American Government 2012 – 2013
Course Syllabus
Truman High School Teacher: Mr. Byrne Contact Information: Phone: (Truman) 816.521.5350 Email: jared_byrne@isdschools.org COURSE DESCRIPTION: The aim of this course is to encourage thoughtful examination of American Government and the Missouri Constitution. This aim will be accomplished by focusing on the visions, documents, practices, and accomplishments of particular individuals and groups as they helped America’s Government. COURSE COMPETANCIES: The Independence School District outlines six goals for students who complete this course, otherwise known as course competencies. In short, the competencies are designed to measure your understanding of both content and skills. As outlined in these competencies, students who complete American Government will be able to: 1) Identify major themes within the Missouri and U.S. Constitutions; 2) Evaluate the rights and responsibilities of members of local, state, and national communities; 3) Analyze the three branches of government as they affect individuals in our society; 4) Examine major milestones in the development of U.S. democracy; and 5) Design a major project utilizing research, writing, and speaking skills. EXPECTATIONS: First and foremost, be courteous. Treat your fellow class mates as you would want them to treat you. Be respectful of their opinions, and listen to their viewpoints. That does not mean you have to agree with them, but every individual in this classroom will have an equal opportunity to express their beliefs. Come to class on time. Truman’s tardy policy will be followed in this classroom. We are here to learn first, which means we have to build a safe learning environment for each and every student. What you can expect from me is respect, honesty, my complete attention, courtesy, and my absolute best effort to ensure a successful learning experience. SUPPLIES: For this class you will need paper, pen/pencil, and a highlighter. Any other supplies that may be used throughout the semester will be announced prior to that class period. I do not loan pens, pencils, or paper so make sure you are prepared for each class period. ACADEMIC HONESTY:
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this class. Each student is expected to do her/his own work. Failure to do so will result in a zero for the assignment, quiz, or test. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to: copying another student’s work, allowing another student to copy, plagiarism – taking another person’s ideas and presenting them as one’s own – this includes copying and pasting information for a paper from another publication or the Internet, failing to cite sources of information in a bibliography and/or within the text of a paper, paraphrasing ideas from another work without citing that work, and obtaining exam questions prior to the exam without the teacher’s knowledge. QUIZZES: A quiz can (and throughout the semester will) be given at any time, so come to class prepared. *We will have a vocab word of the day that will be quizzed. TESTS: Any talking or distractive behavior DURING AND AFTER the test will result in a ZERO. This class is a state requirement and a failure to pass the course will result in a FAILURE TO GRADUATE! The student’s overall grade will heavily depend on how well she/he does on each test. Since the test will be assessing the overall knowledge of the students, the tests overall point values will be more than any other assignment. ASSESSMENT: The Grade: I follow a standard grading scale – 100-90 = A, 89-80 = B, 79-70 = C, 69-60 = D, 59-0 = F. GRADES
Homework: Homework is designed to provide quality, independent learning that has a purpose. You could receive full credit if turned in on the date assigned. After that you could receive up to 70% credit of what you turn in. From that date you will have one week to get every missing assignment turned in. Participation Grade: You will have a Daily Participation Grade. Students who miss school for any reason will be required to make-up tests, quizzes, assignments or activities to receive daily participation points for the classes they miss. Students who miss class for school-related activities will not be required to make up missed time. They will, however, be required to make up course work prior to the date of the school activity. It is the student’s responsibility to acquire and complete all course work prior to participating in the school activity. It will not be added until the third week of the 3rd or 6th trister.
CLASS PROCEDURES AND EXPECTATIONS: Be respectful toward your peers, your teacher, and yourself. Watch the language, be considerate, listen, and participate. Tardies: I expect you to be in the classroom when the bell rings. That does not mean sliding into the room while the bell is ringing (no matter how much you complain). I will follow the school procedure, so if you are tardy, just hand over your tardy card before I ask for it. Nothing makes me grumpier than having to wait on you to get your agenda after you are tardy to my class. Please keep in mind as well that asking permission to be tardy does not absolve you of tardiness. Use your passing time wisely. Unexcused Absences: I do not anticipate this being a problem; however, if unexcused absences become an issue I will issue Wednesday Schools for missing my class, as your student handbook clearly outlines. I will not accept any assignments due the day you were unexcused, nor can you
make up the class work, but you will still want to find out what you missed, as you will be responsible for that information later. Make-up work for excused absences: Make-up work is due within two class periods of your return to school. Exceptions can be made for extended absences, but you should discuss that with me on an individual basis. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, I will expect the assignment the next time I see you in class. It is your responsibility to find out what you have missed (I will not approach you). Electronic Devices: If I see an electronic device in the classroom I will take them. This includes cell phones, Ipods, mp3 players, and any other electrical devices. If you have these devices out, make sure they are put away prior to entering the classroom. “I was just checking the time!” is not an excuse. Parent Communication: Parents can email or call the school, and I will respond within 48 hours.
NEED HELP?: Please make an appointment with me to discuss any disability or deficiency that may hinder your learning experience. Every student has the right to an equal education opportunity, and I will always be here to provide that opportunity for you. Of course, any and everything discussed will be confidential from other students. My Extra Help hours will be posted in the classroom. I will be available Tuesdays from 6:457:15AM, as well. LEAVING THE CLASSROOM (school policy) Once students enter the classroom, they will not be allowed to leave. Student’s lack of preparation for not having their books or needing to use the restroom will not be an excuse. Only in extreme emergencies will that student be allowed to leave. If the student continues to leave the classroom they will have to make up classroom time missed before or after school the next day.
End of Course Exam As part of a Missouri State requirement, ALL American Government students will take an End of Course Exam in December. This exam will comprise 5% of the student’s semester grade at Truman High School. Grade Breakdown: 30% = Tests 20% = Quizzes 20% = Daily Work 15% = Participation 15% = Homework