Sylabus

Course Name: 

Government

Teacher Name:

Mr. Cecere

Email: 

rcecere@greenville.k12.sc.us

Phone Number: 

864-355-8639

Course Description:

Course Outline

United States Government is a core course required for graduation. The following course pacing guide is based on the South Carolina Academic Standards.

  Unit 1:  This unit focuses on the foundations of democracy.  The principles of American democracy are reflected in the founding documents and actions of federal, state, and local government entities. The interpretation and application of American democratic principles continue to evolve and be debated.

 Week 1: Introduction to Government

Unit Essential Question: How and why did government develop, and how, specifically, did OUR government develop

 Weeks 2 and 3: Foundations of the American Republic and the U.S. Constitution

Unit Essential Questions:  What were the major concepts incorporated into the U.S. Constitution and the American political system?  How and why did the Bill of Rights expand on the original ideas framed in the Constitution?  (4-5 days)

Unit 2: focuses on government structure.  In the American constitutional democracy, power is widely distributed and checks prevent one branch of government from becoming too powerful and seizing powers from the other branches of government. National, state, and local governments are in positions where they must all compete and cooperate in order to govern effectively.

 Week 4: The Legislative Branch

Unit Essential Question: How does the legislative process work, and what are the similarities and differences in the process as it exists in the House of Representatives and the Senate? (4-5 days)

Week 5: The Executive Branch and Foreign Policy

Unit Essential Question: What are the major roles and powers of the President, and how does the President/Executive Branch make and carry out foreign policy? (4-5 days)

Week 6: The Judicial Branch and the Supreme Court

Unit Essential Question: What are the structures, jurisdictions, and workings of the Federal Judiciary, particularly as they relate to the Supreme Court? (4-5 days)

 Week 7: State and Local Government

Unit Essential Question: How are the organization, powers, and responsibilities of the local and state governments similar and different from those of the national government? (3-4 days)

  Unit 3: This unit focuses on the political process.  American political beliefs are shaped by an understanding of founding principles, core values, and changing demographics that in turn shape one’s belief about government and ideological trends related to public policy. Governing is achieved through an individual's participation in government both directly and indirectly which results in multiple avenues for influence on the policy making process.

Week 8: Political Parties and Elections

Unit Essential Questions: What are the major ways in which U.S. citizens can participate in the political process?  How do interest groups, the media, and personal influences affect citizens’ views and actions on political issues and government policy?  (4-5 days)

Unit 4:  The focus is on citizenship.   A strong constitutional democracy requires active participation on behalf of the people living under its authority. Knowledge of how to become a citizen, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and an understanding of how to participate in the political process helps to create civic engagement and preserve the American constitutional government. 

Week 9: Civil Rights

Unit Essential Question: What rights do Americans demand and, sometimes. Take for granted.  What are the major civil rights and responsibilities given to and required of American citizens? (4-5 days)

Required Materials:

1. Notebook/Paper

2. Pencil/Pen/Coloring Pencils/Markers

3. Chromebook

Class Expectations:

1. Be on time

2. ID worn at all times

3. Be prepared to work

4. Participate in Discussions

5. Do the assignments on time

6. No cell Phones, No headphones, No headwear(Hoodies and Hats)

7. Be respectful,helpful,and use good manners

8. No Passes first 10 minutes /Last 10 minutes

Course Policies:

Grading Practices:

Students must complete 60% of the course objectives and not have more than 5 absences to receive credit for the course. Your grade will be computed as follows:

Majors - Tests and Projects = 60% of your nine-week grade. We will have a test or a project for nearly every unit.  Most tests will contain multiple-choice questions and essays. Explanations of the projects will be provided way in advance of the due date. Project due dates will also be on my calendar.

Minors - Homework, Quizzes, and in-class assignments (including bellwork/journaling) = 40% of your nine-week grade.  You will need to be studying each night. Homework is not accepted late.  Quizzes are weekly and are generally scheduled for Fridays.  Quizzes will cover the information studied during the week.

Projects: You will participate in project assignments throughout the course. These projects are meant to increase comprehension of the material, develop research skills, and help you become actively involved in the learning process. Projects count as a major grade; therefore, you must understand the importance of completing these assignments on time and to the best of your ability. Projects submitted late will result in a loss of a letter grade. Students will be given ample time and clear directions on all projects.

Final Exam:  A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the quarter on the date designated by the school administration.  This exam counts as 20% of the final course grade.

Late Work Policy:

For CP and Honor Courses:

Missing or late work for Majors & Minors will be accepted up to 5 class periods after the assigned due date.  There will be a 10-point deduction for each class period the work is late. 

For AP and IB Courses:

Missing or late work for Majors & Minors will be accepted up to 3 class periods after the assigned due date.  There will be a 20-point deduction for each class period the work is late. 

Retake Policy

At WHS, we believe that not all students learn at the same pace, and it may take time for many to master content.  Therefore, students should be allowed to demonstrate their learning throughout the course and to complete a “mastery assignment.” They will be allowed to replace two minor grades in CP courses, one minor grade in Honors courses, and one major grade per quarter in both CP and Honors courses. IB Courses will not have mastery assignments given.

Makeup Work Policy

Students who miss classwork or tests due to illness, an approved absence, or suspension must have the opportunity to make up the work. This should be arranged with the individual teacher, such as myself.   If a request is made through the school counseling office due to an extended absence or extenuating circumstances, teachers will be contacted via email.  Teachers should respond within 24 hours to ensure that assignments are completed promptly.  You will receive an email with instructions for submitting items and the specific due dates.  This will also apply to homebound assignments.

Administrative Rule on AI & Technology:

• Technology and AI may be used in this course to support learning when approved by the teacher. Students may only use District-approved AI tools and applications accessed through ClassLink. AI may be used only for assignments where teacher permission has been given and according to the directions provided. Unauthorized use of AI is considered plagiarism and a violation of the Greenville County Schools Student Behavior Code. Students may not enter personally identifiable information into any AI or technology platform that has not been approved by the District.