Blue Springs South High School Contemporary Issues Class Syllabus

Instructor: Mr. Dave Sheridan Room: 1017 Plan Period: 3rd Hour Work Phone: 224-1315 ext 50615 Email: [email protected]

Overview: A major purpose for the study of social studies is to prepare our students to be informed, responsible citizens. An ideal responsible citizen is defined as: civic minded, educated, able to comprehend the complexity of public policy issues, relate those issues to one's own life and the life of others, and to make decisions with an awareness of likely consequences. Course Description/Objectives: This course will be a study of many issues that confront us every day. The history behind many issues will be included and will lead to a better understanding of the issues as they present themselves today. Students taking this course will be expected to participate in class activities, group projects, and presentations. At the completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Provide background information on various issues that impact Americans today. 2. Discuss various issues and ways to solve problems associated with them. 3. Learn to take several points-of-view on a current issue and argue for or against it. 4. Analyze issues to determine origin and impact of those issues on society today or in the future. 5. Research topics and build arguments based on that research. 6. Prepare and present selected topics on contemporary issues to the class. Grading: All grades in Contemporary Issues class will be figured according to total points earned throughout the semester. Letter grades will be assigned based on the Blue Springs School District grading scale. Each student may have an opportunity to earn extra credit points from time to time throughout the year. These will be assigned in class and will not be accepted late. Make-Up and Late Work: Please make every attempt to be in class each day. If you are absent, make-up work will be accepted according to the guidelines outlined in the student handbook (1 day for each day of excused absence). Late Work: If you do not have the assignment completed on the date it is due, you may turn the assignment in the following class period for 50% credit. Required Materials: pencil/pen, paper, and a spiral notebook designated for this class. Expectations:  RESPECT yourself, your classmates, and your teacher.  Be on time to class and prepared to work.  Follow all school and district guidelines as outlined in the student handbook. Units of Study:

Students will read newspapers, magazines, view television news shows covering a variety of topics including but not limited to: government and politics, healthcare and medicine, economics, gender issues, international relations, social networking and religion.