CIVICS SYLLABUS
Course Description
This course deals with the concept of government, the basic elements of the U.S. Constitution, the essential characteristics of limited and unlimited government, and the evolution and many roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Students will examine the civic responsibilities that are important to preserving and improving our American constitutional democracy.
Learning Goals and Course Objectives
The student will:
Understand how the American government is structured and functions.
Understand their rights and civic obligations.
Examine the founding documents.
Tests/Projects:
35%
Quizzes:
25%
Homework:
20%
Classwork:
20%
Units of Study
Unit 1 Purpose & Structure of Government
Unit 2 Executive Branch - focus on local or national election process
Unit 3 Legislative Branch
Unit 4 Judicial Branch
Missing / Make-Up Work
Students who are absent, excused or unexcused, are expected to make up all work. Students have as many school days to make up work as they were absent, and this time period begins upon the student’s return to school. If a student is absent on the day of a test or quiz or project due date, they are expected to take the test/quiz or hand in the project on the day they return.
Attendance
In accordance with the school policy, students will lose the right to attain a weighted letter grade with more than 9 excused and unexcused absences within a semester. Credit may still be granted if a student:
1. completes all missing work within the allowed time frame;
2. demonstrates understanding of all course competencies; and
3. earns a passing average for the marking period and/or semester.
Students who satisfy all of the above criteria will be given a Credit Only (CO) on their report card and transcript, which indicates the student is receiving credit without a letter grade. A grade of a (CO) is equal to a Grade Point Value of 1.0. For averaging purposes, (CO) counts as a 65.
Extra Help
The Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that provides free video tutorials and interactive exercises. It is a free learning opportunity for any student or teacher looking to learn more about a particular topic or practice a skill. Khan is also connected to the SAT and provides students with a free learning program that is customized to individual needs. Khan is available by visiting: www.khanacademy.org Teacher is available on Fridays during FLEX time to assist with any assignments.
Plagiarism
At DHS we expect the highest standards of academic honesty. Academic dishonesty is prohibited in accordance with school policy. This policy prohibits cheating on examinations, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, unauthorized access to examinations or course materials, plagiarism, and other prescribed activities. Students will be held to the policy for intentional and unintentional plagiarism as outlined in the student handbook
PowerSchool
PowerSchool is a web-based student information system that provides grade management and viewing for teacher, parents/guardians, and student alike. Teachers are able to record grades and attendance for students to view at home in PowerSchool. PowerSchool is also used by the Danbury Public Schools to organize all relevant student information, such as a student’s address, phone numbers, and emergency contacts. It is imperative that parents/guardians keep their PowerSchool information as accurate as possible. PowerSchool uses this information to send informational and emergency phone calls, as well as emails to parents/guardians. Please be sure to provide current information to your level office. If you need help accessing PowerSchool, please see your school counselor.