Government / EconomicsRoom 302
Academic Year 2018-2019
Academic Year 2018-2019
Government / EconomicsRoom 302
Academic Year 2018-2019
Instructor: Sarah Beattie
Office Hours: 7:15-7:40am MWF, or by appointment
Email: [email protected]
Website: missbeattie.weebly.com
Course Description:
This course studies the structure and procedures of federal, state and local government and the fundamental themes of government such as federalism, separation of powers, and majority and minority rights. The purpose of this course is to insure that students understand political decision-making and their responsibilities as citizens of the United States of America. The course will examine and debate current issues while studying the functions of our modern day government. Students will also be introduced to the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students will gain an understanding of how our economic system functions in our political environment and in an increasing global economy. Students will also gain first hand knowledge about the use of credit cards, budgeting, student loans, and the economic choices they make as they move towards adulthood. Current events and case studies are used to explore topics such as the federal budget and trade deficits and to exemplify government in action.
The course will be conducted in a lecture/discussion format. All students will be expected to keep up with the reading assignments and demonstrate their preparedness by active participation in class discussions.
Course Bibliography:
McClenaghan, William A. Magruders’s American Government. Boston, MA: Prentice Hall, 2006.
O'Sullivan, Arthur, and Steven M. Sheffrin. Prentice Hall Economics Principles in Action. Needham, MA: Prentice Hall, 2007
Course Learning Objectives:
Course Rules:
Academic Honesty:
Your commitment to academic honesty forms the cornerstone of your intellectual development. If you are to develop the skills necessary to succeed in this academic course and in later academic and professional experiences, you must assume the responsibility of challenging yourself intellectually and academically. To this end, this course will evaluate YOUR understanding of a variety of political and economic, concepts, and trends. Cheating and plagiarism are considered serious offenses and will not be tolerated. Please be advised that using the Internet and claiming another’s work found through such information technologies is a fundamental betrayal of the ideal of academic honesty. DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN THE POSITION TO HAVE TO CUT AND PASTE INFORMATION FOUND ELSEWHERE, LIKE WIKIPEDIA, AND CLAIM IT AS YOUR OWN. THIS IS NOT ALLOWED. Students who are found cheating or plagiarizing will receive no credit for the assignment and your parents will be contacted. Your citizenship grade will also suffer. Multiple offences will be cause for removal from the course or other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the instructor, working in consultation with the school administration, and the parent(s) of the student. See me in office hours or after school if you have any questions related to plagiarism or cheating.
Class Expectations 1. Read, study, and take notes every night. Failure to do so will make understanding our discussions more difficult. It is suggested you take notes everyday while reading the text, essays, and documents, while listening to class lectures and discussions, and while studying.
2. Read the text, and any related material frequently, think about your reading everyday, discuss Government with everyone, think some more, read some more, and discuss some more. This is the best way to really ‘get’ Government.
3. Connect what you read in Government to what you read in the newspaper or what you see on television, or the movies, or online. Look for the ‘real’ story. Everything is connected!
4. Bring your book and notebooks to class everyday. Failure to do this will lower your citizenship grade and it will impede your understanding of Government and Economics.
Class and Homework Assignments:
Class Procedure:
Supplies
- Spiral bound notebook: the bigger the better. This will be your primary note-taking, idea forming, essay-rough-drafting, everyday-go-to connection to this class.
- A favorite pen or two. Notes, essays, and research will be done primarily in pen.
- A couple of pencils for multiple-choice tests.
- A really good eraser. Those pink rubber erasers are no good. Get a good ‘plastic’ eraser.
