COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Syllabus and Policies

Description  Sovereignty and Power  Political Institutions  Citizens and the State  Political and Economic Change  Public Policy. China Russia Iran United Kingdom Nigeria Mexico

The AP Test  Tuesday May 14  50%- 55 Multiple Choice (45 min)  50%- Free Response Questions  5 short answer  2 conceptual analysis  1 country in context

Class Outline 1. Introduction and the European Union (10 days) 2. United Kingdom (11 days) 3. Russia (9 days) 4. China (8 days) 5. Mexico (8 days) 6. Nigeria (8 days) 7. Iran (8 days) 8. Review (7-10 days) 9. Post Exam Project (4-5 days)

Why these Countries?

Reading  Introduction to Comparative Politics by Mark Kesselman, et al. (4th Ed.)  Readings in Comparative Politics by Mark Kesselman and Joel Krieger  Numerous web pages and news sites  What You Need to Know by Kenneth Wedding (4th Ed.)- Recommended  The Economist magazine- Recommended

Tests and Quizzes  Tests:  eight tests  1/2 multiple choice, 1/2 free response questions  Quizzes:  most class days  Assess reading and review.  five multiple choice questions  Each incorrect question will be 10% off of the total score  Some quizzes will be open notes, doubled, or have bonus questions  One quiz a semester may be exempted from the grade book

Assignments  Essays  book of their choice, country specific public policy, and a film  Articles  Assigned by Mr. Hairgrove  Students find one per unit  One paragraph summary, one paragraph reaction  Classwork

Work Expectations  Be responsible  Be prepared  Be engaged in class  I don’t give you BS assignments, don’t give me BS work

Tech Policies 1. Stay on relevant websites and programs during class time. 2. Use of technology to cheat, view pornography, bully other students, or any other inappropriate action will result in the fullest possible consequences from school administrators. 3. Any technology failure at school or at home is the responsibility of the student. 4. No technology is allowed out during quizzes or tests. 5. iPads can be borrowed first on a need basis then on a first come basis. Borrowed iPads must be wiped down and docked after use.

Technology Goals  Assignments submitted via internet  Students access calendar, notes via website  Students can take notes in class via technology  Some teachers don’t believe you are responsible enough. Don’t prove them right!

Late Assignments  A specific time window to be submitted.  10% penalty per day and will not be accepted after five class days.  No article summary accepted after test

Absences  Students are responsible for any notes or assignments given in class.  Before discussing with Mr. Hairgrove, check his website and talk to another student about what was missed.  Any missed quizzes must be made up before or after school.  Students will have the number of class days absent to make up work from when they are absent.  If a student is going to miss a scheduled test, they must inform Mr. Hairgrove in advance or by 10 am the day of the test.

Class Calendar  There will be a class calendar on my website.  Updated continuously and is subject to change.  Students are responsible for keeping up with changes made on the website or communicated in class.

Classroom Expectations  Pick up your assigned clicker and be seated by the time the bell rings  Fluid transition with desk movements  Pencils  Bathroom

Note-Taking Expectations  Ask me more questions than I ask you gg