AP GoPo Course Syllabus
Welcome to Advanced Placement Government & Politics with Mr. Strachan
I, Mr. Strachan, will be your guide for AP Government. This is a college-level course in Government and Politics of the United States, so you can expect to do a lot of reading and writing for this class. This is an exciting time to take a class of this nature. We will incorporate a great deal of current events into our discussions and presentations. The class will move rapidly and will prepare you to take the Advanced Placement Test in May. Typically, we will cover two chapters of the textbook each week. You can expect to have 30-60 pages of assigned reading for EACH CLASS MEETING. THIS IS A LOT OF WORK! Be sure to allow enough time in your schedule to stay current with the readings, and complete class assignments.
Classroom Rules
1. This is a college level course and therefore requires a high degree of student participation in listening, discussions, presentations, and projects. To do this successfully regular attendance is necessary. Class begins at the bell and ends on my dismissal.
2. Poor attendance and truancies will affect your grade and could cause your removal from the class. Protect yourself with good attendance. You cannot participate if you are not here.
3. Respect those around you. This includes teacher, classmates, substitutes, guest speakers, and visitors. While it is true the U.S. Constitution guarantees you certain rights, it does so only as long as you do not infringe upon the rights of others. Treat others the same way you want to be treated.
Assignments
1. The primary method of communicating assignments will be through my.hbuhsd.edu and the Canvas LMS.
2. Alternate online locations may be utilized in addition to Canvas.
Grading Policy
1. A point system is used in determining your grade. It will incorporate homework, quizzes, exams, online discussions, presentations, research paper, and class participation.
2. The grade scale being used is the traditional scale:
90% - up = A
80-89.99% = B
70-79.99% = C
60-69.99% = D
59.99-0% = F
3. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense and will be dealt with seriously. Academic dishonesty includes such things as cheating, inventing false information or citations, plagiarism, and helping someone else commit an act of academic dishonesty. It usually involves an attempt by a student to show possession of a level of knowledge or skill, which he or she does not possess. The school policies regarding academic dishonesty will be strictly enforced.
Bookwork – Regularly bookwork "packets" will be assigned to help guide you through the reading. All bookwork is to be HANDWRITTEN unless otherwise indicated in the instructions. These packets will be submitted to Canvas, for a grade, the day of the exam and no late bookwork will be accepted. Students who fail to turn in bookwork the day of the exam will receive a grade of 0/0 for the assignment.
Quizzes
1. Periodic quizzes will occur on the assigned textbook and supplemental readings.
2. At the end of the semester I will drop the two lowest quiz scores.
3. There are no make-up dates for missed quizzes. If you are absent the day of a quiz it will count as one of your two dropped scores.
Unit Exams
1. Unit exams will occur approximately every four to five weeks (three to four weeks Spring Semester).
2. Unit exams will consist of multiple choice questions and free response essays.
3. Unit exams and exam protocol will closely simulate the AP exam so you may become familiar with the testing procedures.
4. In the event of an absence you will have a week to arrange to make-up an exam. Make-ups must be taken on your time, not during class. If you miss an exam, and all five make-up dates, you will get a 0 (Zero). Do not put off a make-up until the last day!
Group Presentations
1. You will be divided into groups for the purpose of conducting research and presentations.
2. The entire group is responsible for each presentation.
3. Two students will do each presentation. Prepare in advance for the possibility of absences (The show will go on). In rare instances a group’s presentation may be split into two days. Do not continually pair the same presenters.
4. All members of the group will participate roughly equally.
5. All presentations will include an introductory statement, a conclusion summary, and a few key questions to class members. Your questions must be on the major points of the presentation. The grade will be substantially lowered if the questions are a casual after thought. (Ask yourself – what material from this presentation will be needed for the AP exam.)
6. Answer only what is asked. There will be a great difference in length and complexity of questions. If the question is simple, keep the answer simple.
7. Students reading from a prepared script will be given an F.
Does this sound forbidding and scary? Please do not be scared. I am not a cold or callous person. If you have an emergency, problem, or other serious situation you need to keep me informed. Together we can figure out how to handle the problem. Take advantage of TUTORIAL! When questions arise do not hesitate to contact me. I may be reached by e-mail at bstrachan@hbuhsd.edu or by phone at (714) 962-1356 x 55101.