Prerequisite: Signed Honors Agreement

0.5 Credit: One Semester

Grade(s): 9

Fee: $5 for student resource booklet

U.S. Government and Civics is a semester-long course focused on purposes, roles, and limitations of the structures and functions of government as well as the role of civic participation on behalf of citizens. Students will analyze the role of founding principles and documents as they have and continue to apply to the functioning of U.S. government. Additionally, students will research and formulate positions on local, state, and national issues or policies to participate in a civil society including identifying the appropriate level of government to address specific concerns and exploring the role of individuals in influencing policy such as contacting elected officials, participation in civic organizations, and voting. Following Colorado statute (C.R.S. 22-1-104.a); this course meets the State graduation requirement. The honors course prepares students for advanced course work and engages students in enrichment opportunities. Rigor is demonstrated through sophistication and acceleration in terms of thought-provoking learning activities, challenging assessments, and more complex text/materials. Diverse interests, cultures, perspectives, learning styles, and intelligences are cultivated and higher level critical and creative thinking skills such as interpretation, problem-solving, investigation, and logic are emphasized throughout the honors course.