Teacher: Mrs. Maegan P. Day Email: [email protected] School Contact: 770) 651-6395
AP® United States Government & Politics
Course Overview This course explores the political theory and everyday practice that direct the daily operation of our government and shape our public policies. The express purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the AP Exam for U.S Government and Politics. The course is for all intents and purposes taught on a college level and it requires a substantial amount of reading and preparation for every class. The objectives of this course go beyond a basic analysis of how our government “works.” Students will develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system, as well as their rights and responsibilities as citizens. AP students will be required to complete all the reading in a timely manner, as well as perform to the highest standards on tests, quizzes and writing assignments. All students will be required to actively contribute to our seminar style discussions.
AP Government is divided into six components: . Constitutional Underpinnings of United States Government . Political Beliefs and Behavior . Political Parties, Interest Groups and Mass Media . Institutions of National Government . Public Policy Issues . Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Upon completion of the class, students will have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement Examination, given by the College Board Testing Service. A review session will be scheduled the week prior to the exam. Although successful completion of the AP Exam is one of our primary objectives, your grade will be determined exclusively by your work in our class.
Text Edwards, George C. III, Martin P. Wattenberg, and Robert L. Lineberry. Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy, 14th ed. New York: Longman, 2009.
Supplemental Text Serow, Ann G. and Everett C. Ladd, eds. The Lanahan Readings in the American Polity. 5th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lanahan Publishers, Inc., 2011.
Other Materials Assigned and used in class: articles from current newspapers, such as the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal; a news magazine excerpts from Time, Newsweek, or the Economist; news footage and documentaries; C-SPAN’s coverage and current events materials; numerous Web sites.
Evaluations: Unit Test/ Essays/ Projects 35% Quizzes/ Free Response Questions (FRQ) 20% Daily work/ Homework 15% Participation 10% Final Exam 20%
Unit Tests and Quizzes Unit tests include multiple choice questions and responses to analytical free-response questions. They will be administered at the conclusion of each unit. You will also have quizzes at least once every other week by midyear, so stay current in the reading. Quiz questions may be multiple-choice, free response question, or identification. Approximately every two weeks you will take a vocabulary quiz covering the important terms for our current unit of study.
Using Graphs, Maps, and Charts Students are tested on their understanding of quantitative and visually presented information (maps and graphs) at regular intervals in the quiz assignments. Most of the materials used are from the Pew Research Center.
Homework Students have nightly homework assignments, primarily out of the textbook, the Lanahan Reader and from selected articles from the New York Times, and BBC.
Participation Beyond the required written work, students will be expected to participate in class discussions and make formal presentations to the class. Students will be formally evaluated in their ability to handle complex issues and make coherent arguments. Class participation is not optional and will make-up a substantial portion of the student’s grades. Participation counts toward 10% of the overall grade.
Writing Component Students must answer numerous free–response questions with essays that demonstrate their ability to analyze and interpret the structure and actors within American Government and politics. These essays prepare you for the essay section of the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam. Essays are given in class and in take– home format, and are due approximately every one to two weeks. Course Information and Expectations:
1. Materials: You are required to have the following materials for class: 1 ½ - 2 inch/ 3-ring binder Loose Leaf Paper for the 3-ring binder 5 dividers for the 3-ring binder pens/pencils/highlighter/markers
2. Make-Up work: IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO INQUIRE ABOUT THEIR MAKE-UP WORK (Before/After Class)! Students will have 1 day (24 hours) for each day absent to make-up missed work. Homework is due at the beginning of class or otherwise specified. Tests/Quizzes must be made up the day the student returns from the absence, either before or after school. Make up tests/quizzes are subject to be essay format (teacher discretion). Long Term Projects must be turned in on the due date specified by the teacher, even if the student is absent.
3. Late Work: Work is DUE on the date assigned at the beginning of class. Late work will not be accepted!
4. Tardiness: You must be in the class before the sound of the bell. CHHS tardy policy will be followed.
5. Conduct: Any conduct that is disruptive to the learning environment will result in disciplinary action.
6. Progress Reports: Progress Reports will be issued by CHHS every 9 weeks.
7. Attendance: Attendance is CRITICAL TO YOUR SUCCESS.
4. Food, Drink: ONLY water will be allowed in class. Gum and small mints/candies can be eaten as long as all trash is disposed of properly and there is NO SHARING of candies/water in class. All privileges will cease IF I HAVE TO CLEAN UP BEHIND YOU!!! 8. 9. Restroom Use: Please use the bathroom during class changes. 10 emergency passes are given each YEAR (one per month). Incentives are given for anyone not using all their passes at the end of the year. There is NO movement during the first and last 15 minutes of class. 10.Cheating: Any student that is caught cheating or plagiarizing on a Test, Project, Paper, etc. will receive a zero on that assignment and may receive a call home.
STUDENT AND PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE PAGE:
I have read the attached syllabus and understand the grading policy, the absence/make-up procedures, and the provision for improving grades. I am also aware progress reports/report cards will be sent home every 9 weeks and it is my responsibility to make sure I receive and review these grade reports. If there is a problem or concern with these grades I can arrange a conference with the teacher. I have also read and understand the classroom non-negotiable and discipline cycle. The teacher reserves the right to make adjustments to units and tasks when deemed necessary.
Student Signature: ______Date:______
Parent Signature: ______Date: ______