Government Syllubus

Sharyland High School

U.S. Government

Course Syllabus

Teacher: Coach James Penbrook

E-mail: [email protected]

 Phone: (956) 580-5300 ext. 1336

 

 

 

 

 

Course Description:

In Government, the focus is on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. Students learn major political ideas and forms of government in history. A significant focus of the course is on the U.S. Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government it created. Students analyze major concepts of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights and compare the U.S. system of government with other political systems.

 

The student is expected to analyze the structure and functions of the three branches of government starting with the legislative branch of government, including the bicameral structure of Congress, the role of committees, and the procedure for enacting laws. They then go on to analyze the structure and functions of the executive branch of government, including the constitutional powers of the president, the growth of presidential power, and the role of the Cabinet and executive departments. And finally they analyze the structure and functions of the judicial branch of government, including the federal court system and types of jurisdiction.

 

Course Agenda/Outline:

 

9 Week Semester

 

Chapter 1: Foundations of Government

Chapter 5: Congress-The Legislative Branch

Chapter 2: Origins of American Government

Chapter 6: The Presidency

Chapter 3: The Constitution

Chapter 8: The Federal Courts & the Judicial Branch

Chapter 4: Federalism

Chapter 12: Understanding Elections

 

 

Available Tutoring Time: Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 A.M. to 8:00 A.M.

 

Conference Time: Monday through Friday 2nd Block 9:44 P.M. to 11:14 P.M.

 

Course Supplies:

 

§ 3”Binder or folder

§ Index cards

§ Loose Leaf Paper

§ Ruler

§ Pencils/Pens

§ Color Pencils/markers

 

Classroom Rules:

§ Arrive to class on time and be in your assign seat when the bell rings.

§ Be prepared to class with all your supplies and assignments.

§ Respect others, their property and school property and materials.

§ At the end of each block, clean up area by your desk & put away books.

§ Remain in your desk until the end. Wait until the teacher dismisses you, the bell does NOT dismiss you.

§ Raise your hand or wait politely to speak, if others are speaking.

 

Classroom Procedures:

§ Students will be instructed as to the due date for all assignments (vocabulary, activities, handouts, etc.)

§ Teacher permission and a hall pass are required to leave the classroom.

Course Grading Policy:

The grading scale for the course is as follows:

 

Class Assignment Grade Weighs

Daily Assignments: Handouts, Vocabulary,  maps, activities, quizzes, etc.

40 %

Tests, Essays, Projects, Binder Checks

60 %

Course Total:

100 %

Grade Scale

A

100-90

B

89-80

C

79-75

D

70-74

F

69-0

 

Progress Reports are sent every three weeks by Sharyland High School and Report Cards every nine weeks.

 

More information on the Sharyland High School grading guidelines and procedures can be located with the following link:  http://www.sharylandisd.org/cms/lib/TX21000378/Centricity/Domain/24/Grading%20Policy%20Revised%209-12_2.pdf

 

Attendance/Make-Up Work:

Daily class attendance is vital to ensuring class success. However, if absences occur it is important to note that more than four unexcused or unrelated school absences could jeopardize a student’s credit for the course and may require Saturday School. Additionally, the following district guidelines apply for make-up work when a student is absent:

§ Excused Absences - Students with an excused absence from school are expected to make up work missed at the rate of one day for one day missed with a maximum of five days. Students who are absent but had prior notice of upcoming assignments or tests must complete the assignment or test on the first day back to school. Students shall receive a zero for any assignment or test not made up within the allotted time.

§ Unexcused Absences - A student may not make up work missed; however, if the administrator determines that the unexcused absence is due to extenuating circumstances, make up work may be allowed. The grade for makeup work after an unexcused absence shall be no higher than a 70.

 

Statement of academic dishonesty:

Academic integrity is fundamental to the activities and principles of our school. No student shall cheat or copy the work of another. Plagiarism, the use of another person’s original ideas or writings as one’s own without giving credit to the author, will be considered cheating, and the student be subject to academic discipline that may include loss of credit for the work in question.