U.S. Government and Civics

COURSE OVERVIEW

The primary purpose of a history and social science education is to prepare students to have the knowledge and skills to become thoughtful and active participants in a democratic society and a complex world. The future of democracy depends on our students’ development of knowledge, skills, and dispositions that will enable them to embrace democracy’s potential, while recognizing its challenges and inherent dilemmas. Students study the roots and foundations of U.S. democracy, how and why it has developed over time, and the role of individuals and the media in maintaining a healthy democracy.

Topics of study will include:

• The philosophical foundations of the United States political system. What were the roots of the ideas that influenced the development of the United States political system?

• The development of the United States government. How did the framers of the Constitution attempt to address issues of power and freedom in the design of the new political system?

• The institutions of the United States government. How do the institutions of the U.S. political system work?

• Rights and responsibilities of citizens. What is the role of the individual in maintaining a healthy democracy?

• The Constitution, Amendments, and Supreme Court decisions. How has the content and interpretation of the Constitution evolved over time?

• The structure of Massachusetts state and local government. What is the role of state and local government in the U.S. political system?

• Freedom of the press and news/media literacy. How does a free press support a democratic government?

Learning Goals

• Becoming stronger readers, writers, and speakers

• Learning to ask significant questions

• Identifying and understanding different perspectives

• Interpreting primary and secondary sources

• Developing informed opinions supported with evidence

Instructional Materials

We will not be using a textbook in this class. Instead, we will use a variety of instructional materials, including, but not limited to, primary and secondary readings, simulations, and online resources. The intention is to avoid distributing paper materials and instead our materials will be shared in an electronic format. We will be utilizing Google Classroom as a way to share the electronic versions of class materials. We will also be implementing other online platforms that have been approved by the Westford Public Schools as remote learning tools.

Grading

Grading will be based on points earned out of possible points. In other words, if over the course of the trimester a student earns 250 points out of a possible total of 300 points, then the earned grade would be an 83% (B-). Possible points range given the nature of the assignment or assessment. Below are some examples of possible points earned by assignment or assessment:

• Homework and small classroom assignments: 2-10 points

• Small in-class or homework projects: 10-20 points

• Quizzes: 20-40 points

• Tests: 40-100 points

• Major projects: generally on a 100 point scale

• Writing assignments: 10-100 points

Again, given the special circumstances of this school year, the above grading scale could change slightly. What worked in years past may not prove to be beneficial to students this year and adjustments may be required.

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to demonstrate academic honesty and integrity at all times. Academic integrity includes the following:

• Do not copy another student’s work and do not allow another student to copy your work.

• Do not copy another writer’s words, for this is considered plagiarism. Work containing plagiarism will receive a zero. If you are not sure how to cite another writer, consult your teacher for help.

• Cite the words and research of other authors in your own work using correct MLA format. (Again, consult your teacher if you need help.)

Contact

The best way to reach me is via email. I am also available by phone, but during the school day phone calls automatically get forwarded to voicemail since teachers are teaching during that time and should not be interrupted. Parents may leave a message and will receive a call back within 24 hours during the school week. Email questions sent during the school day can usually be answered on the same day depending on time received. If not answered on the same day, you will likely receive a response by 9:30 the following morning.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns that you may have. Given the special circumstances of this school year, communication between families and teachers is paramount.

Extra Help via Google Meet

I am happy to provide extra help for students to answer questions, review for a test, organize a project, or go over homework. Due to the structure of learning this year and the requirement to socially distance, students should attempt to utilize class time to ask any clarifying questions. If a student requires more individualized extra help that cannot be sufficiently answered in class, then the student should send me an email to make alternate arrangements. This email should be specific to the topic that is at question, as it may be something that can be answered via email communication.

If a student requires more help than email correspondence can provide, then students may still ask questions during advisory as has been done in previous years. This school year, extra help during advisory will take place over Google Meet. This is one of the reasons for a headset with microphone appearing on the supply list. I could still meet with a student during advisory time over Google Meet using headsets even if we are located in different advisory classrooms. This will require students to reach out to the teacher ahead of time to make an advisory appointment. This can be done over email.

WA Course Recommendations

In February, 8th grade teachers must make recommendations for placement in 9th grade classes at Westford Academy. Most students will be placed in College Prep 1 (CP1) level classes. Some students may earn a recommendation to be in an Honors level course. To earn an honors recommendation in the History Department, a student must meet the following criteria:

• You must be an independent worker.

• You must produce excellent quality work.

• You must be a positive and active participant in class discussions and activities.

• You must have at least a 95% average for the first term and on the second term progress reports.

End of the Year Awards

At the 8th Grade Completion Ceremony in June, each cluster will give out awards to students who show outstanding achievement in all four core subject classes. There are usually three or four of these All-Around awards in each cluster. These students usually have at least a 95% average for the year in all four core classes. Additionally, each subject area teacher will give out two awards -- Outstanding Achievement in that subject area and Outstanding Effort in that subject area. Outstanding Achievement goes to the student with the highest average for the year who did not receive an All-Around award. Outstanding Effort goes to a student who has a very good average for the year, but also demonstrates interest and passion for that subject area by working hard, being a leader in class activities and discussions, and having a positive attitude.