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American Government Concurrent HS and College Credit Mrs. Linda M. Hearon
Course Objectives: I. To encourage a faith-based, Christian understanding and appreciation of the fundamental principles which constitute our American Government . II. To emphasize the rights, responsibilities and influence of individual citizens A. By encouraging citizen/student participation in government process B. By emphasizing the importance of voting C. By examining how students can become leaders both today and in the future III. To encourage knowledge of and interest in current events A. By selecting issues of particular concern to young Christians and their families B. By evaluating current popular trends which support or threaten the concerns of young Christians and their families.
Teaching Objectives: This course will examine our system of government and the democratic process which is its foundation. It will teach students to critically view our government institutions, leaders, politicians and policy makers. It will motivate students to suggest acceptable solutions to current social concerns. It will endeavor to create a yearning to explore the opportunities for individual leadership both now and in the future. It will emphasize the role of Judeo-Christian principles upon which our Country was founded, how they have been compromised and how they might be preserved. It will encourage patriotism and respect for our country and our freedoms while encouraging a thoughtful examination of the challenges currently facing our country. In addition, this class will aspire to teach students good study and learning habits, encourage them to use study time efficiently through assignment pacing and planning and will require students to develop good time organizational and management skills.
Teaching Methods and Procedures: Generally, classroom activities will include: lecture by instructor, audio visual presentations by instructor, guided interactive internet research by class through instructor, individual student class participation and presentations, group presentations. Subject to availability, and schedules permitting, guest speakers may be used to enrich the student's understanding of a particular aspect of the class. The class will view a variety of audio visual presentations which will demonstrate the issues relevant to classroom discussion. When appropriate in class use of selected internet sites pertaining to government functions, agencies, institutions and policies maybe accessed and used as a teaching tool. These sites may include: The official cites of the U.S. Congress; the State of Kansas; The United States Supreme Court; The White House; various federal departments and federal agencies and official governmental and law reporting services such as the Federal Register, and the Government Printing Office. The course test includes on line student access to interactive sites, tests and quizzes, chapter outlines and flash cards and both class and individual projects. Students will be required through reading assignments, class discussions, worksheets, tests, book reviews, special projects, mock trials and/ or mock elections to exercise a variety of critical and analytical thinking skills such as: 1. reading comprehension and recall 2. comparison and contrast 3. interpretation and synthesis of law related concepts and ideas 4. formulation of theses and theses support 5. analysis of legal and constitutional principles 6. verbal debate 7. critical listening and questioning skills 8. logical thinking and supportive argument skills 9. summarization of Supreme Court case law and factual situations 10. creation and creative expression of political campaigns
Biblical Integration: Each concept of liberty, democracy and freedom along with its rights and responsibilities is filtered through a Christian world view using biblical references where possible and using the following supplemental texts and curricula where applicable: Daily devotions from text: A Call To Prayer for a Nation at War, Prayers of Blessing and Protection for Those Who Serve, Whitestone Books. Lakeland, Florida (2003). Curriculum supplemented with: The Legacy of Liberty. Curriculum developed by Debra Brezina. Stirlingbridge Books. Knoxville, Tennessee (2003). American Government in Christian Perspective. 2nd Ed. Bowen, Thompson, Lowman, Cochran, A Becka Book, Pensacola, Florida (1997).
Text: Government In America, People, Politics, and Policy by Edwards, Wattenberg and Linberry Brief Eighth Edition (2006).
Anticipated Reading Schedule: The reading assignments for the text, Government In America , will average approximately one Chapter per week throughout the semester. Not all pages will be assigned for every Chapter. Students will be given detailed reading instructions prior to Chapter assignment. In addition to these requirements, students taking Government for concurrent college credit will be required to complete a research paper of 10 pages.
Student Responsibilities: Students will be required to read the text as background information for all classroom activities and discussions. Students will be expected to have assigned materials read prior to class. Periodic testing will evaluate students progress and assist the instructor in grading. These tests will be derived from both the readings and classroom activities. The student will be responsible for all information contained in the assigned readings as well as all information discussed and presented in class whether by lecture, audio visual presentation or supplemental written worksheet. Classroom participation will be encouraged. The sharing of ideas by students will be essential to a truly meaningful learning experience. Student's will be evaluated on classroom participation efforts as well as test performance. The class should expect to participate in at least one class project . Students are expected to keep up with current news events either by watching news or reading reliable/acceptable newsprint. At times, students knowledge of current events will be evaluated by periodic testing. Opportunities for extra credit will be made available to those students who seek additional, individual enrichment in an area of particular interest to them.
Student Assessment: I. Grading and Evaluation: This class will develop senior high school and college level study and work habits in students and will prepare them for the expectations they will be met with in college or in the workforce. Students will be given reading assignments and will be expected to come to class prepared. Students will be given written homework assignments and will be responsible for completing them at home and returning them to class for discussion, grading or both. Students will be required to listen attentively in class and take notes from teacher instruction, lectures, videos and audio and visual presentations. All writing assignments, other than worksheet provided by instructor and in class tests will be typewritten, double spaced and include student's name, class hour, date. Tests may include in-classroom tests, take home tests, open and closed book tests, open and closed note tests and tests accessed at home on line. Group projects, if any, will be graded with the group receiving the same grade as it it a cooperative, and collective project. Peer evaluations may also be employed to arrive at a fair final project grade. Bonus points for extra credit will not be given on any test. However, any student desiring learning enrichment opportunities may consult with teacher for suggested activities and guidance. II. Grading Scale: The grading requirements of Trinity Academy will apply to all graded work. The grading scale is as follows: A = 100 - 90 B = 89 - 80 C = 79 -70 D = 69 -65 F = 65 and below III. Grades will be weighted as follows: Homework: 20 % of final grade Tests: 50% of final grade Special Projects: 10% of final grade Final exam: 20% of final grade
Assessment Tools: Student progress will be assessed by means of written Chapter tests, by class discussion and participation by individual and group activities, one individual special project and one group special project. In addition to these requirements, those students taking Government for college credit will also have a research paper due at the end of the semester. Opportunities for learning outside of the classroom include group work in mock trials and election, assignments requiring keeping up with and evaluation of current and political events. Individual outside reading may include book reviews of current political literary works.
