The course examines the rights, duties and responsibilities that are necessary to become a functioning citizen in American society. Students will investigate the structure and operation of the United States government. It will include an in-depth study of notable documents such as the Declaration of Independence, our Constitution and Bill of Rights and how they set up the entire framework for our government and provide for individual rights and freedoms. There will be a strong emphasis on the three branches of government and the roles they play in American society. Students will also understand the early governments of the United States, political parties, the election process, civil and criminal laws, state and local government, and basic economic ideas. Students will also discuss our rights as U.S. citizens and debate topics and issues that arise out of events that are happening around the world each day.
Quarter One
Unit 1: Foundations of Citizenship
Chapter 1: A Portrait of Americans
Chapter 2: American Society and Its Values
Chapter 3: The Meaning of Citizenship
Unit 2: Creating a Lasting Government
Chapter 4: America’s Political Heritage
Chapter 5: Creating the Constitution
Chapter 6: The Bill of Rights
Chapter 7: Our Living Constitution
Unit 3: Federal Government
Chapter 8: Legislative Branch
Chapter 9: Executive Branch
Chapter 10: Judicial Branch
Quarter Two
Unit 4: State and Local Government
Chapter 11: State Government
Chapter 12: Local Government
Unit 5: The American Economic System
Chapter 13: What is an Economy
Chapter 14: Basics of Our Economic System
Chapter 15: Money and Banking
Chapter 16: The Government and Economics
Unit 6: American Legal System
Chapter 18: Laws in Our Society
Chapters 19 : Criminal and Juvenile Justice
Chapter 20: Civil Justice
Unit 6: People Make a Difference
Chapter 21: Political Parties
Chapter 22: Voting and Elections
Chapter 23: Confronting Societies Problems
Classroom Expectations:
Responsible – You are expected to be responsible for your attitude, behavior, and schoolwork. This means making the decisions to turn in work on time and participate in class, while having the best possible attitude.
Respectful – You are responsible for being respectful to the instructor, fellow students and yourself. This includes working up until the end of the class period, behaving in a manner that is not distracting to others, and using your devices in an appropriate manner.
Prepared - Be in your seat when the bell rings with all materials needed for class ready. This also includes an attitude that is prepared to learn from the time class starts until the end of the period.
Academic Integrity:
Please refer to the Hancock Student Handbook for information about academic integrity. The definitions and outcomes provided there will be utilized to determine instances of dishonesty.
Grading and Scale
This class is based around a total points system. A student’s grade will be calculated as the total points earned divided by the total points possible. The same grading scale will be used as the one provided on page 23 of the Hancock Student Handbook. The following categories will be used to help categorize the points earned in the class. These categories are not weighted differently, but instead allow for the instructor, student, and parents/guardians to track successes and points of improvement.
Categories:
Classwork
Homework
Exams
Essays/Writing
Projects/Presentations
Extra Credit
Extra Credit:
Extra Credit opportunities are not guaranteed, but instead may be sporadically provided throughout the course. These are available for students who have completed all assignments on time, unless the instructor decides otherwise. This is not a safety net. It is instead a way of going above and beyond the expectations.
Late Work:
Late work will not be accepted after the unit exam and is subject to an automatic 50% penalty unless prior arrangements were made with the instructor. This 50% penalty may also be waived at instructor discretion.