Clark High School



Advanced Placement American GovernmentClark High School2012-2013Amy Evers (Portable 29/Room 218) aevers@Course DescriptionCourse Scope: The Advanced Placement Program is intended for qualified students who wish to complete studies in secondary school equivalent to a one semester college course. The course is designed to serve as a starting point for student’s active participation in the government of the United States. The class involves both the study of general concepts and specific case studies involving constitutional law. It requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the political reality of the United States.This course is an introduction to the U.S. national government, as well as the Nevada state government and Clark County's local governments (City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas, City of Henderson, and unincorporated Clark County). The course attempts to reconcile the idealism found in the Constitution and the reality of the political process today.The major Units of Study are:I. Constitutional Underpinnings of U.S. Government (Idealism vs. Reality)II Civil Rights III. Mass Media, Political Parties and Interest Groups IV. The Congress, President, the Courts, and the Budget Public PolicyTextbookReadings will be assigned at the beginning of each unit and students are expected to keep up with reading and be prepared to discuss material in class. Periodic reading quizzes may be given to ensure student adherence. Edwards III, George C., et al. Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy l3thed. New York, NY: Pearson-Longman, 2008. ($95)Supplementary Readers (To be used as the basis of discussion in planned Socratic seminars.): Cannon, David ed. The Enduring Debate: Classic and Contemporary Readings in American Politics 4th ed. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, 2006 ($65)Additional MaterialsStudents need a 3 ring binder with dividers for each unit of study.2-3 Packs of 3X5 index cards (important, NO SUBSTITUTIONS)Students may be required to obtain materials and supplies to complete projects and presentations.Course Requirements:There are five major tests, a midterm and a semester final, along with weekly reading, FRQ questions, and unit projects. All students will also research and participate in periodic debates relating to unit topics. There will be no individual extra credit assignments given and LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! ON TIME work is considered within the first 5 minutes of the class period it is due. All exams are modeled after the Advanced Placement Exam. The following shows an example of a possible grade breakdown.Grading:A = 90-100% B = 89–80% C = 79–70% D = 69-60% F = Below 60%1st Quarter Grade = 45%2nd Quarter Grade = 45%Semester Exam = 10%Course OutlineStudents will be given a calendar at the beginning of each unit outlining lesson topics, chapter reading schedule, and major due dates. It is their responsibility to keep mindful of upcoming assignments. “I forgot” is NOT an acceptable excuse. Instructions for readings are as follows.Unit TitlesText ChaptersTime for Study (approx)I. Constitutional Underpinning1, 2, 35 Weeks (11 sessions) Of U.S. GovernmentII. Civil Rights4, 56 Weeks (12 sessions)III. Mass Media, Political6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 9 Weeks (21 sessions) Parties and Interest GroupsIV. Congress, the President, 12, 13, 14, 15, 167 Weeks (16 sessions) And the CourtsV. Public Policy17, 18, 19, 203 Weeks (8 sessions) Course Goals/Student ObjectivesUnit I: Constitutional Underpinnings of U.S. GovernmentStudents should understand the doctrines and historical background to the Constitution; key principles, such as federalism and separation of powers; the ideological and philosophical underpinnings of American government; and theories informing interpretations of the Constitution including democratic theory, republicanism, pluralism, and elitism. Unit II: Civil RightsStudents should understand the institutional guarantees to political and civil rights granted under the Constitution; the rights conferred by the American government system; key Supreme Court cases and arguments regarding constitutional protections; the impact of the Fourteenth Amendment on civil rights at the state level; and the impact of judicial decisions on American society.Unit III: Mass Media, Political Parties and Interest GroupsStudents should understand the mechanisms of transmitting interests to government action, including interest groups, political action committees, and mass media; the role of media coverage and the press on elections and government actions the different historical and ideological beliefs of political parties; demographic groups in the U.S. and their political beliefs; and ways of understanding political beliefs and behavior. Students should become familiar with the workings of the electoral process; the role of money and interest groups on campaigns; the laws governing elections; and the way individual campaigns operate on the local, state, and national level.UNIT IV: Congress, The President, and the CourtsStudents should understand the workings of the legislative process; the functions and powers of Congress; the relationship to other branches of government under the Constitution; and the change and evolution of congressional powers as a result of specific events in American history. Students should understand the functions and powers of the executive