COURSE TITLE .....POLITICAL SYSTEMS TERM .........................2014-2015 TEACHER .............Coach Doehrman ROOM #.......................10.126 Coach Nichols
Email Address Teacher Web Page Kurt_Doehrman@gwinnett.k12.ga.us David_Nichols@gwinnett.k12.ga.us http://gcps-kurtdoehrman.onmycalendar.com/ Teacher Support (Help sessions etc.) Help sessions are available most days before school in Room 10.126
COURSE DESCRIPTION (Published in the Choice Book) Political Systems is a required course designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens by examining the American political structure and process. Topics of study include the origin and growth of representative democracy, the development of the U.S. Constitution founded on the concept of federalism, landmark legal decisions and their impact on constitutional government, the adaptive nature of the political process as influenced by political parties, special interest groups, and media coverage, as well as a comparison of our political system with other forms of government throughout the world. COURSE CURRICULUM CONTENT The entire list of Academic, Knowledge and Skills for each of the following curriculum strands in this course can be accessed through the district web address at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us AKS STRANDS UNITS/TOPICS A. Map and Globe Skills B. Information Processing Skills C. Fundamental and Principles of American Government D. Political Participation E. Three Branches of Government F. Civil Rights, Civil Liberties, Citizenship 1. Historical Foundation 2. Federalism/Constitution 3. Political Identity 4. Congress 5. Executive 6. Judicial 7. State/Civil Liberties/Citizenship INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES Published Materials Instructional Supplies McClenaghan, William A., Magruders American Government. Boston: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2006
1) Pen and Pencil 2) Binder/Folder/or Notebook 3) Textbook
EVALUATION AND GRADING Assignments Grade Weights Grading Scale Class work Reading Quizzes Projects Unit Tests Final Exam Class Assessments 35% Summative Assessment 41% Unit Test 31% Semester Project 10% Midterm 2% SPG Post Test 2% Final Exam 20% Multiple Choice 15% Performance 5% A: 90 and above B: 80 89 C: 74 79 D: 70 73 F: 69 or below
Political Systems Course Syllabus Page 2 of 2
OTHER INFORMATION Expectations for Academic Success Additional Requirements/Resources 1) Read daily, ask questions, and actively participate 2) Participate constructively as a team member 3) Proof read written assignments and edit meaningfully 4) Review multiple sources of information 5) Challenge yourself to continuously improve Tutoring Available Helpful Resources Community Support Services
Course Requirements and Supplies: Students will need to have a separate folder for their Political Systems course. I recommend a 1 three ring binder. A notebook and writing utensils are also required for this course. Colored pencils and/or markers will be beneficial to have. Students will be required to hand in all assignments on or before their due date. Assignments turned in a late will lose a letter grade and no late work will be accepted after 24 hours unless the student has an excused absence or permission from the teacher. Students will be given ample time to complete their assignments. Excused late work will follow the guidelines set by Gwinnett County Public Schools.
General Classroom Rules: Every student will be expected to show respect for themselves, their fellow students, and their teachers at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, listening to whoever is speaking without interrupting; cleaning up after yourself; absolutely no condescending remarks toward anyone or anything said during class discussions. Failure to follow classroom rules could result in detention and/or a referral.
Other Important Rules: 1. Come prepared for class every day. Bring your textbook, folder, notebook, writing utensils, and assignments when due. 2. Take notes during classroom lectures, discussions, and video presentations. 3. No textbooks are to be left in the classroom. They are your responsibility, not the teachers. 4. The teacher will dismiss the class, not the clock or the bell. You are to remain in your seat until dismissed. No standing by the door. 3. Food and beverages (except water) are not allowed in the classroom. 4. Follow the dress code and cell phone/IPod/electronic devices policy. 5. Cheating/Plagiarism will not be tolerated in any capacity, and will result in a zero for the assignment/Test and referral for disciplinary action. 6. There should be no phones out in class.
Attendance Policy: School policy limits a student to 10 absences (3 tardies equal 1 absence). Students are expected to be in class and on time. This means you should be in your seat when the last bell rings. Repeated tardies will not be tolerated. The classroom door will be closed and locked after the last bell. A late slip will be required to get into class.
Make-Up Work Policy: Missed tests, quizzes, or homework assignments must be made up as soon as possible after returning to school. Arrangements must be made within 5 school days of the absence. If arrangements are not made within the 5 days, the student will receive a 0 for their grade. It is the students responsibility to seek out the teacher and make arrangements.
Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns at any time throughout the semester regarding class assignments, grades, or anything please feel free to come and talk to me. Lets have an educational and enjoyable semester. #HailParkview
**I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus at any time