Course Description:

This course provides students with both a broad view and the minor details of our American national government. Students will gain a better understanding of the processes involved in managing a nation. Students will gain critical thinking and analytical skills as well as problem-solving skills needed to participate in our system of government. This course will cover the foundations of our government, the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, our rights and responsibilities, and the political process. 

COURSE UNITS:

1. Foundations of American Democracy

2. Interactions among Branches of Government 

3. Civil Liberties and Civil Rights 

4. American Political Ideologies and Beliefs 

5. Political Participation

For a complete list of curriculum standards, go to the following link:AP Government and Politics Course Exam Description 

Classes generally will begin with warm-up activities for students to begin immediately upon entering the classroom. Such activities will include: Warm-up / Free Response Essays. These assignments will be due within the first five minutes of class and can only be made up if you have an excused tardy/absence.  All warm-up activities will be turned in on Friday for a class work grade. 

MATERIALS: 

You will be expected to bring these materials to class on a daily basis.

        *Your Textbook!!

        *Writing Utensils

        * Project supplies as the need arises

MAJOR ASSESSMENTS: 60% of grade

Major tests, culminating projects and essays may be based on subject-specific content knowledge, thinking/reasoning skills, and communication skills.

MINOR ASSESSMENTS: 40% of grade

Grades based on activities/assignments including homework, quizzes, writing assignments, class discussions, extending/refining assignments; grades may be based on subject-specific content knowledge, thinking/reasoning skills, communication skills, effort.

For grading scale, see Student Handbook.

STUDENT RECORDS:

PowerSchool will be used for student grades. An on-going hard copy of student grades can be requested from the teacher. 

MISSED WORK/MAKE-UP POLICY: All make-up work (class work, homework, tests, quizzes, etc.) is due within FIVE (5) days of your return to school. Any work (including tests and quizzes) that is not completed and/or turned in within five days will be assigned a grade of zero. 

STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING CLASS AND SCHOOL RULES/POLICIES:
Inappropriate Behaviors include but are not limited to, talking, sleeping, lying, annoying others, displaying inappropriate behavior, having insufficient materials, refusing to work, being tardy, committing forgery, or exhibiting acts of rudeness, uncooperativeness, disobedience, or disrespectfulness.

I believe that an effective learning environment is imperative for all students to learn.  In order to establish and maintain this type of learning environment, everyone has to do their part when it comes to classroom expectations and classroom behavior. I expect students to observe school rules, as outlined in the student handbook.

Expectations and procedures are posted in the classroom and are discussed at length with students at the beginning of the year.

PHONE and HEADPHONE POLICY:  

At Wade Hampton High School, there is a school-wide phone and headphone policy. Phones and headphones are only allowed to be used before and after school, and during lunch. Any other time phones and headphones need to be secured and put away in a backpack. They cannot be on your person at anytime during class hours. 

Behavior Interventions:

Verbal Warning 

2nd Warning 

Call to Parent 

Teacher Detention (M.W.F)

Referral to Administration

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS:
I can be contacted by email at sajenkins@greenvilleschools.us 

My school phone number is 864-355-0181

I am looking forward to having you in class this year!