US HISTORY



Practical Law

COURSE SYLLABUS

1st semester 2017-2018

1. Teacher:

Mr. Coats

Email: dcoats@rochester.k12.mi.us

Phone: 248-726-5200

2. Course Description

Welcome to Practical Law!! In this semester course; students explore the fundamental elements of constitutional, family, consumer, civil and criminal law. Students develop and refine inquiry, decision-making, problem solving, communication skills and examine how they apply to being a responsible citizen. Students learn through classroom discussions, role playing, analysis of case studies and mock trials. Students listen to and interact with speakers in law-related careers to better understand the legal system. Working together, we can create an affective and orderly environment geared towards maximum achievement. In addition to academic growth, this class is also designed to challenge each student to act in an ethical adult manner at all times. Students will be responsible, and held accountable for their actions and the effects they have on fellow classmates. Students are expected to follow the Rochester code of conduct as well as the following rules.

3. LENGTH OF COURSE

1 Semester

4. Text

Street Law. We will have a class set of books – please see me if you would like to check one out. You will arrive prepared for every class with your notebook/binder, pen/pencil, and a positive attitude.

5. Reference Materials

There are a variety of different resources that will be used; some of these are websites, CD ROMs, videotapes, additional text, magazines, and newspapers.

6. Binder Requirement

All students are required to have a binder. The binder must contain an adequate supply of lined paper. Binder grades will be given periodically. If you are not able to get a binder, please see me immediately. Rochester Community Schools provides all necessary materials and supplies for curricular classes. Parents who wish to supplement these materials and supplies for their student in this class may do so.

7. Class website -

I will post important information daily – homework, projects, tests, article links…etc. Please check the site often.

8. Evaluation Procedures

Grading – see grading sheet

All assignments and tests are graded on a point system. Point values are determined based on the length and nature of each assignment. I follow the AHS grading scale printed in your student handbook. Grade updates will be posted in the room on a regular basis; it is your responsibility to know how you are progressing in the course. You are responsible for yourself!! Get help as soon as you feel overwhelmed!

Homework (Daily Assignments, Essays, Worksheets, and Notebook Checks) will vary in points (5-30). Tests, Quizzes, and Projects will be worth 30-120 points. Semester exam will count for 20% of your final semester grade.

Daily Homework

Assignments will vary.

Power Point Projects

Requirements for each project will be set forth in a rubric that will be handed out in class.

Quizzes & Tests

Unannounced quizzes can and will be given at any time. Tests will always be announced in advance. Any information discussed in class or contained in assigned readings can and will be included on quizzes, tests and final exams.

Participation/Cooperation Points

All students are expected to participate in class discussions and all class activities. Students are also expected to cooperate with the teacher and their peers at all times. Thoughtful participation in class discussions, thoughtful answers, thoughtful questions, and taking diligent class notes will help you succeed in this class. Failure to participate and disrupting the class (including the use of IPods, cell phones, doing other homework and food other than water) will have a negative impact on your classroom participation/cooperation points. When time is given in class to work on homework or other assignments – you must work on them, no exceptions.

9. Late Policy

I will accept assignments one day late for half credit. If you have an excused absence, you have an extra day to make up any missing work. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed while you were gone!

*Do not come to class expecting to finish the homework assignment due that day.

10. Plagiarism

Some assignments are to be completed with a partner, and others require an individual effort. If I do not specifically tell you that you may work with a partner, your assignment should be your OWN work. Plagiarism is taking credit for someone else’s work/writing as your own. For example, if you copy a classmate’s homework or copy and paste an essay from a website, you have plagiarized. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and severe disciplinary action will be taken.

11. When you are absent…

Check immediately upon your return to find out what you missed. It is your responsibility to get any missing work/information.

Ask a classmate for any notes you missed. As of one day after your return, you are accountable for all information contained in any class lectures and handouts you missed. This means that you may be tested or quizzed on that information.

Make up any tests or quizzes you missed. If a test or quiz is given while you are absent, you must make it up the day you return unless the test or quiz covers class notes you missed. These must be made up on your own time. After school and during lunch are the only two times makeup tests are allowed.

If you are absent for an extended period of time, it is your responsibility to get the work from me.

12. Classroom Procedures

Be in your assigned seat and ready to work when the bell rings. Those not in their seats will be marked absent.

You are expected to work “bell-to-bell” while in this classroom.

Every student must take notes during lectures. If you miss a day’s notes due to an absence or if you are unable to take class notes because you do not have your materials with you, you must obtain the notes from another student. Remember that if your notes are not thorough, complete, and organized, your binder grade will be substantially reduced.

You may not line up at the door or pack up early. Class will not be dismissed until everyone is in his or her seat.

You must use the classroom pass the leave the room.

Food, candy, beverages (except bottled water), etc. may not be consumed in the classroom.

RESPECT others & their property. Listen when others are talking. Insults and derogatory language will not be tolerated.

13. Respect each other’s feelings, ideas, and belongings. Vulgar language is unacceptable. Find alternate ways to express yourself. Abusive language and put-downs directed toward anyone will not be tolerated and will result in consequences.

14. Student attire must be in compliance with the Rochester Dress Code Policy. As such, students will be expected to dress in a dignified manner

Failure to comply with these rules may result in one or more of the following

(a) Exclusion from the class

(b) A phone call home and/or a parent conference

(c) A referral to the administration

This portion needs to be filled out by a parent/guardian and student.

Return by Friday, September 8th 2017.

Parent/Guardian:

First Name Last Name

Student Name:

Address:

Phone: Parents Cell: E-mail:

To be filled out by parent AND student. This is information that will help me to better accommodate you (the student) throughout the semester. Please include any information that you feel will help you get the most out of this learning experience.

Please circle Yes or No:

I need to sit near the front of the class Yes No

I learn best when I can write out the information Yes No

I learn best when I hear the information (audio) Yes No

I learn best when I see the information (visual) Yes No

I learn the best when I can get up and move around (hands-on) Yes No

It is hard for me to work in groups with others Yes No

I have problems speaking in front of people Yes No

I get embarrassed reading out loud to the class Yes No

I have access to a computer outside of school Yes No

I have a cell phone with access to texting Yes No

Any information you feel is important that I know before beginning this semester:

.

We have read the online syllabus and agree to follow all policies. We have discussed the above survey and have provided any information that will promote the success of the above mentioned student.

Parent/Guardian Signature:

Student Signature:

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