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Welcome Back!. 2013-2014 A.P. United States Government. Course Description.
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Welcome Back! 2013-2014 A.P. United States Government
Course Description • The AP United States Government and Politics course will contain general concepts used to interpret US government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. It requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute US government and politics. Students should become acquainted with the variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. Certain topics are usually covered in all college courses.
Course Description • Students successfully completing this course will: • know important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics • understand typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify various government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures) • be able to analyze and interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics (including data presented in charts, tables, and other formats)—look for trends over time • be able to critically analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately, and develop their connections across the curriculum
Classroom Expectations • PREPARED—Have everything you could need with you so life can’t throw anything at you that you can’t handle. • RESPECT –Treat others (and their belongings) better than you want to be treated. • INTEGRITY—Eagles do not lie, cheat, or steal—nor tolerate those who do. • DETERMINATION—Prove that you can do anything by giving your best at everything. • EXCELLENCE—Be more than average in your daily life!
Classroom Expectations • It is expected that your cell phone is away unless we are using them for class research • It is expected that you are on time as tardies are counting against you for auto-59s. I will NOT accept ANY excuses for being tardy—no pass, you’re late! • It is expected that you are in dress code—if I notice a dress code violation, you will be reprimanded • Do you have any classroom expectations?
Rewards and Consequences • You should be applying for scholarships now and by next summer you’ll be applying for colleges. The reward that you will get from me if you can adhere to the aforementioned rules is a personalized letter of recommendation for any and all applications that you fill out. If you cannot adhere to these rules, I cannot write you an LOR nor act as a reference for job applications. • For students who do not meet the aforementioned expectations punishment ranging from warnings and teacher detentions to expulsion (depending on violation) will be administered. ALL infractions will result in a phone call to the student’s parent/guardian.
Texts • Students will be required to read listed chapters from American Government before we discuss those sections in class. Be prepared for quizzes from the readings when we start class. • Wilson, J.Q. and DiIulio, J.J. (2011). American Government, 12th ed. Wadsworth: Boston, MA.
Required Materials • All handouts (maps, charts, documents, etc.) • Blue or Black ink pen • #2 Pencils (all exams will be done in pencil) • Highlighters • 3-ring binder (3” D-ring will work best) • LOTS of paper
Notebooks • You will keep a notebook for this course • You should have a tab for each unit (there are 10 units for this course) • Before the first tab you should have your syllabus, your goals, your about the exam handout, and your rubrics • Under each tab you will keep your: • Grade-tracking sheet • vocabulary/study guide questions • Notes for the chapters • Handouts given • Unit test • Required essays • I will not do “notebook checks” however, should you fall below your parents’ expectations and I have to meet with them over your grades, your notebook will be used as evidence against you • You should not throw away any returned essays, tests, or major assignments
Grading Scale • 90-100 = A—you rock :D • 80-89 = B—keep up the good work but push a little harder • 70-79 = C—if you are here, I’m not going to be pleased and parent phone calls will be on the horizon • 60-69 = D—if you are in this range your parents and I will be on a first name basis • 0-59 = F—this should not even be on your radar >:|
Bell Ringers • Every day (except quiz/test days) you will have some form of bell ringer to complete. Most often this will consist of a political cartoon, reading, or piece of art work that you are to analyze. Other types of bell ringers may include multiple choice questions or short document analysis.
Assignments • You will need access to a computer periodically. If you do not have access at home, I can make arrangements for you to use the computer lab during tutoring after school or at lunch. I also have computers in my room should time allow. Most homework will consist of reading your text book. Be prepared for an hour of homework per night (more periodically).
Vocabulary • You are in a college course which means there is a great deal of vocabulary. You will be required to handwrite all vocabulary on notebook paper. You may choose to use a Cornell style so that it makes it more conducive to studying.
Writing • Again, you are in a college class and therefore this class requires a significant amount of writing. You will do in-class writings (Free Response Questions) on a weekly basis. While these writings are not as long as typical essays you are expected to show analytical and critical thinking skills. And yes, you have to write in complete sentences.
Quizzes • Quizzes will be given at minimum once a week. The material could come from lecture, texts, additional readings, or films. Anything covered in class or asked for you to do on your own is fair game! I reserve the right to give unannounced quizzes should I feel one is warranted.
Tests • Tests will be given typically once or twice a month; however, due to unforeseen issues that tend to arise, the schedule is tentative. You will be made aware of upcoming tests a week before they are given so that you have time to prepare. Do not wait until I announce a test to start studying…you should study EVERY night!
Homework/Make-up Work: • You will have homework every night! Whether there is an assignment or reading, you should work on this class every day! If you are not doing this you are falling behind! Prepare for about 1 hour of work per night. When you get to college you will see this increase to 2-3 hours per night, per course. • Make-up work is only allowed for students who have excused absences. If you know you are going to be absent ahead of time, make arrangements with me to get your work early. If you are out for a long period of time, you need to keep in touch with me via phone or email to keep up with what is going on. I know most of you have cell phones implanted in your hands—text me if you need to know what you’re going to miss.
Course Pacing Guide • I will give you a pacing guide for each unit • Be aware that due to unforeseen events, the guide is always subject to change!
AP Exam • The test consists of 60 multiple choice questions, 4 Free Response Questions (FRQ essays) and it takes about 2.5 hours to complete • You need to get approximately 48/60on the multiple choice to be on track to pass • You need to score at least 2/3rd of the points on each FRQ question to be on track to pass • While it is not required that you pass the test to earn credit for the course, it is expected that you are in this course to pass the exam. If you are not in the course to pass the exam, you may want to consider switching courses.
AP Exam • Your exam is May 13, 2014 • If you skip the exam you will be charged $86 • If you miss the exam (with exception of medical emergency) you will be subject to a retake fee • If you score a 3 or higher (depending in the university you go to) you will receive college credit for this course • Please check with your intended university to see what score you need to earn credit
Tutoring/Office Hours • I will have office hours from 7:00-7:20 AM and 2:15-2:45 PM everyday except Wednesdays • This time is dedicated for you to take care of business, pick up missed assignments, request letters of recommendation—this is not tutoring session times • I will have tutoring hours from 2:45-3:45 on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the fall • Tutoring hours will be offered after school most days in the spring as well as Saturday sessions (you will receive a schedule in the spring of times and days)
Schoology • You will be using a program this year called Schoology which works a lot like Facebook • It allows you to access the course’s PowerPoints, ask questions after hours (allow 24-48 hours to receive answers to questions), work with your fellow students, as well as have online access to assignments in case you lose you handouts • You will also be able to turn in assignments here—cuts down on items that must be printed • You are required to sign-up and make a profile (if you add a picture please make sure it is school appropriate) • If you do not have access to a computer or smart phone, you may use the computers in this classroom before or after school or I will sign a pass for you to go to the media during lunch
eSembler • You are required to know your grades at all times • You must log-in to eSembler during the first week of school and print your “grades” for this class (I know you won’t have any grades listed yet, but I want to make sure you can access the screen). • Your parents must sign the paper so I know that they have seen you access eSembler • If you need access to technology, I can write you a pass for during lunch to go to the Media Center to print (make sure you bring change to print)
Homework • Get your parent information sheet signed • Finish your goals worksheet • Set up your Schoology Account—there is a discussion post for you to answer by Friday, August 23rd • Set up your eSembler Account and print of your “grades” page for this class
