American Government Course Syllabus

Galileo Academy of Science and Technology Mr. Seligson
Spring 2012-2013 seligsonw@galileoweb.org

Course Description: This semester long course is designed to allow students to explore the fundamentals of our American government system, California’s government and comparative political and economic systems. We will explore the world around us by analyzing readings, current events, by producing projects and presentations and by participating in debates and class discussions.

Text:
Magruder’s American Government, by William A. McClenaghan, 2006

Requirements: Respect: Towards your instructor, your classmates, our school and community and most importantly yourself. Without respect it will be impossible to for any of us to succeed in this class. Class Participation: This is essential to the success of the class. Try to have some fun, get involved, it will make the class more enjoyable for everyone. Excessive absences and or tardiness will have a negative effect on your grade.

Materials: you need to come to class prepared

Homework: All homework will be turned in at the beginning of class. Work turned in late will be penalized 50% and will not be accepted if more than 3 days late.

Tests and Quizzes: Usually given at the end of each section or unit. Please inform me if you are going to be absent on the day of a test. If you are absent on the day of a test you will be expected to make up the test on the day you return. No tests will be given more than a week late without prior arrangements.

Projects: Individual and group projects will be assigned throughout the year. How you work on a project is just as important as what you are working on.

Current Events: Each student is required to bring in 3 current event reports each semester. We will devote time at the beginning of each class period for the sharing of current events. How and what is appropriate for a current event report will be discussed in depth at a later time, as well as, how your written responses should be formatted and what they should address.

Grading Policy:

Current Events (1 per quarter) 15%
Homework 15%
Projects 20%
Tests/Quizzes 25%
Final 15%
Class Participation/Attendance 10%

Grading:
100-94 = A/+, 93-90 = A- 89-84 = B/+, 83-80 B- 79-74 = C/+, 73-70 = C-, 69-60 = D, 59-0 = F

Rules and Expectations

BE ON TIME!
This class is important to all of us. Show your classmates and instructor that it is important to you. COME PREPARED AND READY TO PARTICIPATE!
Have your reading done, your homework done, and have an open mind. Always have your notebooks available at the beginning of class. Please bring a writing utensil and all necessary materials.

NO STUDENT SHALL INTERFERE, NOR DISRUPT THE LEARNING OF OTHERS!
Even if you do not agree with others in class, please show them the respect you would want directed towards you. Foul, inappropriate or disrespectful language will not be tolerated.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING UP LATE WORK!
I will not chase you down to make sure that you know what you missed on the day(s) you were absent. You are responsible for materials missed. Don’t let quizzes or tests dates surprise you.
You will be expected to take tests on the day they are given, unless you have an excused absence. This class is required for graduation, so stay focused!

PLEASE KEEP CELL PHONES OFF/AWAY AND HATS OFF.
If I see it or hear it, I will take it!! You will get ONE warning before I take the phone for the day. You can retrieve it at the end of the day.

NO FOOD OR DRINKS IN CLASS
Water is the only exception!

ONLY TWO BATHROOM PASSES PER SEMESTER
You will get four for the whole year. Use them wisely.

_________________________________ _______________________________ (Student Signature) (Parent Signature)