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American Government

Catonsville High School

Ms. Fitch

Voice Mail: (410) 788-7879 Box # 408

Class Website: www.geocities.com/fitchy27/index

Course of Study

This course is designed for students to learn about their government and political behavior. Demonstrating an understanding of the historical development and current status of principles, institutions, and processes of political systems will prepare students to become effective citizens. Effective citizens possess a clear understanding of government: its purposes, its processes and its shortcomings. Effective citizens believe that willingness to question is a characteristic of critical thinking, and that positions which are examined, are more successfully justified.

This course will prepare students for the Maryland High School Government Assessment that students will take this year. Students will also be taking a Baltimore County Final Exam that will affect their final grade for the class.

Units of Study

Unit 1: Nature & and Purposes of Government

Unit 2: The Constitution and Values of Democracy

Unit 3: Types of Government and Economic Systems

Unit 4: The Executive Branch

Unit 5: The Legislative Branch

Unit 6: The Judicial Branch

Unit 7: Public Policies

Unit 8: Influence of Individuals and Groups

Class Rules

In addition to the rules listed below, students are expected to adhere to the Catonsville High School Honor Code and to all rules stated in the Baltimore County Public Schools Student Handbook.

Ø Students will not eat or drink in the classroom, except water in a clear plastic bottle

Ø Students will remove their hat while in class

Ø Students will show respect for themselves, others, and school property

Ø Students will come to class on time and be seated before the late bell rings

Materials

1. A three-ring binder with a section for American Government. Divide this section into: Drills/Summaries, Classwork, Vocabulary, and Homework.

2. Blue or black ink pens only. Assignments turned in with other color inks will not be accepted.

3. Two highlighters, any color.

4. One pack of 3x5 index cards.

5. CHS Student Planner

Classroom Procedures

Each day, students will:

1. Be prepared for class (i.e. always have all materials and assignments due).

2. Place homework on their desk.

3. Copy the objective; complete the drill and record homework in planner.

4. Participate and complete all daily assignments.

5. Stay on task and work cooperatively during all group activities.

Grading Policy

1. Classwork is worth 50% of your grade. This includes not only the quantity but also the quality of work completed. As a result, attendance is a vital component to your success in this class (see attendance policy section).

2. Homework will be given every night. Even if you do not have a written assignment, you are expected to read over what we did in class that day, recopy notes, and study vocabulary. Homework is 20% of your grade. All homework should be recorded daily in the student planner.

3. Assessments will be worth 25% of your grade. This includes tests, projects, or any other type of assessment that evaluates content knowledge.

4. Vocabulary quizzes will count as 5% of your grade.

* You will be graded on an overall point system. All of the work assigned will be given a point value. The points that you earn will be added up and divided by the total point value of the assignment. You are responsible for the points that you earn based on the quality of the work that you do.

Make-up work may be obtained ONLY if you are legally absent from class (and have an approved excused note). It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get the work you missed, complete it and turn it in. Students should get papers from the assignment bin, request notes from a classmate, and make an appointment to stay after school as necessary.

Late work: Work is expected to be turned in on time. Zeros’ add up and can seriously affect your grade! I will only accept work 1 day late for half credit. After this grace period, a zero will be given. It is in your best interest to complete the work even if credit is lost. The material could show up again on a quiz or test.

Notebook: Keeping a well-organized notebook will help you to understand material covered in the course. Every paper that you complete should have your name, a title, and the date at the top. All work should be placed in chronological order in your notebook, including papers returned to you. There will be random notebook checks!

Student Planners:

C.H.S. provides all ninth grade students with planners. Students are expected to use their planners daily to record homework and long-term assignments. The planner contains more than just a calendar. It includes important school information and numerous other helpful resources. Students who are enrolled in this course but are not ninth graders need to acquire their own planner.

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