CIVICS
SYLLABUS
The class grade will be broken down on a point system. There will be a total number of points that you can earn by the end of the trimester. Homework will generally be worth between 5 and 15 points, quizzes worth between 10 and 20 points and tests/research reports will be worth between 40 and 100 pints. Then there is class participation which will count for 100 pts. at the end of the trimester.
Quizzes can and will be given at any time. You can generally count on one quiz per week minimum. Tests will be given at the end of each unit. There will be review days for the tests, but not for quizzes.
Quizzes
Homework is to be completed by the assigned date in order to earn full credit. You lose 25% of the possible credit for each day an assignment is late. You have up to three days to turn in late work. After three days the assignment will be marked as earning no credit. Homework is to be done in complete sentences and in pen.
Finally, there will be a Public Achievement component to this class in which each student will be expected to participate.
SCHEDULE:
WEEK ONE: Unit One (Chapters 1-3) Foundations of Citizenship:
PAGES: 2-77
HW: As assigned
PAPERS: Two citizenship papers
UNIT TEST: Monday, Sept. 12
This unit will give you a basic idea of the building blocks of American citizenship. This will help each student understand the background which Americans have had that helped to form the unique society that we live in.
WEEKS TWO AND THREE: Unit Two (Chapters 4-7) Creating a Lasting Government
PAGES: 82-205
HW: As assigned
PAPERS: One Constitution paper
UNIT TEST: Tuesday, Sept. 27
This unit will give each student a better understanding of the Constitution, the background of its writing and its ability to be used in today’s society. The students will also understand that the Constitution is the document that gives them the freedoms that they can actively enjoy as citizens.
WEEKS FOUR AND FIVE: Unit 3 (Chapters 8-10) The Federal Government
PAGES: 210-287
HW: Public Achievement progress reports
PAPERS: One PA tie-in
UNIT TEST: Tuesday, Oct. 11
This unit will introduce the students to a deeper understanding of the three branches of the federal government, including how each is selected and the powers that each branch has at its disposal.
WEEK SIX: Unit 4 (Chapters 11 and 12) State and Local Government
PAGES: 292-343
HW: PA updates
PAPERS: Federal and State comparison
UNIT TEST: (mid-tri) Wednesday, Oct. 19
This unit will introduce the students to the specific workings of the Minnesota and St. Paul governments. Students will understand how they can become involved with both and how each has a direct impact on their lives.
WEEKS SEVEN AND EIGHT: Unit 8 (Chapters 22-23) People Make a Difference
PAGES: 588-639
HW: Election material
PAPERS: One on the election
UNIT TEST: Friday, Nov. 4
This unit will help the students understand the American political system, including American political parties. This will help prepare the students for the upcoming federal elections.
WEEKS NINE AND TEN: Unit 7 (Chapters 19-21) The American Legal System
PAGES: 510-583
HW: Public Achievement
PAPERS: One PA tie-in
UNIT TEST: Friday, Nov. 18
This unit will give the students a specific glimpse at the generalities of the legal process in this country. Included in this unit will be a focus on the students’ rights, where they gain those rights and how the concept of civil justice is incorporated into this country.
Comprehensive Final Exam Thanksgiving Week
