US GOVERNMENT MR. HERBERT Room 101

What is Government? This is NOT a history course; history is dead. Government is very much alive - happening to us, by us, with or without us…..and sometimes without us even KNOWING IT!

What kind of stuff do I get? Materials: Students will be provided with a textbook, but this will not, nor is it intended to, supplant the class lecture. Regular attendance is both necessary and expected. - At the beginning of each week you will be assigned readings for the week. You will have all week to get these done, but it is extremely important that you DO actually get these done.

Objective #1: Understand the roots of American politics by exploring our nation’s history

Objective #2: Examine how the events of our past have led to the decisions of the present

Objective #3: Discuss the differing ideologies represented by American political parties

Objective #4: Gain an understanding of the problems faced by our nation and our government. (2008) (2012)

Objective #5: Identify the individuals responsible for running our government

Objective #6: Recognize varying forms of propaganda throughout the media

Objective #7: Draw comparisons and contrasts between the United States government and the varying governmental bodies around the world

Objective #8: Prepare to be an active citizen of a representative Democracy

Objective #9: Facilitate the learning of fellow classmates by actively engaging in the class activities and discussion.

Daily Assignments MiPOD: (My Individual Problem of the Day) -At the beginning of class each day, copy down the MiPOD. At the end of class, answer the question. It’s that easy. Periodically, students will be given POD Quizzes. Students will be allowed to use POD’s on tests and quizzes

In-Class Work: Despite my best attempts to revolutionize the curriculum, sometimes the old fashioned, tried and true method IS the best route. On such occasions it is imperative that you use your class time effectively. I don’t make it a point to assign you homework; however, if you are unable to finish an assignment in a given period you are expected to treat it as homework.

Simulations: A big part of government class is role-playing the democratic process. In order to do this, you have to be here. Students will be expected to participate in these activities regardless of whether or not you “feel like it”. These will vary.

Topic Papers TOPIC PAPERS: On the first class day of each month, starting in September, students will receive a topic. It will be your responsibility (outside of class time) to do research into this topic and ultimately produce a (500 word minimum) paper answering the topic question. Though these are opinion driven responses, you will be expected to consult outside sources to help back up your thesis. These writing assignments, though short in length, are to be taken very seriously.

DBQ: At least once, but probably twice this semester, students will be asked to write full- length essays using supplied primary source documents. These are timed assessments, with students being given no more than 90 minutes to complete the task.

TESTS: 1)Students will be tested at the end of each unit. 2) The test will mark the completion of the unit. No late work for that unit is accepted after test day 3) The information on the test will be 75% from class and 25% from assigned readings. 4) Per department guidelines, if a student misses a test due to an excused absence, they will have one week to make up the test or it will become a zero. If a student misses a test due to an unexcused absence, it will become a zero automatically.

Late Work Due dates are to be taken very seriously. The LHS social studies department policy on late work is enforced in this classroom and is as follows: –1 day late = 10% deduction –2+ days late = 50% deduction –After the unit exam = NOT ACCEPTED. Grade Welfare program

Expectations The degree to which I put forth effort to help you succeed will be dictated largely by your attendance. The greatest study tool you have is your attendance in class. It is not an accident that the students who show up to class everyday do better than those who do not show up for class. Woody Allen was right: “90% of life is showing up”

Tardies: 1) Being on time is a sign of respect. 2) Being late can easily distract a classroom environment. 3) I get paid to start class when the bells rings, with or without you. Therefore, I STRICTLY enforce my tardy policy. Level 1: Upon your FIFTH tardy, you will receive an office referral. Level 2: Upon your TENTH tardy, you will receive a second office referral and can earn no better than a “C-” in this course. Level 3: Upon your FIFTEENTH tardy, you will receive a third office referral and no better than a “D-” in this course.

For those of you into math…. In this class there will be 1040 total points offered 160 of these points will be via simulation/participation/attendance (15.4%) 316 of these points will be via homework (30.4%) 123 of these points will be via MiPod quiz (11.8%) 291 of these points will be via tests (28%) 150 of these points will be via topic papers (14.4%)

Prepare yourself to have to work to earn your grade. Last semester 40% of students earned a “C” or lower. 16% of students did not pass the class. this is a mandatory course for graduation – failing should not be an option for you.

Food & Drink I don’t like mice or roaches, so I’d prefer you not feed them. I also don’t like my classroom to smell like McDonald’s. If I wanted to smell like McDonald’s, I’d work at McDonald’s. Eat lunch, at lunch.