Olympian High School “Where Champions are Made”

Course Syllabus

AP Govt.

Olympian High School Course Syllabus A.P. Government Instructor

Kenneth Boulton/Oliver Chico

Phone

619-656-2400

Room

708/415

E-mail

[email protected] [email protected]

Course Rationale: The California State University and University of California systems’ A - G admissions requirements state two to three years of social science are required. The Sweetwater Union High School District requires four years of social science. AP Government is a one-year standards-based social science course that fulfills both of these requirements. Passage of the AP exam in May can result in the student receiving college credit from a university that accepts passing AP exam scores. Recommended Prerequisites: None Course Description: Government, also known as Civics in the United States, is traditionally one of the final college preparatory social science courses students take in high school. Through the years, government has evolved into a course that not only studies the origins and philosophy of our nation’s system of democracy, but now also instructs and informs a student about political participation and the development of public policy in such a system. Influences such as party politics, the media and interest groups are discussed in addition to a traditional examination of the branches of the federal system. Finally, a discussion of the growth and protection of civil liberties over the course of our nation’s history is covered, enabling students to become a literate citizenry capable of making informed decisions in the future. The vocabulary in government is intensive in difficulty and extensive in breadth, with over 1000 new words typically being introduced. For this reason, particular attention needs to be paid to vocabulary acquisition techniques. Whenever possible, diagrams, graphs, charts, and political cartoons should be used to reinforce concepts and assist students in the critical analytical skills that define a capable social scientist and are required for passage of the AP exam. The State Content Standards in Social Science were developed so that every student would have access to a uniform quality and quantity of information in social science; for this reason, most State Standards have been retained in the District Course Description, and it is expected that every student will achieve mastery of the information. This course has also been shaped to satisfy the requirements of the College Board to qualify it for AP status.

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Texts and Materials: Text: Government in America, Lineberry, Pearson-Longman, 2008. College Preparation ~ “Habits of Mind” and “College Readiness Literacy Skills” In conjunction with the government content of this course, an emphasis will be placed on developing college readiness. This will be accomplished by promoting the following “Habits of Mind” for success in college-level course work: 1) building intellectual perseverance, the persistent pursuit of knowledge, by promoting the value of a strong work ethic and cultivating sustained effort through repeated practice, 2) developing metacognition by encouraging thinking about the quality of one’s own and others’ thought processes, practicing intellectual humility, and becoming comfortable with the discomfort of ambiguity, and 3) creating intellectual curiosity by fostering a desire to know and requiring inquiry, investigation, and rigorous engagement. In order to be successful in college and post-secondary work, students must attain certain literacy skills. The “College Readiness Literacy Skills” that will be emphasized during this course will be: 1) describing using discipline-specific academic language, 2) summarizing by distinguishing the main idea from supporting detail, 3) relating/applying the appropriate tools/processes to new situations, 4) comparing and contrasting in order to support inferences and draw conclusions, 5) combining ideas in order to develop new insights, and 6) justifying according to a set of standards or criteria Recommended Student Materials:  Three-Ring Binder  Classroom Supplies: paper, pencils, pens (black & blue), colored pencils, highlighters, calculator, & ruler  Occasional Project Supplies: display boards, poster board, construction paper, etc. Academic Expectations of Me as a Student:  I will actively participate in my learning: take notes, study for quizzes/tests, participate in class discussions, make connections beyond the classroom, and do homework.  I understand that enrollment in an AP course, equivalent to one at the college level, means that I will not receive the same opportunity to re-take exams as in other Government courses at Olympian High School. Therefore, preparation for unit exams when they are administered are crucial to my success in this class. Behavioral Expectations of Me as a Student:  I will attend all classes possible and be on time.  I will be a positive, contributing member of this class by being respectful, responsible and considerate.  I know: “I am responsible for my own behavior and I am to be held accountable for my own actions.” Homework Policy:  AP Government is a college course that requires students to do homework on a regular basis.  Students should spend a minimum of 45 minutes each day on homework. This time may be used to preview and/or review class materials, perform text reading activities, complete class assignments and projects, or other activities that assist the student’s understanding of the concepts being studied. (Note: Parents should ask to see student’s daily work and homework.)

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Assessments:  Formative Assessments (20%) – are to provide time, practice, and opportunities for learning, along with feedback or checkpoints regarding your progress in the learning process. Examples will include the introduction to a unit, class notes, warm ups, quizzes, initial attempts or drafts, cooperative learning experiences, and homework. Note: No late work will be accepted unless prior approval has been granted by the instructor.  Summative Assessments (80%) – are to determine your personal achievements/what you have learned at the end of a period of instruction, and these are used to establish grades. Examples will include assessments like unit tests, final projects, presentations, formal writing activities and practice AP exams. Note: the score that students receive on the AP exam taken in May will not be factored in their final grade for second semester. Grading Policy: Grades in a Standards-Based Society Student grades will be a reflection of their level of achievement toward district and state standards, and College Board objectives for the AP Government course. A (90 – 100%) – Advanced ~ high level of mastery of the standards, B (80 – 89%) – Proficient ~ exceeds the standards, C (70 – 79%) – Basic ~ meets the standards, D (60 – 69%) – Below Basic ~ below, but progressing toward meeting the standards. F (59% and below) – Far Below Basic ~ displays minimal to no progress toward the standards

Course Schedule: # 1 2

Standard Topic Foundations of U.S. Government Political Parties, Interest Groups and Media

Time Frame 7/24 – 8/9 8/12 – 8/29

Formal Writing Topic Separation of Powers

External Influences on Political Process

Approx. Test Dates Friday, Aug. 9

Thursday, Aug. 29

3

Political Participation, Elections

9/3 – 10/11

Letter to Legislators

Friday, Oct. 10

4

Institutions of U.S. Government

10/14 – 12/13

Institutional Roles

Thursday, Jan. 9

5

Civil Rights and Liberties

1/10 – 1/30

Legal Brief

Friday, Jan. 31

6

Public Policy

2/3 – 3/21

How Policy is Shaped

Thursday, Mar. 21

7

Review for AP Exam

4/7 – 5/12

Practice AP Prompt

Tues., May 13 (AP Exam)

8

Research and Review Projects

5/14 – 5/23

Research Project

Wed., May 28 (Final Exam)

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Olympian High School Course Syllabus

Parent Acknowledgement Good communication between teachers, students and parents is essential to maximize the success of students in high school. With this in mind, please take a moment to complete this syllabus acknowledgement and parent contact form and return it to me via your student. It will be counted as your student’s first homework assignment.

Please provide as much of the requested information as you can. Student’s Name:

Period:

Mother’s Name:

Home Phone:

E-mail:

Work Phone:

Father’s Name:

Home Phone:

E-mail:

Work Phone:

I will attempt to communicate with you about your student’s progress in this class on a regular basis via jupitergrades.com Internet-based grading program and at other times as needed. I hope you will feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail at anytime to discuss your student’s progress. We are striving to have all students college-ready by the time they graduate from Olympian High. This can only happen if everyone works together toward this end. Please sign and date the section below to indicate that you have reviewed the course syllabus and agree to assist with the communication necessary to reach our goals. Thank you, Kenneth Boulton Student:

Date:

Mother:

Date:

Father:

Date:

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