Syllabus

U.S. Government

Teacher: Guy Moyer, Room Number: 334, Email Address: guymoyer@ocsi.org, School Phone Number: 958-3000

OCSI Web Address: https://sites.google.com/a/ocsi.org/dr-moyer-s-classes/

Course Description

This OCSI U.S. government class merges civics, political science, and history in a manner that should prove both informative and interesting. For American civics is ultimately inseparable from the history that produced it and the current political climate in which it yet exists. Accordingly, this class will walk through such important historical facets of American civics as those leading up to the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and the formation of our three interrelated branches of government. It will then extend that framework into our more modern political context. Each quarter students will write at least one essay.

Course Introduction

Many Americans have been psychologically conditioned to view their “founding fathers” as stoic and stalwart men, majestically gliding through the pages of history as though in complete agreement and unanimity of purpose. Among accomplishing other things, this class will challenge at least the latter part of the previous sentence in a manner that provides a greater awareness of some of the issues our founding fathers wrestled with in forming a new nation. In so doing, we will also consider some of the intellectual foundations influencing them in their actions.

Everything you have learned in high school will suddenly become a precious commodity the day you start college. That potentially includes the content of this class, not only touching academic matters but potentially those beyond. Accordingly, the content of this class could prove useful for anyone with even the remotest thought of perhaps one day seeking political office in the United States. Where your life’s attentions have been focused during the years leading up to college can impact the rest of your life. I wish everyone in this class blessing and encouragement in the work ahead.

Class Texts & Resources:

Fraga, Louis R. United States Government: Principles in Practice. Houghton, Mifflin,

Harcourt Publishing, 2010.

Instructor handouts, et al.

Students are required to place book covers on OCSI textbooks.

Required Materials:

Lined Writing/Notebook Paper

Pencil(s)/Pen(s) (blue or black ink)

Notebook(s)/Folder(s) (for collecting class handouts)

Lined Letter or A4 Paper (in class)

Plain White Paper (at home--letter or A4, for typed assignments submitted in hard copy)

Class Schedule:

Quarter 1: Foundations/Branches of American Govt.: Chpts. 1-4, (chpts. 5-6)

Quarter 2: Branches (cont.)/Modern Political Context: (chpts. 7-8), Chpts. 11-12, 16 (selections)

Expectations and Rules:

Come to class on time, be seated, and be ready to listen and work.

Bring all necessary supplies/reading to class and submit assignments on time.

Turn off and put away all electronic devices, including cell phones.

Water is allowed in the class, but no food or other drink (without permission).

Follow school rules and any other rules announced in class.

Be considerate and use good adult common sense in the classroom. Talking in class not only potentially robs yourself, but it can also distract/rob others.

Attendance/Tardy Policy:

Regular attendance and punctuality are important for success in this class. An excused absence does not necessary excuse a student from making up work. The school handbook provides more information regarding attendance and course credit.

Grading:

Quarter Exam: 25%

Quarter Essay: 25%

In-Class Presentation: 10%

Quizzes: 25%

Class Participation et al.: 15%

The class participation grade includes demonstrated class preparedness and effective contribution to the daily activities and agenda of the class. Attendance (unexcused) and punctuality may also count toward the class participation grade. Class essays should employ a cohesively coherent writing ability which demonstrates correct English grammar and mechanics.

Academic Vocabulary:

Some of the terms encountered in class will include: