Mark Keppel High School

2017-2018 Course Syllabus – American Government

Mr. Tom

Course Introduction

This year in American Government, you will be learning how our nation’s government is organized and
how it operates. Come in with an open mind and I am sure you will enjoy the class.

Materials

1. Magruder’s American Government (William A. McClenaghan)

2. 1 spiral notebook – with first and last name, class period
- Your first notebook should be titled “Government Notes” on the front
cover
- This notebook should be dedicated to this class only. Please do not
use it for other classes.

You are expected to bring all of these materials daily.

Class Rules

I have three basic rules that I expect everyone to follow at all times so that we can create and maintain a
positive environment:

1. Treat the teacher, each other, and class property with respect.
2. Practice academic honesty. Cheating is a serious matter and will not be tolerated.
3. Be in your seat with your materials ready by the time the bell rings.

Attendance

I will follow the school’s attendance policy. Please do not be late.

Assignments/Exams

Late Work Policy: Each semester, every student will receive 3 “late assignment passes.” These passes can
be used in the event that you happen to forget to bring a completed on assignment on a given due date.
Using a late assignment pass will allow you to turn your assignment in ONE DAY after its assigned due
date. Please note the following:
- Each student receives 3 passes per semester
- When a pass is used, you may turn assignment ONE DAY after its due date.
- Each assignment must be FULLY completed upon submission for credit. Otherwise,
a score of 0 will be assigned.
- Passes may only be used on assignments that fall into the
“CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK” category in PowerSchool.
- Student may use a maximum of 1 pass per month (ex. If you use one in August, you
cannot use another until September).
- Passes do not “roll over” to the next semester.
Other than when a student takes advantage of the system outlined above, NO LATE WORK WILL BE
ACCEPTED. I expect you to turn your assignments in on time. This means assignments must be
completed and turned in at the beginning of class.

For excused absences, please speak to me individually regarding makeup assignments or exams. Makeup
arrangements must be made the first day you return from your absence. It is your responsibility to make
these arrangements. There will be no makeup assignments or exams for unexcused absences.

Grades

Your grading will be based on the following categories:

Tests/Quizzes – 50%
Homework/Classwork – 25%
Projects – 25%

Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F 59% and below

Website

You will need to understand how to use two websites for this class:

Mrtommkhs.weebly.com

This is the website you should be looking at on a daily basis for class information. It lists
assignments, contact information, etc.

Edmodo.com

When clicking links on the above website, you will be directed to specific pages with
assignment information. You will also be submitting electronic copies of assignments to
this website.

Contact

Communication is key. If you have any questions regarding the class content or expectations, please feel
free to come by and schedule a time to speak with me. You may also contact me via email (using the
Weebly website under the “Contact” tab).