Readings: Careful reading of the textbook, handouts, and other related materials is critically important for the successful and enriching study of history/social science. In order to complete the required course material, you will be required to read about one chapter a week or related material. You should take notes on readings and keep them for reference and to be used on test. Pop quizzes may be given to monitor completion of reading assignments. Notes will not be allowed to be used on quizzes. The textbook needs to be brought to class daily unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Punctuality and Class Citizenship: Class begins when the tardy bell rings. If you are not in your seat when the tardy bell rings, an unexcused tardy will be recorded. 4 unexcused tardies will result in a “U” in citizenship in a quarter. 3 unexcused tardies will result in an “N” in citizenship. Citizenship grades of “O” and “S” will be determined by the contribution each student makes to the learning community of which s/he is a part
Grades:
All work will be assigned a point value, although not all work will receive a letter grade. Grades are based on total points accumulated during each grading period. I DO NOT ROUND UP GRADES; you receive the grade you earn. You will have ample opportunity for extra credit each semester. I have structured the class in such a way to approximate your grade breaking down into the following percentages:
A+: 100% B+: 87-89% C+:77-79% D+:67-69% F: 59 or below
A: 93-99% B: 83-86% C: 73-76% D: 63-66%
A-: 90-92% B-: 80-82% C-:70-72% D-:60-62%
Weighted Grade Percentage Breakdowns
25%: Homework, In-Class Assignments, Quizzes: You will receive daily assignments in class, most homework will be optional outside of assigned readings. For each chapter it is suggested you take notes for homework these notes can be used on your tests, so thoroughness is encouraged. For notes to be used on tests they must be handwritten (if you need an exception for this please see me directly).
25%: Group Projects/Presentation:Our class is one that is built around projects and discussions, expect to have at least one group project a unit, as well as in class presentations.
30%: Tests: Expect a test for every chapter of the textbook that we cover. The tests will be a combination of multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer, and essay questions. The only notes that are allowed to be used on your test are those that have been handwritten for homework. Please be prepared to remove them from your notebook to be turned in.
20%: Final Exam: Final exams are given at the end of each semester. The format is up to the teacher and could be a traditional exam, a paper or a project.
Cell Phone Policy:
As per the LCHS policy, cell phones, iPods or other such electronic devices are not allowed to be used during instructional time. In my class, students will be asked to place their cell phones in their bags / backpacks, NOT on their person. Upon entry into the room each day students will put their cell phones away (preferably turned off, but silent is ok). If a student is caught with a phone out in class I will adhere to the schools cell phone policy.
“First Offense – The cell phone will be confiscated and kept in the 7/8 or the 9/12 Administrative Office. The student may pick up the cell phone after 3:15 pm on the same day or the next morning, no exceptions.
Second Offense – The cell phone will be confiscated and kept in the 7/8 or the 9/12 Administrative Office. The
student may pick up the cell phone after 3:15 pm on the same day or the next morning, no exceptions.
Parent/Guardian notification will be made by the discipline office, and the student will be required to perform 3
hours school community service.
Third Offense – The cell phone will be confiscated and kept in the 7/8 or the 9/12 Administrative Office. The
parent/guardian will be required to pick up the cell phone after 3:15 pm on the same day or the next morning, no
exceptions. The student will be required to perform 6 hours school community service.
Fourth Offense - The cell phone will be confiscated and kept in the 7/8 or the 9/12 Administrative Office. The
parent/guardian will be required to pick up the cell phone after 3:15pm on the same day or the next morning, no
exceptions. The students will be assigned Saturday School.”
Departmental Technology Policy:
We, as a faculty, believe that in order to effectively educate students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, communicators and collaborators - in the 21st century that requires the responsible use of technology. Recognizing that this modern technology tempts us with more and more compelling distractions, we do see the need for some regulation. The goal, therefore, of our technology policy has to be to encourage students to use technology in the classroom solely as a learning tool. Technology misuse disrupts class goals and will not be tolerated. Any infractions will result in the device in question being subject to our schools electronics policy.
The following are examples of ways that technology should/will not be used in the classroom:
Sample Test Questions:
Multiple Choice:
1.) Structure of government where the central government and smaller units SHARE power. The United States has this type of structure.
a. federal system c. confederacy
b. unitary system d. anarchy
2.) This origin of government is when People give up control a to government and the government agrees to do what is best for the people.
a. Force Theory c. Evolution Theory
b. Divine Right Theory d. Social Contract Theory
Fill In The Blank
3.) What are the four requirements of all nations (what do they have to have to be a nation)?