branch; its relationship to other branches of government under the Constitution; the change and evolution of the executive branch and the bureaucracy as a result of specific events in American history; the relationship between the national government and state and local government bureaucracies; and the role of the bureaucracy in formulating the federal budget. Students should understand the workings of the judicial process; the functions and powers of the federal court system; the relationship of the Supreme Court to other branches of government under the Constitution; and the change and evolution of the judiciary as a result of specific events in American history.Special AssignmentHow a Bill Becomes a Law: Students are divided into groups. Each group is assigned to create a game on how a bill becomes a law to be presented to middle school students. Presentations are graded on information, creativity, and how well the group works together. Unit V: Public PolicyStudents should understand the major policy areas and debates in American government today.EssaysThe free response portion of the A.P. Exam comprises 50% of the score. To prepare students for this enterprise, bi-weekly essays or FRQ’S will be completed IN CLASS. Students will be given the topic of the FRQ 2 class periods in advance. They should prepare by studying this concept extensively. FRQ’s will be written in class on the assigned date. Students absent on the date of the FRQ will have an alternate assignment. **Each unit test will include essays and or FRQ’S to prepare for the A.P. Exam.**Campaign ParticipationBetween the start of school and the beginning of 2nd quarter (date TBA), each student will serve as a volunteer for one of the numerous campaign happenings in the State of Nevada for at LEAST 10 hours. This is a substantial assignment that will have a large impact on the student’s grade. There are dozens of people running for local, state, and national office so the opportunities are numerous. At the conclusion of the assignment, each student will turn in a reflective essay on the experience titled, “What I Did and What it Did for Me.”Make-up workStudents have three days from the day they return from an absence to make up and turn in all assignments that were missed for full credit.Students must be prepared to make up tests on the first day they return to class. All tests/quizzes must be made up within a week. NO EXCEPTIONS!Make up tests will be given at the discretion of Mrs. Evers.It is the student’s responsibility to check on all missed assignments or exams.Student Responsibilities***AP Government is taught at the level of a first year college course. Most students find the workload, pace of this course, reading level, and general expectations extremely demanding. It is entirely possible to work very hard and still not receive an A in this course. Any student considering this course should keep this in mind and adjust their expectations accordingly. ***Attendance is critical if a student is to be successful in A.P. Government.All rules outlined in Clark H.S. student handbook (tardies, electronic devices, etc.) will be followed. Failure to adhere to these will result in the appropriate disciplineAll students are expected to take the AP examination in May. Exceptions will be on a case by case basis. Financial assistance will be provided for those students with are in need of it.Participate in class on a daily basis. Complete all assignments thoroughly and on time.Keep a well organized and complete binder for the entire year and bring it to class daily. Ask instructor for help if needed – I am committed to helping you succeed.Be honest with me and yourself and take responsibility regarding your performance in this class. Excuses are for the incompetent.Academic DishonestyCheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any student who cheats or plagiarizes will receive no credit for the assignment and could face additional disciplinary action. Cheating or plagiarism is an unacceptable way to handle procrastination. Students are expected to take the appropriate steps if an assignment cannot be completed by the due date. Speak to me and maintain your integrity.Special NoteAll cell phones, I pods, and other electronic devices must be turned “OFF” during class time and stored out-of-sight; no response to “vibrate mode” or “text messaging” allowed; failure to comply will result in: confiscation of electronic devices, parental contact, counseling referral, and/or referral to the dean’s office.Note to Parents:This is an AP class with heightened requirements of your son or daughter. The class will prepare your son or daughter for college. Writing is heavily emphasized in this course, as is reading. I encourage you to discuss politics at home with your son/daughter. Offer your views and opinions but keep in mind, this is not a debate class concerned solely with the relative merits of being a Democrat or Republican! Please read over the syllabus and keep it for your records. Return this slip to Mrs. Evers by the next class period. By signing this I acknowledge that I have read the above syllabus and agree to all of its rules and regulations. If I have any questions or concerns I will contact Mrs. Evers at (702)799-5800 or aevers@Please sign and return no later than ____________________.StudentDate___________Parent_____________________________________________________Date______________ ................
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