ESL United States Government

(Enrollment Based)

Course No. SS4GE; Section numbers will be determined by the campus.

Semesters: 1; Credits: .5

Prerequisite: Participation in ESL Programs; Rated Beginning or Intermediate on TELPAS or on LAS Links and/or are newcomers to US schools.

The ESL section of this course is delivered using Sheltered English strategies and is limited in enrollment to students being served in the ESL program and are: rated beginning or intermediate on TELPAS or on LAS Links and/or are newcomers to US schools.

The United States Government course focuses on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. This course is the culmination of the civic and governmental content and concepts studied from Kindergarten through required secondary courses. Students will study the origin, form, and function of the U.S. Constitution, analyze the impact of individuals, political parties, interest groups, and the media on the American political system, evaluate the importance of voluntary individual participation in a constitutional republic, and analyze the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Students will use critical-thinking skills to apply their knowledge of U.S. government to contemporary issues.