Modern Presidency (CPI Elective) Syllabus “My son, if you wish, you can be taught, if you apply yourself, you will be shrewd. If you are willing to listen, you will learn, if you give heed, you will be wise.” (Sirach) Course description: This is a 1 semester, ½ credit elective, CPI course offering. This course will take a comprehensive look at the transition and growth of the executive branch through the 20th century with an emphasis on critical elections, administrations, changes in campaign styles and tactics, media influence, and the role of the party system. Students will be expected to do internet readings, projects, presentations, and discussions. Special emphasis will be placed on the recent elections. Units of study: I. Background to U.S. Presidency and executive branch. II. Early Presidency: Washington – Jackson III. 19th Century Presidency: Article I > Article II IV. Origin of the Modern Presidency: 1900 and TR V. FDR VI. WWII and the Cold War VII. 1960 and the TV presidency VIII. Democratization of elections IX. Evolution of Primaries and conventions X. Historic elections XI. Election of 2008 I firmly believe that the most important class you are taking at Moeller is your religion class. The development of our personal faith life should be the number one area of emphasis in our lives. One hundred years from now it won’t matter how well you understood American Government or American society. The second most important class you are taking this year at Moeller is your Modern Presidency class. The development of your understanding of this great nation’s government and society, how it developed, and where it is going will be the number one emphasis in this class. For the next 50+ years it will matter how well you understand American Government so that you can be a responsible, contributing member of this great land. Anticipated assignments: 2 tests per quarter 3-4 projects per quarter (Modern election power-point, parent interviews, presidential evaluations) 4-6 quizzes per quarter on readings and/or videos 1 semester final (cumulative)
Laptop Policy: Your laptop should be with you in class every day. Material online or in my teacher folder will be a regular part of the class. Often there will be activities where the laptop is not needed. It should not be out then. When the laptop is being used it should be used for activities related to this class only. Grading policy: A. 70% of your quarter grade will come from tests, quizzes, and exams. The number of each will vary per class. Unit tests will be comprised of 50-75 multiple choice/T/F questions and at least one Free Response Essay. B. 30% of your quarter grade will come from homework and class participation. The research paper will be considered part of the homework grade. Many of the homework grades will be quizzes on the reading assignments. Make Up Work: (As per the Moeller handbook) Short Term Absences (1 or 2 days) For all types of short term absences (expected, unexpected, field trips, etc), upon return to school, Moeller students are responsible for contacting their teacher to arrange make-up assignments and assessments for work that was assigned during their absence. When a student returns from an absence due to illness, family need, or other reported reason, he must acquire any missed assignment upon his return and submit it at the next class. This gives the student 1 extra day to make up work that was assigned during his absence. For work that was assigned prior to a student’s absence, and was posted on NetMoeller prior to the absence, the student is expected to have the work ready upon his return. In cases where the illness or cause of the absence was severe, and the student was unable to complete the work for the day of his return, students are expected to email their teachers to inform them that they will be unable to have the work completed upon their return. If this is unable to happen, then students and teachers will use common sense in these situations and arrange for the work to be completed by the next class. Absences of 3 to 9 days Additional day can be given for make-up work, at the teacher’s discretion, for any consecutive absences between 3 to 9 school days. It is at the teacher’s discretion, but students should expect pre-scheduled tests and/or quizzes to be administered the class following the student’s return. If a student feels he needs more time to prepare, then he must communicate this to the teacher earlier than the day the test/quiz is to be administered. Consistent Absence on Days with Assessments: Based on teacher input and absence data, students who are reported to be consistently absent on the days of scheduled tests, quizzes, and other assessments will be evaluated to determine the cause of such patterns. Academic action will be based the results of such inquiries. Teacher will work with the administration to determine an appropriate course of action. It is at the teacher’s discretion as to whether a student can make up a missed assessment opportunities after 3 absences on assessment days, unless the absences are excused or there is a clinically diagnosed condition of anxiety.
Extended Absences (applies to absences over 10 days) Any situations in which there is an extended absence of 10 days or more should be coordinated through the student’s guidance counselor. KAIROS POLICY - ABSENCES KAIROS and other retreats should treated as holistic enhancements to the academic load and done in pursuit of ‘educating for formation in faith’. Students have at least as many schools days spent on retreat to make up work for their classes, provided that is goes no further than the Friday of the week following Kairos. For assignments and assessments, even those scheduled well in advance of departure for Kairos, students are not expected to take quizzes and tests the day of their return to class. As a general rule, the teacher and student need to negotiate an appropriate schedule of due dates during the week following Kairos. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate such an arrangement with his teacher.