Test, Class Work and Homework Policies: Tests, class work or homework missed due to an excused absence must be made up by the next class following the excused absence. If not made up within this time period, a failing grade of zero will be earned. It is the student's responsibility to reschedule all make up tests with teacher on the day following the excused absence.
This class has a zero tolerance policy for late, tardy class work and homework. Therefore: Tests, class work or homework missed due to an unexcused absence will receive a zero. Tardy homework (not the result of an excused absence) will be given a zero. No retesting following a failing test grade will be given. Notwithstanding the above, there are some extraordinary circumstances which will require consultation with parents and individual evaluation of the above policies.
Class Tardiness: Unexcused class tardiness is not acceptable. All students are expected to be seated in class when the class bell rings. All unexcused tardiness will merit disciplinary action and will affect a student's final evaluation.
Classroom Management Policies and Expectations: 1. All students will respect all others, their property and the property of the school. 2. All students will come to class prepared to learn and participate. 3. All students will turn in homework and classroom assignments in a timely manner. 3. All students will be seated in class at the time that the class bell rings. 4. Only black or blue ink will be accepted for all written or typed assignments. 5. Pages torn out of a spiral notebook will not be accepted. All assignments must be submitted on "clean edged" paper. (spiral paper which has been cut with a scissors is not acceptable. Spiral paper which has a perforated clean edge for tearing out of a notebook is acceptable if the "clean edge" is intact.) 6. Students will maintain a Government folder which will collect and contain all work and material used in class for the semester. All students are responsible to keep this folder complete with all assignments, tests, classroom worksheets and other materials designated by instructor. The contents of this folder will be helpful for test and exam review and will be periodically reviewed by instructor. The contents will be made available for parental inspection and serve as an indicator of student's progress and abilities. Students must bring this folder to class each day or receive an "unprepared" for the day. 7. No backpacks will be allowed in the classroom. Students must bring only the text, folder, notebook and writing tools necessary for class. 8. Students will not be allowed to go to their lockers for materials once class has begun. Failure to come prepared for class with all materials will result in a grade deduction for that assignment/unit. 9. Students may not leave class for restroom privileges 15 minutes either after class begins or ends unless it it a dire emergency. 10. Students are not permitted to bring nonuniform coats, jackets sweaters to class.
I. Unit One: Constitutional Foundations - The Origins of Our Government
A. The concept of Democracy 1 . An overview of America's policy making system 2. The foundation and formation of the traditional democratic theory 3. Three contemporary theories of American Democracy 4. The current state of democracy in the United States of America 5. An overview of comparative governments 6. The concept of a political system within a democracy and the role of policy makers a. Politicians b. Branches of our Government c. Interest Groups d. Media e. Citizens 7. The role of political parties 8. The election process
B. An Review/Overview of the Origins of American Government 1. The Declaration of Independence 2. The Articles of Confederation 3. Selected Federalist Papers 4. The Constitution
II. Unit Two: The Creation and Guarantees of the U. S Constitution A. The Constitution of the United States of America 1. The origins of our Constitution 2. An overview of the Bill of Rights 3. The formal amendment process - proposal and ratification 4. The informal amendment process - judicial interpretation
B. The Concept of Federalism 1. States' rights 2. Federal preemption doctrine 3. Selective Incorporation 4. In depth study of the Tenth Amendment
III. Unit Three: Constitutional Foundations - Individual Rights and the Rights of the Accused A. Civil Liberties and the Constitution 1. Individual Rights a. the First Amendment (1) Freedom of Speech (2) Freedom of Religion b. the Second Amendment (1) Freedom to bear arms 2. Defendant's Rights a. the Fourth Amendment (1) Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures b. the Fifth Amendment - Fourteenth Amendment (1) Freedom from self incrimination and right to due process c. the Sixth Amendment (1) Right to an attorney (2) Right to trial by jury d. the Eighth Amendment (1) Freedom from cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail B. Civil Rights and the Constitution - 1. Study of Classifications and their Protections a. racial b. ethnicity c. gender d. disability e. age f. economic status g. sexual orientation h. the Thirteen Amendment i. The Fourteenth Amendment J. The Fifteenth Amendment k. The Nineteenth Amendment 2. Civil Rights Laws 3. Landmark Supreme Court Decisions Fourth Quarter IV. Unit Four: Checks and Balances and the Balance of Power A. The structure of the government of the United States of America 1. Federal: a. The functions and influence of the three branches of government (1) Executive (2) Legislative (3)Judicial b. The responsibilities of the citizens of the USA 2. State and Local a. The function and influence of our local government on daily life b. The rights and obligations created by state citizenship B. The mechanics of how federal laws are made and passed a. The role of citizens b. The role of Congress c. The role of the President d. Veto power e. The role of the Courts f. The role of federal Agencies and rule making bodies. V. Class Projects - One or more projects will be assigned A. Mock Trial B. Mock Election C. Current Event Journal D. Dinner Table Discussions E. Book Review of Political bestseller F. Media Bias ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ I have read and understand all of the information contained above:
Student's signature__________________________________________________
Parent's signature___________________________________________________
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