American Government Syllabus & Video Sign-Off



American Government SyllabusInstructor: Mr. Michael HarmelingRoom: B214E-Mail: mharmeling@waterforduhs.k12.wi.usPhone: 262-534-3189 ext. 2214Classroom Expectations:Each student will respect the schools, teachers, and fellow student’s individuality and rights in the classroom.-No talking while others are talking.-No destruction or marking of equipment (texts and desks).2.The student handbook tardy policy will be observed.-Be on time and in your seat when the bell rings.3.No drinking or eating during the class period will be allowed.4.Each student will be expected to take notes in a notebook and complete all assignments on time.-All late assignments will be lowered for every day that they are missing.The policy set forth by the student handbook will be enforced.BE NICE!Course Description:The intent of this course is to familiarize students with their federal, state and local governments. The organization of these governments is studied and the individual’s rights and responsibilities relating to them are explored. A brief history of our government serves as an introduction to the course. Other political issues will also be examined. - The goal of this class is to introduce students to Political Science, with a special emphasis on National, State, and Local Governments. This course will rely heavily on discussion, projects, and exams. Homework will be included, but will not be a point of emphasis. This class should be exciting to students approaching the voting age. Students will also learn the basics of politics, specifically how our democratic election process plays out. At the end of this course students will demonstrate their knowledge of how all types and levels of government affect the course of their lives. This class will give students the knowledge they will need to be an informed citizen and how citizens contribute to this nation’s future. Unit Overview:UnitsChapter(s)BookPrinciples of Government1Magruder’s American Government, 2013Origins of American Government2The US Constitution3Federalism/Political Parties4-5The Legislative Branch10-12The Executive Branch13-15The Judicial Branch and Legal System18-20State and Local Governments24-25Civics Graduation Requirement:Wisconsin statute requires that any students graduating from a Wisconsin high school (starting with the class of 2017) "takes a civics test comprised of 100 questions that are identical to the 100 questions that may be asked of an individual during the process of applying for U.S. citizenship by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the pupil correctly answers at least 65 of those questions" (Wis. Stat. sec. 118.33(1m)(a)1, Section 3266R).Materials:All students will need: (These items must be brought daily)___Notebook dedicated to Government only* ___Writing utensil ___A folder/binder___Your class textbook: Magruder’s American Government, 2013?Grading:Your grade will be based on the following:Participation (warm-ups, participation, current events, assignments)40%Projects 20%Unit Tests and Quizzes40%Remember that 20% of your semester grade will be the final examExpectations and responsibilities:Attendance – The attendance policy as set by the school is reasonable and will be adhered to. If you are absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to obtain class notes, assignment information, and arrange to make-up any missed quizzes or tests. USE THE CLASS WEBSITE! You’ll realize that the more you are in class THE MORE YOU LEARN. There is a lot of discussion in this class and you don’t want to miss it because we do a lot of learning from each other.Missed Warm Ups can be made up and are available from me before or after school.Classroom Demeanor – I expect you to behave in a manner that best reflects Waterford Union High School. You are to obey the rules of the school Electronic devices will be turned off or muted during class Use only if permitted by meYou are to respect each other and appreciate the contributions made by other students. Notebook – successful completion of this class will require you to keep detailed notes.Homework – Homework will be given usually in the form of summative readings. The reading is a REQUIRED part of the course. Grades will only be given for fully completed homework assignments. If you hand in an assignment that is not complete you will receive a zero and it will be marked as “missing” until it is fully completed. Late Work Policy - You are expected to turn in your work on time. Late work will be dropped automatically to 50%. After 2 days, the highest possible score will be 25%. This is important because in order to retake a quiz/test, you must have all missing assignments handed in.Quizzes, Tests, and Projects– There will be bi-weekly quizzes (every other week) on assigned reading and tests that wrap up each unit. In addition, there will be several projects over the course of the year. RETAKE POLICY- Mr. Harmeling’s retake policy will be as follows: *In order to take any retake the student must have all missing assignments handed inQuizzes-A student can retake any quiz that is given in class. In order to retake a quiz a student must show evidence that all readings assigned were completed. After the 2nd retake, Mr. Harmeling will provide “alternative” assignments for students to complete before attempting another retake on a quiz.Tests- A student can retake any test given in class as many times as they wish. Students wanting to retake a test must set an appointment with Mr. Harmeling for before or after school, or during Lunch and Learn to discuss how to improve your grade on the retake. An extra assignment is required to prepare for the retake. Tips:Have a positive outlook! Government should be fun to learn about and discuss!HomeworkYou will most often be given a little time in class to do homework along with study halls and before/after schoolIf you are having personal problems come and see me, and arrangements will be madeCome in for Help!!!Do not let yourself fall behindI am more than happy to help you with homework or studyingConsider me a valuable resource when you are confusedCurrent EventsYou and a partner will be responsible for at least 1 Current Event Article/Discussion during the semesterCurrent events will be due/presented every week on Friday unless specified otherwise by Mr. Harmeling1st Homework AssignmentStudents: Please read the course syllabus and share it with your parents. Then you and your parents should sign this sheet. Please return this sheet by Friday, September 27thAmerican Government Syllabus & Video Sign-OffIf you have any questions, please contact Mr. Harmeling. Once reviewed, please sign below where indicated.I have read the policies and expectations for the?American Government?course and understand them. I understand the late-work and retake policies of the course. I also understand that I can use the class website to check what is going on in class, what I missed when I was absent, and to ask questions on anything dealing with American Government. If I choose not to meet these expectations/requirements, I am willing to accept the consequences.*Message to Parents: I am excited to have the opportunity to work with your child this year! I believe that in order to have a positive environment that is conducive to learning, open communication is a must. Please contact me with any issue regarding your child via phone or email: mharmeling@waterforduhs.k12.wi.us ?During the semester, students may watch various short clips from certain documentaries or films to help better understand the class content. Please sign this form below to indicate that your child has permission to watch educational “R” material(s). Please note that during the semester we might not watch any R rated films. My child does have permission to view the material stated above My child does not have permission to view the material stated abovePrint Student Name: Parent/Guardian(s) Signature: Date:Book Number:Book Condition: Parent Contact Forms: 2020-2021***All course guidelines and information can be found on my Edline website***Please review the course syllabus and return this sheet with the appropriate signatures to Mr. Harmeling by Friday, September 27th.Student Name: ________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Student Signature Contact Information: Parent/Guardian Name(s): ____________________________________________Email: ____________________________________________________________Best phone number(s) to call: _________________________________________Preferred method of contact: Email:_____Phone Call:_____Other: __________________Please feel free to include any comments that you believe are important for me to know . . .__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Parents, if you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me at the school (262-534-3189 ext. 7229) or at mharmeling@waterforduhs.k12.wi.us. I would be more than happy to speak with you about any concerns you may have. ................
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