Grade Level: 12th
Length of Course: one year
Credits: 5 units per semester
Texts: Wilson, American Government
Woll, American Government: Readings and Cases
Course Description and Objectives:
The goal of this course is to increase understanding of the American political system, its framework, traditions and values and have each student pass the AP exam offered in May.
This course is concerned with the nature of the American political system, its development over the past two hundred years, and how it works today .We will examine in detail the principle processes and institutions through which the political system functions, as well as some of the public policies which these institutions establish and how these policies are implemented.
During the course of the year students will also be exposed to basic economic course work. Ties between the study of government and economics will be explored
Course Requirements:
Students are required to take the AP American Government exam offered in May. This exam will cost approximately $80.00.
All students must be on time and ready to work each day. All assignments and readings must be completed. All reading assignments must be faithfully carried out on a daily basis. All students must maintain a notebook (three ring) containing text book work, lecture notes, study questions and reading assignments, class handouts/worksheets, and exams.
All work must be completed in ink (blue or black only) or typewritten (double-spaced) or
it will be returned to be redone for minimum credit. All work must contain the proper heading: student's full name, class period, date and title of assignment.
Written assignments will be given on text readings, newspaper articles and on court cases.
Assignments will be given on an individual and group basis. Some materials will need to
be shared with other students. Book reviews will be required. Projects will be given out at the discretion of the instructor and are required.
Participation grades will be given on a regular basis. You must participate in class discussions to receive an A in this class. Examinations will be a combination of essay and multiple choice. Make up exams must be completed within twenty-four hours of a student's return and may be complete essay.
Students are expected to follow ethical standards in preparing and presenting material for this class. Such standards are founded on the basic concepts of honesty and integrity.
Students are expected to do their own work at all times. Students who plagiarize will be punished according to school policy and a parent teacher conference will be scheduled to discuss continued class status.
Attendance and Tardies:
The attendance and tardy policies of P.G. High will be followed. Please refer to your student handbook for specifics. Cutting class is not tolerated and I will lower a student's quarter grade by one grade for each unexcused absence.
Evaluation and Grading Policy:
Grades will be based on a thirteen point scale ( A+ = 13 A= 12 A- =11 etc.) for all assignments. Some assignments will receive more than one grade. Grades will be based on content knowledge, mechanics and organization when possible. A participation grade will also be averaged into the quarter and semester grades for each student. Participation in discussions and class activities is important and students who do not contribute orally to the class will be unable to receive an A in the class.
Your notebook will be checked and evaluated at the discretion of the instructor. All notebooks will be collected after the AP test is over.
Please return this signed course description tomorrow. At that time you will be given another copy to keep in your notebook. Please make sure you are aware of this information and the content of your senior expectation sheet.
L. Griffiths
Office # 646-6619 ext. 300
lgriffiths@pgusd.org_____________________________ ____________________________________
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