Contemporary Issues Syllabus



Contemporary Issues Syllabus

Ms. Faucett

Room 705

Voice mail: 697-3255 ext. 1705

E-mail: sara.faucett@polytech.k12.de.us

Textbook: Antell, Harris, & Dobkin. (1994). Current Issues in American Democracy. New York:

Amsco School Publications Inc.

Course Description:

Contemporary Issues is a Social Studies elective designed to reinforce the research, writing, and speaking skills the students have developed at POLYTECH. Students will examine many topics and will be required to research and present information/arguments on them. Students will utilize a variety of resources and implement higher order thinking skills to make connections between ideas and evidence. Students will leave the course with a better understanding of global issues.

Grading Policy:

Each assignment will be given an absolute point value. Points will be subtracted from the total value for completion, accuracy, spelling, and punctuation. Late work will NOT be accepted because students will be allowed sufficient time to complete assignments in class. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for make-up work and s/he will be allotted the number of days missed to make up the assignments. For instance, if a student was absent two days, s/he will have two days to complete the work for full credit. If there are extenuating circumstances, see me BEFORE the work is late.

Parents and students may check grades online through the Home Access Center. The web address for HAC is: . There is also a link to the HAC on POLYTECH’s homepage: . All assignments will be graded and posted in a timely manner. Contact me with any questions regarding posted grades or comments.

Seniors: In order to be exempt from the final exam at the end of the semester, you must have completed every assignment and have an A average in the course.

Course Requirements:

Students are expected to follow all POLYTECH rules and procedures as set forth in the student handbook. Students are required to behave and participate appropriately in class, whether it be to contribute to class discussions or complete assignments. This includes having the proper materials for class everyday.

Failure to complete assignments in class will result in a referral for insubordination (20 demerits) per class period. Sitting in class and doing nothing is not an option.

This is a list of topics we may be researching and discussing in class:

Abortion

Capital Punishment

Affirmative Action/ Discrimination

Drug Abuse

No Smoking Laws

Police Brutality

Legalizing Marijuana

Sexual Harassment

Child Support

Privacy/ National Security

Immigration

Homosexuality

War with Iraq

Gun Control

Health Care

Chemical, Biological, & Nuclear Warfare

Corruption of Courts, Abuse of Power

Parental Discipline Issues

School Dropouts

Foreign Aid Policies

Child Labor Laws

Flag Burning

Cloning

War on Terror/ Terrorism

The following rated R films may be viewed in class. Signing the contact sheet indicates your permission for your student to watch these films. A separate permission slip will not be sent home. You may revoke your consent at any time by contacting me.

A Time to Kill

Bowling for Columbine

Fahrenheit 9/11

Contact Information

|Student’s Name | |

|Parent/Guardian’s Name | |

|Relationship to student | |

|Home phone number | |

|Work phone number | |

|Cell phone number | |

|Parent/Guardian email address | |

|Student email address | |

Please write any information for another guardian below.

Is there anything else you think I should know?

Please record any objections or concerns you may have about the material that may be discussed in class:

I understand that I must fulfill the requirements outlined in the syllabus in order to be successful in Contemporary Issues. I have reviewed the syllabus with my parent/guardian. I have recorded any objections to the topics that may be discussed in class on this sheet.

__________________________________ ________

Student Signature Date

__________________________________ ________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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