AP US Government - Sayre School



AP US Government

(Grade 12)

2006-2007

Mr. Snowden Room 212

wsnowden@ 389-7390 ext. 514

Free Period: B, E, & G

Course Description: AP US Government examines the American political system and prepares students for the examination administered by the college board on Monday, May 7, 2007.

Topics examined include the constitutional underpinnings of the government; Federalism; political beliefs and behaviors; political parties, interest groups, and the mass media; the institutions of government; public policy; civil liberties and civil rights. It is equivalent to an introductory college-level course.

You are encouraged to bring a wide variety of interests and backgrounds to your study of the material. Critical thinking, independent analysis, discussion, and writing are emphasized along with a significant amount of reading.

Classes will involve an interactive type of format utilizing simulations such as a Constitutional convention, discussion, debates (both formal and informal), various types of projects, and one major, independent research paper. Prior to the AP exam, you will be given practice tests and a final exam, which mirrors the AP.

Primary Text: American Governmnet, 10th Edition (James Q. Wilson, John J. Dilulio)

Expectations: This is an AP class, which means that it is college level. The expectation is for college level work, with an appropriate attitude and work ethic.

* Read the assigned text as material is covered. Tests and quizzes may cover material in the text not specifically covered in class.

* Maintain a C average for each term and semester.

* Assume responsibility for seeking additional help outside of class when necessary

* Proper, mature, and respectful behavior at all times

* Daily participation in classroom activities, and meaningful contribution and co-operation in class discussions, activities, and assignments.

* Assignments are to be handed in on time the day they are due.

* Assume responsibilities necessary for successful preparation for the AP US Govt Exam.

Course Outline:

Unit One – Constitutional underpinnings and Federalism

Unit Two – Political Beliefs and Behaviors

Unit Three – Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media

Unit Four – Institutions of Government

Unit Five – Public Policy

Unit Six – Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

Unit Seven – Exam Review

Assessments: A variety of methods will be utilized to assess your knowledge of the subject. There will be both announced and unannounced quizzes to measure your comprehension and mastery of the material. Formal tests will primarily contain multiple choice questions and open-ended response questions – these are tailored to mirror what you may expect on the AP exam. In addition, projects and class activities such as panel discussions, debate, and simulations will supplement and complement your reading. The semester exam will be cumulative for the semester and the final exam will be cumulative for the year.

Please Note: Reading your text is an integral component of this course. You are expected to take notes on your reading and incorporate definitions for the vocabulary which is introduced in each chapter. In most cases, each chapter of your text will be accompanied by a packet of questions to assist in your mastery of the material. These packets will be due on specific dates as outlined in your syllabi. In addition you will need a location in which to organize the reading notes, notes you may take in class, your assignments, tests, quizzes, etc. To that end you are expected to maintain a notebook organized by unit. You may expect announced notebook checks. These will generally happen at the end of a unit.

The AP Exam: I will spend time during this course familiarizing you with the format of the exam and will certainly set up review sessions and provide some materials to assist in your review. Please note that the AP US Government Exam is scheduled for: Monday, May 7, 2005 at 8 a.m. The exam is structured as follows:

I. Multiple Choice – 50% (60 questions/45 minutes)

II. Four Free Response Essays – 50% (110 minutes)

Materials: Notebook, text, paper, pen or pencil, and appropriate assignments should be brought to class daily.

Grading: Your grade for each grading period will be determined using the percentage of total points possible you have earned during the grading period. Assignments will include tests, quizzes, class work, homework, performance tasks, and writing. The approximate distribution of points will be 70% for tests, quizzes, and major projects and 30% for class participation and lesser assignments.

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