4.) Originally, only white males who owned property could vote. List the five major changes in voting restrictions: ______________________________________________,
Short Answer:
“Man is by nature a political animal.
― Aristotle, Politics
5.) According to Aristotle men are political animals, born with the innate sense of order and control. How are politics and government different, and what role did Aristotle play in the development of the two?
6.) Describe three ways that Free Enterprise and Socialism are different.
7.) Identify and explain a cause of globalization.
Keep this syllabus with you at all times!
Academic Year 2018-2019
Instructor: Sarah Beattie
Office Hours: 7:15-7:40am MWF, or by appointment
Email: [email protected]
Website: missbeattie.weebly.com
Course Description:
This course studies the structure and procedures of federal, state and local government and the fundamental themes of government such as federalism, separation of powers, and majority and minority rights. The purpose of this course is to insure that students understand political decision-making and their responsibilities as citizens of the United States of America. The course will examine and debate current issues while studying the functions of our modern day government. Students will also be introduced to the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students will gain an understanding of how our economic system functions in our political environment and in an increasing global economy. Students will also gain first hand knowledge about the use of credit cards, budgeting, student loans, and the economic choices they make as they move towards adulthood. Current events and case studies are used to explore topics such as the federal budget and trade deficits and to exemplify government in action.
The course will be conducted in a lecture/discussion format. All students will be expected to keep up with the reading assignments and demonstrate their preparedness by active participation in class discussions.
Course Bibliography:
McClenaghan, William A. Magruders’s American Government. Boston, MA: Prentice Hall, 2006.
O'Sullivan, Arthur, and Steven M. Sheffrin. Prentice Hall Economics Principles in Action. Needham, MA: Prentice Hall, 2007
Course Learning Objectives:
- Students will identify their roles in civic life, politics and government.
- Students will identify the foundations of the American political system.
- Students will understand how the government established by the Constitution embodies the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy.
- Students will understand the relationship of the United States to other nations and world affairs.
- Students will identify their roles in American democracy.
- Students will become familiar with current events at the local, state, national and international levels as they relate to government and how it functions.
- Students will register to vote and participate in local elections. (As it applies)
- Students will understand that economic problems faced by consumers in American society will have an impact on their lives as well as the rest of the world.
- Students will understand how businesses make economic decisions.
- Students will understand the principles of value and investment to help them make knowledgeable economic decisions.
- Students will understand that economic policy affects the individual, state, nation, and world.
Course Rules:
- Allow everyone to learn, including yourself. Do not interfere with learning. Tardies, failure to bring the textbook or supplies, or failure to participate are just some of the ways to interfere with learning. (School Rules regarding plagiarism, academic honesty and integrity, absences and tardies, and behavior also still apply.)
- Respect: Show respect for your fellow students, the instructor, the school, and the subject under study. When one person is talking, everyone is listening. Only one discussion will go on at a time. No “put downs” of any comment will be tolerated.
- Self- Control: Control all of your actions, words, and emotions. Take responsibility for your actions!
Academic Honesty:
Your commitment to academic honesty forms the cornerstone of your intellectual development. If you are to develop the skills necessary to succeed in this academic course and in later academic and professional experiences, you must assume the responsibility of challenging yourself intellectually and academically. To this end, this course will evaluate YOUR understanding of a variety of political and economic, concepts, and trends. Cheating and plagiarism are considered serious offenses and will not be tolerated. Please be advised that using the Internet and claiming another’s work found through such information technologies is a fundamental betrayal of the ideal of academic honesty. DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN THE POSITION TO HAVE TO CUT AND PASTE INFORMATION FOUND ELSEWHERE, LIKE WIKIPEDIA, AND CLAIM IT AS YOUR OWN. THIS IS NOT ALLOWED. Students who are found cheating or plagiarizing will receive no credit for the assignment and your parents will be contacted. Your citizenship grade will also suffer. Multiple offences will be cause for removal from the course or other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the instructor, working in consultation with the school administration, and the parent(s) of the student. See me in office hours or after school if you have any questions related to plagiarism or cheating.
