1. Political Science Ms. Muraca

2. Course Overview Politics matters. If you do not take an interest and participate, others will, and they will influence the decisions that govern your life. Will they take us to war in a foreign land? Who might have to fight in that war? You. Will they alter the tax code to favor certain citizens and corporations? Who will have to pay in taxes what others avoid paying? You. Will they set up government programs whose costs escalate far beyond what anyone had foreseen? Who then will have to pay these costs? You. One goal of this course is to make you aware of what politics is and how it works so that you can look after yourself and prevent others from using you. The ignorant are manipulated. Through examples from the United States and from other lands, this course will introduce you to the whole field of political science looking at a variety of theories, conceptual frameworks, and paradigms.

3. Academic Expectations Complete all homework and class work. Maintain an organized notebook Participate in classroom activities and discussions Seek extra help Work to the best of your ability

4. Grading Policy Philosophically, students begin the course with a "0" and earn the grades they receive. Assessments = 55% Class work/Homework/Meet the Press = 45% Quarter Grade 100%

5. Late homework will NOT be accepted. Late class work will NOT be accepted. Late papers or projects will lose 10 points off the final grade for each day late. See NHS handbook for make-up policy. You must ask for make-up work. – You can also find it on my website: http://nhspoliticalscience.wikispaces.com http://nhspoliticalscience.wikispaces.com Absent on the day of a test/quiz? – Schedule an appointment to make-up the assessment – I expect high school students to be mature enough to remember the date/time of the make-up. Make-Up & Late Work

6. Plagiarism Trying to pass off another’s ideas, writing, or homework as one’s own whether due to intent or ignorance. See student handbook for consequences. Internet Usage – Use of the internet is encouraged; however, it must not be abused. – Students are not to take material off of the internet verbatim, unless it is appropriately indicated in quotes with a citation. – This applies to all work. – Downloading material off of the internet and using it as your own constitutes plagiarism and will be treated accordingly.

7. Classroom Expectations Be Respectful – Have respect for your classmates, your teacher, and yourself. Insults and inappropriate language and behavior will not be tolerated. Be Prepared – Bring all necessary materials with you to class and be ready to learn. – Be on-time; if you are tardy to class without a pass, you will serve a detention that afternoon. Be Responsible – Take responsibility for your learning, your future, and your behavior. – If something is unclear ask questions and complete your assignments on time.

8. Classroom Procedures Entering the Classroom – Do NOT loiter (stand or wait around in the hallway). 1.Take your assigned seat. 2.Read and complete the schema quietly and independently 3.Wait for further instructions from the teacher Arriving Late 1.Walk in quietly making as little noise as possible. 2.Drop your pass off on the front table. 3.Take your assigned seat. 4. Join the activity in progress. Leaving the Classroom – The bell does not dismiss the class, I do. – Do not pack up or leave your seats until I dismiss the class.

9. Classroom Cell Phone Policy No cell phones or electronic devices are to be used within the classroom – unless otherwise noted by teacher. If a student is caught using a cell phone or electronic device while in class without permission… – I will confiscate the phone or device – It will not be returned until a parent comes to school to claim it. – Repeated violations of this policy shall warrant further disciplinary action by the school administration.

10. Questions & Contact Do you have any questions? How to contact me? − amuraca@npsct.org amuraca@npsct.org My Website − http://NHSpoliticalscience.wikispaces.com http://NHSpoliticalscience.wikispaces.com