Contemporary Issues

Teacher: Mr. Craig Email: [email protected]

Texts: None…. Up Front Magazine, CNN.com, Foxnews.com, Newsweek, Time, US News & World Report, National Review

Students are strongly encouraged to follow the news daily. It doesn’t have to be with a newspaper, it can be from any online source, radio, or TV news. In the modern era, there are numerous methods to stay informed.

Course Description Contemporary Issues is intended as a one semester course designed to introduce the student on keeping to date on important issues of the day, and the process required to do so. More than one semester can be taken.

Your grade in Contemporary Issues will be determined in the following manner: Participation (both oral and written) 40% Quiz Grades 25% Debates 35%

Participation is the most important aspect of your grade in Contemporary Issues. The class is designed for the discussion model. There are no right or wrong answers! Therefore there should be very little “lecture”. While I may share my opinion, it will be just that…. Opinion. More often however, I will take a stand simply to fill out one side of the discussion. In order to keep discussion fair and orderly, we will assign a student moderator to make sure no one dominates discussion. Each day, the moderator will record those who participate. Periodically, assignments will be given to enhance your participation grade, including weekly articles.

Each Student will be assigned a week in the quarter in which they will be required to bring in articles each day. At least one article must be submitted from the following topics (international, national, local, political, social and economic). Students must fill out the “Article Summary Sheet” for each article and will introduce the topic and article to the class.

In order to stay current on the events we have studied, we will have unit quizzes. These quizzes will be from materials handed out during the unit. Periodically, assignments will be given that count as quiz grades.

When important issues arise or an issue grabs our interest, the class will engage in a more formal debate. Each student will be expected to support one side in the discussion and prepare an outline stating their position on the issue, listing their supporting arguments and details. Make Up Work Homework reading will be your responsibility. If you miss a day due to illness, make sure you get the assignment from a classmate or the teacher. If you are sick on the day of a quiz, you are required to make the quiz up the next day, whether in class, during a free period or after school. Grades not promptly made up will result in an N.

Plagiarism/Copying All work in this class is expected to be your own. Anyone caught cheating, copying from a friend, or copying from a book without the proper citation (plagiarism) will be required to redo the assignment (max grade 65) and complete an additional assignment.

Discipline Students are expected to behave in a proper manner in class. Since you have all made it this far, I do not foresee any discipline problems. Please keep all discussions of proper content and volume. Some improper subjects include: alcohol/drugs, swearing, sexual references, and improper references to individuals. Anyone breaking these rules will either be given a detention, a referral, and/or be sent to the office.

Students are expected to come to class prepared and on time. Always make sure you have completed the homework, and bring your book and a writing implement. Students who come unprepared or late to class will be given a desk detention. Desk detentions will last five to ten minutes, during which students will clean one row of desks.