Class Expectations 1. Read, study, and take notes every night. Failure to do so will make understanding our discussions more difficult. It is suggested you take notes everyday while reading the text, essays, and documents, while listening to class lectures and discussions, and while studying.
2. Read the text, and any related material frequently, think about your reading everyday, discuss Government with everyone, think some more, read some more, and discuss some more. This is the best way to really ‘get’ Government.
3. Connect what you read in Government to what you read in the newspaper or what you see on television, or the movies, or online. Look for the ‘real’ story. Everything is connected!
4. Bring your book and notebooks to class everyday. Failure to do this will lower your citizenship grade and it will impede your understanding of Government and Economics.
Class and Homework Assignments:
- All written assignments must be either typed using a font size of 11-12 point or written in blue or black ink only. Assignments written in pencil will not be accepted. I will emphasize NEAT penmanship in all written work, in addition to the content and quality of thought presented in your assignment. Assignments not adhering to these rules, including hastily written, illegible work, will be returned ungraded and considered late. Students not able to comply with these stipulations should speak with me immediately.
- Homework, typically in the form of reading, and completion of notes related to the reading will be given Monday – Thursday. I have every intention of NOT assigning homework over the weekends… You are seniors, you should have a little fun and spend time with your family and friends. I cannot guarantee that you will NEVER have homework over a weekend or Holiday, but I always try my best to avoid it.
- Late assignments will be accepted. Late work is defined as, an assignment not handed in on the day it is due or any assignment that is deemed by the instructor as substantially incomplete. The penalty for handing in work late is 50%. The assignments will be graded for accuracy and any errors will be deducted from the (already reduced) total. Example: If a 10 point assignment is late and two of the ten answers are wrong, you will receive 3 out of 10.
- Students are responsible for making up and handing in all work missed due to absences. Students will be given the amount of time to complete the assignment(s) equal to the number of days absent for excused absences.
- Tests should be taken on the day they are being administered as much as possible. The teacher will offer test make-ups on two days following each test. If a test is not taken with in a week of the original test date the student will receive a zero on that test. (Exemptions to the week policy will be given to students who are home sick for more than 3 days or who are out of school for a family emergency).
Class Procedure:
Supplies
- Spiral bound notebook: the bigger the better. This will be your primary note-taking, idea forming, essay-rough-drafting, everyday-go-to connection to this class.
- A favorite pen or two. Notes, essays, and research will be done primarily in pen.
- A couple of pencils for multiple-choice tests.
- A really good eraser. Those pink rubber erasers are no good. Get a good ‘plastic’ eraser.
Readings: Careful reading of the textbook, handouts, and other related materials is critically important for the successful and enriching study of history/social science. In order to complete the required course material, you will be required to read about one chapter a week or related material. You should take notes on readings and keep them for reference and to be used on test. Pop quizzes may be given to monitor completion of reading assignments. Notes will not be allowed to be used on quizzes. The textbook needs to be brought to class daily unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Punctuality and Class Citizenship: Class begins when the tardy bell rings. If you are not in your seat when the tardy bell rings, an unexcused tardy will be recorded. 4 unexcused tardies will result in a “U” in citizenship in a quarter. 3 unexcused tardies will result in an “N” in citizenship. Citizenship grades of “O” and “S” will be determined by the contribution each student makes to the learning community of which s/he is a part
Grades:
All work will be assigned a point value, although not all work will receive a letter grade. Grades are based on total points accumulated during each grading period. I DO NOT ROUND UP GRADES; you receive the grade you earn. You will have ample opportunity for extra credit each semester. I have structured the class in such a way to approximate your grade breaking down into the following percentages:
A+: 100% B+: 87-89% C+:77-79% D+:67-69% F: 59 or below
A: 93-99% B: 83-86% C: 73-76% D: 63-66%
A-: 90-92% B-: 80-82% C-:70-72% D-:60-62%
Weighted Grade Percentage Breakdowns
25%: Homework, In-Class Assignments, Quizzes: You will receive daily assignments in class, most homework will be optional outside of assigned readings. For each chapter it is suggested you take notes for homework these notes can be used on your tests, so thoroughness is encouraged. For notes to be used on tests they must be handwritten (if you need an exception for this please see me directly).
