BRUTON HIGH SCHOOL

Syllabus 2007-2008

 

Instructor:  Mr. Jake Jakubow                                                 Telephone #: 253 - 5942

Fax#:  (757)  220-4090                                                      E-Mail:  jjakubow@ycsd.york.va.us

 

Fees: N/A

 

  1. Course Title:   Virginia and United States Government

 

  1. Text(s):

·         McClenaghan, William, American Government, 2006 Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall

·         NEFE High School Financial Planning Program

 

        3.  Course Description:  This course will examine the attributes that enable citizens to participate effectively in civic life, as well as identify the personal character traits that facilitate thoughtful and effective participation in an increasingly diverse democratic society.  Students will examine fundamental constitutional principles, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, American political culture, the policy making process at each level of government and the operation of the U.S. market economy. 

 

  1. Competencies: Upon completion of this course, you will be better able to do

                             the following:

·        Exhibit a fuller understanding of and appreciation for the political system in the United States, especially the historical background to the writing of the Constitution and the structure and functions of the three branches of government.

·        Understand the civil liberties and civil rights guaranteed to all American citizens.

·         Participate fully as an informed citizen.

·         Demonstrate a greater awareness of financial and economic literacy.

 

  1. Course Outline:

I.                   First Quarter (GOVT 1, 17 & 18:  the application of social studies skills related to citizenship will be incorporated throughout each unit)

A.  Foundations of U.S. and Virginia Government (GOVT 2)

B.  Concepts of a Democracy (GOVT 3)

C.  Historical Background to the Constitution (GOVT 4)

D.  Major Concepts of the Constitution (Articles, Amendments (GOVT 4)

E.  Federalism (GOVT 5)

F.  Political Parties (GOVT 6)

 

II.               Second Quarter: 

A.  National Election Process (GOVT 6)

B.  Public Opinion and Polling (GOVT 6)

C.  The Media and Elections (GOVT 6)

D.  Voter Participation (GOVT 6)

E.  Organization and Powers of the Legislative Branch (GOVT 7)

F.  Organization and Powers of the Executive Branch (GOVT 7)

 

 

 

 

III.           Third Quarter: 

A.  Organization and Powers of the Federal Judiciary (GOVT 7)

B.  Organization and Powers of State and Local Governments (GOVT 8)

C.  Political Ideology and Public Policymaking (GOVT 9)

D.  The Federal Bureaucracy (GOVT 9)

E.  Interest Groups and Public Policymaking (GOVT 9)

F. Operation of the Federal Judiciary (GOVT 10)

 

IV.              Fourth Quarter

A.  Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (GOVT 11)

B.  Foreign Policy and National Security (GOVT 12)

C.  Comparative Governments:  Mexico, China and Great Britain (GOVT 13)

D.  Economic Systems and the U.S. Market Economy (GOVT 14 & 15)

E.  The Role of Government and National Economies (GOVT 16)

 

V.                 NOTE:  In addition to the required Virginia Standards of Learning for

             Virginia and U.S. Government, students will participate in an ongoing

              financial literacy program.  Within this program students will increase their

              awareness of economics, income, money management, spending/credit and

              saving and investing.  These topics will be taught throughout the year as

              deemed appropriate by individual government teachers.  At the onset of the

              program, students will receive a syllabus specifically designed for the goals

              of the Economics Education and Financial Literacy program.

 

6. Course Requirements: 

·        Knowledge of Current Events (for discussion, applicability to unit, “pop” quizzes)

·         Timely and thorough completion of assignments

·         Bringing necessary materials to class

·         Required Materials

o        Three-ring binder

o        Loose leaf paper

o        Highlighters

o        Pens (blue/black)

o        4 X 6 index cards

 

7. Attendance Policy: To comply with Virginia Law, students are expected to attend school every day and to be on time unless there is illness or death in the immediate family. It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to obtain make up work and prepare for scheduled tests and project due dates.

 

8. Evaluation  (All grades are averaged numerically using the York County Grading Scale)

·         Homework: All assignments - 15%

·         In Class Work:  Presentations, Activities, and Notebook - 35%

·         Assessments: Tests, Quizzes and Major Projects - 50%

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Class Procedures:

·        An interactive approach will be used for the study of the American political system, including lecture, current events and content discussions, formal debate and several simulations including Congress, moot court and public policy making.

·        All major tests will be announced at least 2 class periods in advance.

·        Any student who feels that he/she is in need of further assistance is encouraged to see me so that we can assess the best strategy in order to have a successful year.

 

10. Class Expectations:

·        Respect toward one another as well as toward the teacher is essential for a productive learning atmosphere.  During class discussions varying points of view will be voiced—remember everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.

·        Assignments are to be turned in the day they are due—only under very extenuating circumstances will additional time be given without penalty.

·        All work is to be your own unless stated otherwise.  Any “shared” work” will result in a zero for all parties involved.

·        If you have to be absent from this class, it is imperative that you make up any work you may have missed—only people with excused absences will be able to make up the work.