is the first half of a year-long study of U.S. Government and Economics. The first semester will focus on the fundamentals of government. The semester begins with a study of political philosophy and current political figures. To this foundation is added an understanding of U.S. political institutions, policy making, and jurisprudence. By the conclusion of the first semester, the student should be able to frame effective political arguments and be thoroughly familiar with current issues. The second semester will focus on Economics beginning with an overview of economic reasoning. From there we will be introduced to Microeconomics and move to a deeper exploration of Macroeconomics and policy. The course also includes one research paper written per semester with specific deadlines on a student-chosen topic within the umbrella of US Government and Economics.

Required Textbooks:

US Government - S1:

Title: American Government

Author: James Q. Wilson, John J. DiIulio, Jr.

Publisher: D.C. Heath & Company

Title: The Federalist Papers

Editor: Clinton Rossiter

Publisher: Signet Classic

Title: The Anti-Federalist Papers

Editor: Ralph Ketcham

Publisher: Signet Classic

Students must have a copy of The Federalist Papers and The Anti-Federalist Papers for the course. Students may access these texts online.

Economics Textbook, Semester 2:

Economics, Principles, Problems and Policies, 13^th ed., McGraw Hill, 1996, ISBN 0-07-046814-1.

Course Goals/Objectives

As written in the 1994 Program Document, “[a]n understanding of history, geography, economics, and government is fundamental to becoming an effective citizen. We believe each student must study world history as well as the history and government of the United States, in order to be able to understand and evaluate our place in the world. Similarly, current world events may be understood through the perspective of the past. History explores the politics, passions, philosophies, and economic situations that move men. Students of history are able to take advantage of the accumulated human experience of the ages, thereby gaining insight and judgments regarding past, current, and future human experiences. Courses will be taught in a carefully-planned sequence, building upon previous knowledge so students will gain greater understanding of recurring historical themes.”

Course Requirements and Grade Breakdown:

Your grade for this class will be computed by total number of points accumulated in the following weighted categories:

1. Homework Assignments/Text Discussion/Quizzes and Assignments/Formative Assessments (15% of Grade): – Previews material to be discussed in class, expands learning, demonstrates understanding. This is to be done independently

All assignments must be in pen, pencil, or typed on a FULL sheet of paper using complete sentences.
A student’s grade will be lowered by 10% if work is turned in LATE ON THE DAY IT IS DUE, and then by 50%. It is always better to turn in a completed late paper for partial credit than not to turn it in at all. For a paper we discuss in class, a maximum of 50% credit is possible.
Assignments will be posted in the classroom. It is the students’ responsibility to write down assignments in their planners.
It is the responsibility of the student to obtain assignments when absent by checking with the teacher.
Quizzes, writing assignments and other various formative assessments will be given periodically in class (and may be completed during 7^th hour or at home) in order to evaluate where the students are in their learning. These will be assessed in various ways depending on the type of assignment but they will be evaluated for learning by the instructor.

2. Essays/Tests /Summative Assessments(~35% of Grade) – Assessments that demonstrate mastery of essential learnings as expected by D’Evelyn’s Curriculum Directives .

· Tests will be given at the end of every major unit and will be worth approximately 100 points. I will announce in advance when to expect tests so that you can plan accordingly.

· If a student has an excused absence the day of a test, it is the responsibility of the student to make up the quiz or test within two days (use 7^th Hour to make-up missed tests). If the absence is unexcused, the quiz or test must be made up by the following class period for reduced credit.

3. Final Exam (25% of Final Grade):

A comprehensive final exam will occur at the semester’s end. We’ll have a study guide and review time.

4. Term Paper Assignments (25% of Final Grade):

The term paper and all the associated steps per semester will make up this portion of the grade. Each will be accessed on the common research writing rubrics developed by the Social Studies Department and/or classroom based rubrics, depending on the step being assessed.

Grading Scale, Extra Credit, and Accessing Parent Portal:

Grades are earned, not given. Points are earned as outlined above and I do not give individual extra credit. If an opportunity for extra credit is given it will be to the entire class. Grades are cumulative on a semester basis. Letter grades are given according to the following grading scale:

Grades can be viewed via the Parent Portal. Instructions for accessing my grade book via Parent Portal can be found on the D’Evelyn web page. Please note that it is the responsibility of the student to obtain assignments when absent by checking with the teacher and submitting them within the district policy regarding absentee work, for more details see below.

Make-up Work:

Excused Absences:

Absent students have two class days for every day absent to make up all work missed for full credit. Please be sure to label the work as late for excused absence when submitting the makeup assignment. An excused absence (such as an illness) only covers material missed while out. Work assigned when the student returns is due the same day as it is due for the other students. Students are encouraged to use a pre-arranged absence form whenever possible, AND DO the work while absent. A student must be ready to take a test upon return unless s/he has missed material for it. The teacher reserves the right to give an absent student a different test than the one their classmates took. It is up to students to find out what they have missed: this is NOT the teacher’s responsibility. I encourage students (if they are able of course) to email me the day of an unexpected absence to stay current on our classroom work.

Unexcused Absences:

No more than half credit will be granted on all completed work that is submitted within 24 hours upon return. Additionally, no more than half credit will be given for any assessments missed during the unexcused absence. (E.g. an assignment which normally would receive a score of 80% would have its score cut in half to 40%). All term paper assignments are considered long term assignments; therefore, all assignments must be submitted upon on the due date and will otherwise be considered late.

Suspensions (out-of-school and in-house):

Students with their first suspension are limited to 24 hours to turn in their make-up work from the time that they return to receive full credit. Students with theirsecond and subsequent suspension(s) follow the unexcused absence policy above.