25%: Group Projects/Presentation:Our class is one that is built around projects and discussions, expect to have at least one group project a unit, as well as in class presentations.
30%: Tests: Expect a test for every chapter of the textbook that we cover. The tests will be a combination of multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer, and essay questions. The only notes that are allowed to be used on your test are those that have been handwritten for homework. Please be prepared to remove them from your notebook to be turned in.
20%: Final Exam: Final exams are given at the end of each semester. The format is up to the teacher and could be a traditional exam, a paper or a project.
Cell Phone Policy:
As per the LCHS policy, cell phones, iPods or other such electronic devices are not allowed to be used during instructional time. In my class, students will be asked to place their cell phones in their bags / backpacks, NOT on their person. Upon entry into the room each day students will put their cell phones away (preferably turned off, but silent is ok). If a student is caught with a phone out in class I will adhere to the schools cell phone policy.
“First Offense – The cell phone will be confiscated and kept in the 7/8 or the 9/12 Administrative Office. The student may pick up the cell phone after 3:15 pm on the same day or the next morning, no exceptions.
Second Offense – The cell phone will be confiscated and kept in the 7/8 or the 9/12 Administrative Office. The
student may pick up the cell phone after 3:15 pm on the same day or the next morning, no exceptions.
Parent/Guardian notification will be made by the discipline office, and the student will be required to perform 3
hours school community service.
Third Offense – The cell phone will be confiscated and kept in the 7/8 or the 9/12 Administrative Office. The
parent/guardian will be required to pick up the cell phone after 3:15 pm on the same day or the next morning, no
exceptions. The student will be required to perform 6 hours school community service.
Fourth Offense - The cell phone will be confiscated and kept in the 7/8 or the 9/12 Administrative Office. The
parent/guardian will be required to pick up the cell phone after 3:15pm on the same day or the next morning, no
exceptions. The students will be assigned Saturday School.”
Departmental Technology Policy:
We, as a faculty, believe that in order to effectively educate students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, communicators and collaborators - in the 21st century that requires the responsible use of technology. Recognizing that this modern technology tempts us with more and more compelling distractions, we do see the need for some regulation. The goal, therefore, of our technology policy has to be to encourage students to use technology in the classroom solely as a learning tool. Technology misuse disrupts class goals and will not be tolerated. Any infractions will result in the device in question being subject to our schools electronics policy.
The following are examples of ways that technology should/will not be used in the classroom:
- Interacting on social media
- Sending or receiving text messages
- Engaging in irrelevant/inappropriate chat
- Playing online or digital games
- Or any other use of the technology which distracts from the learning objectives of the day
Sample Test Questions:
Multiple Choice:
1.) Structure of government where the central government and smaller units SHARE power. The United States has this type of structure.
a. federal system c. confederacy
b. unitary system d. anarchy
2.) This origin of government is when People give up control a to government and the government agrees to do what is best for the people.
a. Force Theory c. Evolution Theory
b. Divine Right Theory d. Social Contract Theory
Fill In The Blank
3.) What are the four requirements of all nations (what do they have to have to be a nation)?
4.) Originally, only white males who owned property could vote. List the five major changes in voting restrictions: ______________________________________________,
Short Answer:
“Man is by nature a political animal.
― Aristotle, Politics
5.) According to Aristotle men are political animals, born with the innate sense of order and control. How are politics and government different, and what role did Aristotle play in the development of the two?
6.) Describe three ways that Free Enterprise and Socialism are different.
7.) Identify and explain a cause of globalization.
Keep this syllabus with you at all times!