United States Government Rm. 327 Mr. Parry Keep This for Future Reference Objectives: To develop a clearer understanding of the formation and development of American the political and economic systems. We will examine the foundations of our government, the roles of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches, roles of Special Interest groups, the rolls that lobbyists and citizens play in the execution of day to day government, and the influence that economic systems have on the functions of these government systems. The bulk of the learning style that we will use throughout this year will be a hands-on year long simulation that will require direct student participation everyday. Failure to participate in class will cause the loss of 35% of your grade and possible failure in the class. If you can not function in an hands on learning environment you need to strongly consider transferring into another class quickly. We will analyze ideas and issues throughout American National Government and State and Local government while being able to make connections for today’s world view. It will be important to try and remember what you have learned about government, especially at the start of the semester. If you are from out of the county, or the state, it will be important that I know this, sometime during the first two weeks of class. In addition to content you will learn, work on, and enhance additional key skills necessary for success throughout the remainder of your educational experience and life. These skills will include: Writing, Reading, Note Taking, Objective Analysis, Comparing and Contrasting Data, Outlining, Listening Skills, Responsibility Training, Citizenship Awareness, Team Work Skills, and Personal Accounting and Finance. Content: At the start of the class, we will examine the origins, purpose, and evolution of government systems in order to set the foundation for our later learning. Then we will slow and study, in more detail the structure, organization, and functions of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches. We will then continue with more sophistication and content by looking at the roles that individuals, groups, and institutions play in influencing government. We will end the year by examining in depth economic principals and the stock market, and the roles the government plays in shaping domestic and foreign policy. Comments: You need to keep this, pay attention, and keep up with the readings and/or research that are assigned for homework. In class; I will discuss how to makeup work, policies on extra credit, passing tests, working on the additional essential skills, and dealing with the academic pressure(s) you face as a Sophomore in High School. Grading: You will receive a letter grade for this class. You earn this grade. If you don’t take advantage of the opportunities I provide you your failure is your own fault and responsibility. Yet, you will come away with more than just a letter grade to measure your learning. Points earned come largely from the classwork simulation/project and your tests/quizzes. Classwork, Tests/Quizzes are a major part of your grade in this class. In order to do well in this class you MUST participate every day, and complete assigned classwork. The bulk of the learning in this class is hands-on, simulation based. If you have a failing grade in either of these areas you could possibly fail the class for that quarter. Assigned homework is not busy work. It will be assigned at least three nights a week and will be related to an out of class research project. Homework must be completed properly in order for you to successfully complete the project. Tests and quizzes will reflect what you have learned from your classwork and homework. If you fail to do the homework and/or the classwork, DO NOT expect to do well on the tests or quizzes. Finally, research projects will be assigned during each marking period. In addition to the research projects, you will participate daily in an ongoing project simulation that will incorporate classwork and project points. Homework is due at the beginning of class each day. No late homework will be accepted. You MUST bring your homework to class with you. You will not be allowed to go to your locker to get your homework once class has begun. Late classwork will be decided upon on a case by case basis. If you miss class due to an excused reason you should try and have someone pick up any handouts for the day. If you can not, there is a yellow calendar at the back of the room. On it will be each day’s classwork/homework for that month. When you return from being sick/absent/etc., you will go to that calendar to find out what classwork/homework you missed. Once you determine the work you missed, there is a folder with each day’s handouts below the calendar. Simply take the ones you need. If you have additional questions relating to the classwork/homework please see me. DO NOT ask me what homework you missed while you were absent. It is your responsibility to get the homework that you missed and turn it in within the specified amount of time. The amount of time allowed for make-up work to be completed will correspond to the length of the absence. (Ex. Absent 2 classes = 2 classes to complete and turn in the assignments). ONLY EXCUSED absences will be allowed to make up work for credit. Grading Scale is typical: 100% - 90.0 = A 89.9% - 80.0 = B 79.9% - 70.0 = C 69.9% - 60.0 = D - 59.0 = F % of your total grade: Classwork/Participation: 35% Homework: 10% Tests and Quizzes: 35% Projects: 20% Heading on Papers: All papers turned in for this class must have a proper heading. The proper heading is as follows: Name/Period Date Subject Extra Credit: Extra Credit will be given on a case by case basis. More on this will be discussed in class on the first day. Materials Needed: Bellow is a list of the most critical items you will need for this class every day. It is your responsibility to bring these items. They will not be provided to you. 1. 80-120 page spiral notebook, ruled, and standard size – used every day. 2. Pens (blue or black ink for tests) 3. #2 Pencils 4. Loose leaf paper (recommended that you keep in a three ring binder) Responsibilities: Be to class on time and in your assigned seat when the bell rings. ~ You must always be prompt and on time for class. ~ Listen and know the procedures for the conduction of class work, tests, quizzes, and homework. ~ Students should not come late to class; you lose when you are late, or do not turn in your work on time. ~ Common courtesy is to be practiced towards others at all times. ~ Behavior that inhibits your learning, the learning of others, or interferes with my teaching, will not be tolerated. Offenses include: lateness to class, cheating, disrespectful behavior, excessive disruption of the learning environment, and violations of Wilde Lake High School rules. ~All discipline infractions will be handled via the Wilde Lake High School Discipline Policy. ~ Do not work on another class during my class time. Check with me if you are under duress and need to complete something for another class. YOU MUST ASK FIRST. Sometimes it is ok to do unless I inform you otherwise. WLHS and I encourage you to get involved in school in some aspect or another, which is out of the classroom and academics. This also is very important for your experience. If you are involved with WLHS outside of the classroom, it will take energy and time; however, options will be available to you unlike most of your other classes. Room: 327 School Phone- 410-313-6965 School E-mail: adam_parry@hcpss.org Miscellaneous Items: No food, gum, or drink in the class No Hats Use of the desk Bathroom and drinking fountain Cell Phones Bringing your textbook to class Public and School Libraries Parents – teachers – relationships Make-up If you miss the first few days of class here is a list of things we will discuss and that you will want to be aware of if you are not here the first day. Textbook Extra Credit My Class and how it functions Seat Assignments Quizzes Mr. Parry U.S. Gov’t THIS SHEET IS RETURNED TO ME FOR 20 HOMEWORK PTS 10th Grade I have read the above material and am aware of class objectives, expectations, grading procedures, and responsibilities that are required of me as a student. Student Name _______________________________________ Date:_________________ Parents, I look forward to having your child in my class. If at any time you feel the need to discover how your student is doing please contact me, and I will give you the latest information that I have on them. At times I will send out parent notification regarding the major assignments or projects our class is doing. To keep you informed I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with your e-mail address if you have one. If your child is having problems (education or behavior) I will contact you in accordance to HCPSS rules. If you contact me, I will try to return your request that day or the next. For faster responses from me please e-mail me at adam_parry@hcpss.org. I typically check my e-mail 2 to 3 times a day. I have read the above material in this syllabus and am aware of class objectives, expectations, grading procedures, and responsibilities of my child. Parent or Guardian Name: ___________________________________ Date: _________________ Parent or Guardian phone number(s) that I can reach you out to discuss your student’s progress: __________________________; __________________________ Parent or Guardian e-mail address so that I can reach you to discuss your student’s progress: ____________________________________________________