Class Expectations:

1. Be Punctual. Arrive to class on time. Be in your seat and ready to learn! There will usually be a warm up exercise to do at the beginning of class. Remember, the teacher NOT THE BELL will dismiss class.

2. Be Prepared. Come to class with the required materials, including atlas, pens and sharpened pencils, and homework/notes from the previous class. Be sure to have your planner with you for both an assignment organizer and your hall pass.

3. Be a Self-Starter. Be prepared to learn when you come to class. You should have your homework completed and have questions prepared for discussion.

4. Be Respectful. Treat everyone with respect and consideration. Help to create a classroom environment that enables all students to learn. ELECTRONICS MUST BE SWITCHED TO OFF OR SILENT AND STORED AT ALL TIMES IN THE CLASSROOM.

5. Be Involved. Actively participate in class and spend approximately three to five hours each week outside of class doing homework and/or studying.

Required Materials:

1. 3-Ring Binder or folders with tabs for organization.

2. Pens (Blue/Black and Red)

3. Your Assigned Textbook

4. Notebook

Cheating and Plagiarism:

Cheating and plagiarism are very serious violations of the academic program at D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School. D’Evelyn holds high academic expectations for all students and academic integrity is an extremely important aspect of those expectations. Any student caught cheating on a quiz, test, homework, or any classroom assignment; or found guilty of plagiarism (to pass off the ideas or works of another as one’s own without crediting the source); or caught giving work to others will receive a grade of “zero” on that assignment or paper. Consequences for cheating/plagiarism will range from a detention to suspension in addition to a zero on the assignment.

Extra Help/Tutoring:

In history, the best thing you can do for yourself is to pay attention in class, ask questions then for clarification, do your homework, do the readings, use the topic sheet, look for big-picture concepts and connections, and study REGULARLY, not just the night before a test! However, when you do need additional help, options are available:

1 – Request a tutor. See me or your counselor if you’re interested in this option.

2 – Come see me during Seventh Hour or before/after school.

Schedule of Topics:

This schedule may be adjusted during the semester and will be communicated to students as necessary. Unit reading lists and exam dates will be given at the beginning of each unit.

Semester 1: US Government:

Unit 1: Introduction and Foundations of American Government

Unit 2: The U.S. Constitution/Branches of Government

Unit 3: American Politics, Elections and Media

Unit 4: Bill of Rights

Unit 5: Local and States Politics

Comprehensive Final

Term Paper Tasks: 7 Sources (5 Book), 3500 Words

Semester 2: Economics:

Unit 6: Introduction to and Foundations of Economics

Unit 7: Foundations of Macroeconomics

Unit 8: Banking, Fiscal and Monetary Policy

Comprehensive Final Term Paper Tasks: 7 Sources (5 Book), 3500 Words

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

Website

Students are encouraged to utilize the class website for important course materials and the course calendar.

Reading & Writing

Most independent student work will be assigned as reading and writing. Students are encouraged to review the textbook reading sections aligned with daily lessons. Frequently, class time will be dedicated to reading short sections of the textbook and additional sources to facilitate learning. Students are expected to gather and process information, both factual and analytical, from assigned readings. Reading that is assigned as homework must be completed away from class. Students should plan to have a short open-note, reading quiz with homework reading assignments. Students will also be asked to write frequently, both in paragraph and full essay form. All written work must be typed.

News, Video, and Political Ad Use

We will from time to time view video clips and news sources that have direct relevancy to the content of coursework, they will be utilized strictly for educational purposes. We will view various clips from documentaries, websites and you tube that are deemed relevant to the curriculum by the instructor. They may include (but will not be limited to) news paper and magazine articles, news clips, campaign commercials, speeches or interest group films but are meant as relevant to the discussion at hand and not to persuade opinion. Multiple and varied perspectives will always be sought by the instructor.

Parent-Teacher and Student-Teacher Communication

Communication between parents, students, and teachers is a key component of academic success. Given the rigorous nature of the academic requirements at D’Evelyn, it is important for all three stakeholders to maintain involvement in the process. Parents are welcome to communicate with me. I prefer to communicate via e-mail, where I can be reached at smcskimi@jeffco.k12.co.us.

As high school seniors, I expect students to maintain open, honest, and consistent communication with me throughout the year. Students may contact me at any time via e-mail or voice mail, and I am available before and after school, as well as during passing periods, 7^th hour, and second lunch to talk with students. As young adults on the verge of attending college or entering the work force, communication skills must be developed. As a result, I expect to discuss academic concerns primarily with the students.

I look forward to sharing in your positive experience as D’Evelyn seniors in the 2018 - 2019 school year. I hope that the American Government and Economics courses will offer you unique insights and perspective into American political science and economic activity. The course should offer you a foundation for future active citizenship and perhaps even academic interests. Please feel free to see me with questions, comments, and/or concerns throughout the academic year.

Please complete the syllabus acknowledgement form and feel free to contact me with any questions.

Syllabus Acknowledgement Form

Homework Assignment #1:

Students: Based on what we discussed in class and the contents of this syllabus, please explain the following items to your parents and then both they and you must sign on the signature line acknowledging your understanding of the included items.

Parents: Thanks for helping with this. Please initial each item when the student has explained it to you and then sign at the end. Then, tear off this bottom portion to hand in. Students, keep the remainder for your own reference.

___ You have the required supplies for this class.

___ The goals of this course.

___ Mrs. McSkimin’s classroom rules.

___ The late homework policy

___ What your responsibilities are if you are tardy or absent.

___ How to use the course calendars

___ How you will be graded.

___ How to receive extra help.

This slip of paper confirms that I have read and understand the class expectations for American Government and Economics with Mrs. McSkimin. Please sign below to acknowledge this, and submit the slip to Mrs. McSkimin.

Parent Signature: _________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ________________________________________________________