American Government: The Citizen Acting In A Democracy

Expectancy Sheet
Mr. Walker (Student Teacher) Mr. Leon (Cooperating Teacher) Desert View High School, Spring 2013 Let me begin by saying my door is always open to you. Should you have any questions or concerns about this course, about your future after high school, or anything else, please do not hesitate to ask me. I am not here just to help you learn; I am here to help you succeed. How to reach me: I can be contacted by phone and by email Class Number: 3204 Class Phone: (520) 545-5218 Email: walkerk@email.arizona.edu A message to you, the student, and your parents or guardians: This is a unique period in your life. You are a senior in high school and graduation is just around the corner. Congratulations! While some of you may already be 18 years old, many of you will turn 18 very soon. One of the most important thinks about becoming a legal adult is that you are making the transition from being a minor to being a CITIZEN! There are many reasons to celebrate this milestone in your life, but one of the most significant is that you can now vote in elections. This is a huge responsibility, and one that you should not take lightly. It is true that you can participate in a democracy without being at least 18, and even without voting. But voting is the one sure way to make sure your voice is heard. My job as I see it is to help prepare you for the political world that awaits you. Remember that the United States has just elected its president in November of 2012. How will we as citizens hold that president accountable? The best way to start is to get educated on how our government works. And this class is the best place to get started! Sincerely,

Kent Walker

Overview Here is a list of the major topics, questions, and concepts we will cover and consider this semester: American Government: Foundations of American Government and the Articles of Confederation U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights The Legislative Branch The Executive Branch The Judicial Branch Political Parties and the Fourth Estate

Questions To Think About: What does democracy mean? How is a direct democracy different than an indirect democracy? Democracies have come and gone. What will make ours last? How do we deal with other parts of the world that do not have democracies? What kinds of institutions play a role in our democracy besides the government?

Course Expectations: While this course will require you to learn the foundations of our government, a much greater expectation is that you will be actively engaged in making sense of this idea called a democracy. I will be there to help guide you along the way, but the primary responsibility is on your shoulders. Remember: You are a high school senior on your way to being both an adult and a citizen. With that being said, I expect the kind of behavior I would hope to see from any adult. Because this class will challenge you to think about what you think, and to think about what others think, there is no more important rule in my class than: RESPECT FOR THE VIEWS OF OTHERS. Beyond this rule, my only other rules are that you COME TO CLASS ON TIME AND PREPARED, that you TREAT ME WITH THE SAME RESPECT I TREAT YOU, and that you BEHAVE LIKE A MATURE ADULT. Consequences: If for some reason your judgment falls short, be mindful that there will be consequences for your actions. These include: Verbal Warning(s) Removal from class period Contact with Parents and Principal Suspension and beyond

Materials: Each student will be provided with a textbook to take home for the semester, free of charge. Should the textbook be damaged or go un-returned, the student must compensate the school for that book. In addition, there will always be a set of classroom textbooks available to students in order to complete assignments during class as instructed. You will also need: Pen Number 2 Pencil with eraser Binder with paper to take Cornell notes Highlighter Strongly suggest an accordion folder

Miscellaneous Cell phones are not permitted in class (except on an emergency basis) as per Desert View policy. Students who do not observe this rule will have to submit their cell phones to the Principal for the remainder of the day. Clear Desk Policy: I ask that when class starts, your desk be clear of any materials that are not needed for the period. This includes bookbags, clothes, backpacks, and any electronic devices especially... CELL PHONES! Assignments and Grading Policy Types of Assignments: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. On-time arrival (Class Participation) 20 points Bellwork (Class Participation) 20 points Homework assignments 20 points Group Project (Class Participation and Homework) 200 points Quizzes 60 points Exams (4) 200 points each

Note: All assignments are worth either full credit, half credit, or a zero Tutoring/Make-up assignments/Late work/Tardy Policy: Tutoring will be made available at a time we can agree to meet mutually If you are absent, you will likely need to complete an alternative assignment. For excused absences, you have one week from your absence to complete all late work Most assignments can be worked on at home from your textbook at home Some non-textbook assignments can be provided by email from the teacher Late work can be turned in the next day for half-credit Late arrival to class will result in loss of participation points after the first week of class!

Note: Unexcused late arrivals will not be provided any extra time to complete bellwork, quizzes, or exams that start at the beginning of class. No exceptions. Extra Credit: On rare occasion, I will provide the opportunity for extra credit assignments. But do not count on them! Extra credit is possible only when all other assignments have been turned in.

Grading Scale: 90 100% 80 89% 70 79% 60 69% 0 - 59% A B C D F