A Renewed Mission: Education for Civic Life in a Democracy The primary purpose of a history and social science education is to prepare students to have the knowledge and skills to become thoughtful and active participants in a democratic society and a complex world. “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” is not just a historical phrase from Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address,” but an ideal that must be renewed and reinvigorated by each succeeding generation. The future of democracy depends on our students’ development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions that will enable them to embrace democracy’s potential, while recognizing its challenges and inherent dilemmas.
-Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
This year we will be learning about how our government was designed and how it functions. We will learn about the reasons our founders chose a democratic republic over other forms of government to preserve our natural rights. We will learn how America has come from "All men are created equal" to what we now expect, "All people are created equal". We will learn about triumphs and tragedies, and most importantly about the rights and duties of citizens of this country. Our goal is to help you learn how to become a productive member of our town, state, nation and world.
This is a non-partisan setting where all points of view that are submitted respectfully will be heard. We will be learning how to compromise, how to appreciate differing points of view, and how to agree to disagree without being disagreeable. Like the Beatles say, "We can work it out!"
This course will use a variety of different teaching methods including: lecture, simulations, seminars, and class discussions. There will be many opportunities for you to display the knowledge you will obtain. In addition to tests and quizzes, we will be producing posters, slide shows, projects and simulations to evaluate your progress in learning.
What You Will Learn:
The philosophical foundations of the United States political system
The development of the United States government
The institutions of the United States government
Rights and responsibilities of citizens
The Constitution, Amendments, and Supreme Court decisions
The structure of Massachusetts state and local government
Freedom of the press and news/media literacy
An additional goal for this class is to create a safe environment within which students are comfortable expressing and exploring their informed views. We will have lively, informed discussion from time to time and we want students to learn that when emotion is curtailed and facts are explored, compromise is achievable.
What to Bring to Class Every Day:
Notebook
Folder
Device
Pencil/pen
Behaviour Expectations:
Treat others the way you want to be treated
If someone is misbehaving – please DO NOT encourage that behavior
One person speaks at a time
Participate! It’s ok to get something wrong – we are in school to learn, if we knew everything we wouldn’t be here
Cell phones may be used appropriately for classwork, with permission
Grading
Your work and participation will be evaluated and weighted the following way in my class:
Projects - end of unit assessments to determine mastery of content: 35%
Tests - end of unit assessments to determine mastery of content: 25%
Quizzes - quick assessment to determine progress towards mastery: 15%
Mini-Projects/Writings/Classwork - small assessments to determine progress towards mastery: 15%
Homework - 10%
Other Things to Know:
I am available for extra help every Monday by appointment.
Homework, class news, test preparation materials and assignments can be found in Google Classroom.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. The best way to reach us is by email:
Orange Team: joe.costello@amesburyma.org
Yellow Team: tia.costello@amesburyma.org