Goals:
You will learn the basics about how our government works, as well as focus on current events that affect our democracy. In order to be good citizen, it is important to have a general understanding of how our government works and be informed about the issues that impact our country.
You will practice being a critical consumer of information. Learning how to navigate the overload of information found on the Internet is essential to being an effective citizen.
You will practice how to absorb and organize information that you've read, viewed, or heard about. These are critical skills that you will need in the future for school, work, and life in general.
You will effectively explain, both orally and in writing, what you have learned. The ability to effectively communicate information to others is another essential skill that extends beyond school.
Units of Study and Topics:
American Citizens - Citizenship - Rights and Responsibilities; Immigration; Informed Citizens - Social Media Education & Media Bias Evaluation; Forms & Types of Government; Foundations of Democracy - Magna Carta, Social Contract Theory, Natural Rights; Founding of the United States - American Colonies & Governments, Revolution, The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution - Articles of Confederation; Federalists & Anti-Federalists; Federalism - Separation of Powers and Checks & Balances; the Bill of Rights; the Civil War Amendments; Civil Rights
Politics and How Government Works - Political Parties; Voting & Elections; The Legislative Branch; The Executive Branch; The Judicial Branch; Mock Congress
Media Resources Used:
The following resources might be used throughout the semester. For non-documentary films, a film permission slip will be sent out to parents for their review and signature.
CNN 10 - Daily 10 minute recap of current news stories
Civics 101 podcasts
PBS's Constitution USA episodes - found on Amazon Prime
Crash Course History and Government
HBO's John Adams - Episode 2 - Independence - drafting of The Declaration of Independence
Skokie - Made for TV movie about Neo Nazi protests in Skokie Illinois during the 1970s - 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech
The Post - Motion picture about the publication of The Pentagon Papers - 1st Amendment Freedom of the Press
Gideon's Trumpet - Motion picture about an indigent's right to counsel - 6th Amendment
12 Angry Men - Motion picture about jury deliberation - 6th Amendment
PBS's Freedom Riders - Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s