Course Description

In this course, students apply knowledge gained in previous years of study to pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American Government. Students are expected to draw on their studies of world and American history, incorporating their knowledge of geography and other societies. This course is the culmination of Western Civilization and U.S. History classes; the class aims to develop within the student a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American regime, and with that, an understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Students will read texts such as The Politics by Aristotle, The Federalist and Antifederalist Papers, and various essays from modern American presidents.

This class will require reading from the textbook along with supplemental sources. Majority of your reading will be done outside of class, and class time will be spent discussing the topics that emerge from these sources. We will do this by becoming political scientists. We will begin to analyze primary and secondary sources, have class discussions, and express our opinions through writing and other activities. Below are the expectations of my class and ways for you to be successful.