Government Syllabus

2017-2018
Miss McCoskey

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except
that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has
instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves. Rom. 13:1-2

http://mccoskey.weebly.com
Course Overview:
This course focuses on the philosophical, legal and historic foundations as well as
major institutions of government with special focus on the United States of America. Students
become acquainted with the functions of democracy in the Republic by an in-depth study of
the three branches of the government, political parties, and political events. Students will also
learn about personal finance and the United Nations. A senior project focusing on Pacific Rim
countries or non-USA countries of origin will be completed during the second semester.
Throughout the course, we will study current events from around the world.

Classroom Rules:
The classroom guidelines are expressed in the Student Handbook, including:
Students are expected to be in their seats beginning class work when the
bell rings with the following:
-- Laptop (required)
pen (blue or black ink) and/or pencils
-- notebook only for Government (optional)
Government textbook or online access: with a book cover
ready to participate (completed homework, alert, good attitude)
Failure to do so results in loss of participation points.
No food or drink (except water in a closed container) allowed
Students will respect one another and the teacher. Each person is created
in Gods image. Interrupting, demeaning, or disrespecting someone elses
thoughts and/or comments will NOT be tolerated.

Discipline Policy:
Students attending Morrison Academy are expected to be able to
conduct themselves according to classroom rules and guidelines. When this
does not occur, the following procedures will be followed:
1st offense loss of participation points
2nd offense participation points lost and informal meeting with the teacher
3rd offense conference with the teacher, contact parents, and office informed
4th offense referral to the principal

Laptop use: you will be using your laptop daily to take notes -- including looking for
information and images on the internet. The expectation is that students will be using
technology to help promote a learning environment. Chatting, gaming, doing other course
work, email & other social networking is NEVER an appropriate use of technology in class.
Students will be deducted participation points (without warning). Repeated violations will be
dealt with accordingly.

Grading Policy:
Quarter Grades will be awarded by the following system:
Tests (approx. 3-4 per Quarter) 40%
Homework, Journal assignments 20%
Projects and Papers (1-2 per Quarter) 30%
Class Participation 10%
 Semester Grades will be determined by the following system:
Semester 1: Semester 2:
Q1= 45% Q3 = 45%
Q2 = 45% Q4 = 45%
Sem Final=10% Sem Final=10%

Homework Policy:
Unless teacher directed, all homework is to be done by the individual
student, without the help of other students or adults. Any assignment where
cheating (plagiarism, copying, etc) occurred will result in 0 points being
awarded. If it is established that cheating did occur, the incident will be
referred to the Principal and discipline board in addition to classroom
discipline.
Homework will receive a 10% deduction for each day that it is late. A
fully and thoughtfully completed late work assignment will not receive more
than a 50% deduction. It is still important to turn in assignments to complete
the course. Late work should be placed in the red bin by the teachers desk
and the student should attach a completed Late Work form. Excused
absences will be treated according to the Student Handbook. Students should
be able to access assignments on Student Connect and in the classroom.
When in doubt, consult fellow students or teacher (email or call).
Students who will be absent are required to seek the information ahead
of time (i.e. off-island tournaments, mission trip, college visits). Students will
not be able to make up any work until it can be verified that the absence was
an excused absence. In the event of an unexcused absence, the work may
receive a zero.

Open Door Policy:

If a student would like some extra help with the material or a project, PLEASE contact me. I
am more than willing to find time to help. Stop by my classroom during my free periods, email
(mccoskeyj@mca.org.tw), or call me at home 0905-353-983. Please call before 10 pm.

NOTE: Id rather receive an email that tells me you are having computer/printer problems as
soon as they occur rather than you telling me that seconds before you are supposed to turn
something in and do not have it. I am much more understanding if I have a heads-up that
there is a problem and you have tried multiple things to solve it to no avail.