Advanced Placement US Government & Politics/Honors Economics Mr. Bruhnke Room 223 abruhnke@lausd.net

Course Objectives Advanced Placement (A.P.) Government and Honors Economics is a one-year, two semester course, whose primary purpose is to prepare the student for the A.P. Government test in May. In addition, upon satisfactory completion, the student shall receive “Honors” credit in Economics. In both Government and Economics, the student is expected to obtain a mastery of the content on par with his/her peers currently enrolled in such courses at the university-level. As such, the course requires the exceptional student to focus considerable more energy in his/her studies than might normally be required of the typical high school senior. In addition to a more rigorous and thorough examination of the content, the student of A.P. Government and Honors Economics should expect an average of 3-5 hours per week of out-of-class work (does not take into account studying for exams!), including reading assignments, research projects, debate preparation, etc.

Honors Economics Our study of Economics will take place partially as a major component of Government (with two exceptions noted below). The key concepts and branches of economics – micro and macro economics, international trade and development – will be explored at length within the context of American Politics and Government. As necessary, this approach will allow for major detours into current economic issues (Great Recession, problems in the Euro Zone, emerging economies, immigration) to foster understanding - particularly as it relates to policies aimed at affecting the business cycle and international economic development and integration. In addition, we will be spending the initial 4-5 weeks of the Fall Semester discussing key concepts in economics, followed by a detailed examination of macroeconomic policy Finally, our final 3-4 weeks following the AP exam will include at least two economic-related projects: students will engage in economic policy debates on a current topic (immigration, health care, etc) and participate in a labor-management, collective bargaining simulation

AP Government Our study of Government will begin in early October. The course begins with a study of the foundations of the American system, including the origins of the Constitution, federalism, and American political culture. Our second unit concentrates on the American political system, including the role of public opinion, political parties, interest groups, the media, and voters in campaigns and the electoral process. Next, our third unit turns us to a detailed examination of the three branches - legislative, executive, judicial - of the National Government, as well as to the Federal Bureaucracy. (Note: this third unit is the heart of the course!) Our fourth unit focuses on public policies (foreign affairs, civil liberties, environment, economics, civil rights, military, social welfare), and, as time permits, our fifth and final unit will include a study of state and local governments.

Homework & Assessment Homework: As mentioned, the student should expect an average of 3-5 hours of out-of-class homework per week. Also, note that the two-week period prior to the A.P. exam may be supplemented with afterschool and/or weekend test preparation and review sessions. Assessment: Students will take 2-3 quizzes per week that most often test the previous night’s reading assignment. Unit exams will be given, on average, every three weeks. The format for such exams shall include an objective component (multiple-choice, true/false, short answer), essay questions, and/or analyses of historical documents and writings, graphs, diagrams, etc. Projects: In addition, students will be required to complete a number of projects, which might include field work, research projects, debates, simulations, etc.

Service Learning The Political Action Project According to LAUSD policy, students will complete a service-learning experience integrated into the curriculum of an academic course, in order to graduate from high school. Service-learning is a teaching/learning strategy in which students learn and develop through active participation in high quality service that meets the needs of a community, and is integrated into and enhances a rigorous academic curriculum. At San Pedro High School, this requirement will be offered through a political service project in their 12th grade Government course. Teachers will provide students and parents with detailed information regarding the project.

Grading Grading Scale: A traditional, point-based, grading scale is as follows: 100-90% = A 89-80% = B 79-70% = C 69-60% = D A rough breakdown of the point system as it affects the students’ grade would be: 60% = exams 20% = quizzes and homework 20% = projects

Communication Parents can keep informed by: Checking every fifth week for a progress report Emailing instructor at abruhnke@lausd.net Logging on to www.schoology.com to monitor student’s progress