• Century High School
    Mr. Oveson - Room 5201

     “Ask not what this class can do for you, but what you can do for this class!”

    Thisclass is ultimately about you.  Who you are and what you believe willprovide the foundation of this course.  Through an analysis of your ownpolitical beliefs, we will examine, explain, and understand how ourlocal, state, and national governments operate. 

    Conceptual Framework

    •    Public Policy: How should America react to immigration?
    •    Civil Rights and Civil Liberties: What are your rights as an individual living in the United States?
    •    Political Beliefs and Behaviors: How can you change the area in which you live?
    •    Institutions of National Government:  Who is running this country, the President, Congress, Courts, other?
    •    Constitutional Underpinnings of United States Government:  Which is more important - your freedom or your security?
    •    Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media:  Who are you and how did you become this person?

    Class Expectations

    1    Perspectives on various issues based upon your experiences and beliefs
    2    A willingness to listen and to consider the ideas of others
    3    Participation in whole class and small group decisions
    4    A desire to learn
    5    An attitude and work ethic for the purpose of learning
    6    Above all:  Your best effort every day

    Course Readings

    Text:   Lineberry et al., Government in America 12th ed. New York:  Pearson Longman, 2006

    Supplemental Materials
     
    Avariety of materials from on-line websites to newspaper articles toreaders will be integrated into the course for further enrichment. These materials will change frequently and students will be heldaccountable for the information presented.  Examples include: Federalist Paper  #10, Federalist Paper #51, op-ed. articles from localnewspapers and websites, and additional “readers” which supplement andenhance the curriculum.
     

    Class Assignments

    Exams: Exams will always be a combination of multiple choice and free responsequestions and will occur at the end of each unit.  Exams mirror thelength and format of the A.P. exam to best prepare you for the exam inMay.  Exams will cover all information presented in class includingdiscussions, group work, lectures, videos, and readings.

    Quizzes
     
    Periodicquizzes will be on issues presented in class as well as current events.Quizzes tend to be short but challenging.  Prepare properly.

    Homework
     
    Projectsand papers will require you to apply the content from class in order tothink critically and draw societal conclusions based upon investigativeresearch.

    Fieldwork
     
    Eachstudent is required to complete two fieldwork assignments.  Theseassignments ask you to take what you have learned in class and to applyin your community.

    Grading Policy
     
    Your Grade            =100%
                                   ______
    Tests and Projects     40%
    Fieldwork                  20%
    Homework                20%
    Quizzes                    20%

    Grading Scale:
    A    90-100%        C 70-79%
    B    80-89%        D  58-69%
     
    Make-up Work Policy
    Youwill have the same amount of days to make up an assignment equal to thenumber of days you were absent.  This only applies to excusedabsences.  For those days not cleared, you will receive a 0.  Late workwill not be accepted.  Be responsible for yourself when you are absentand you will be successful.