Civics Syllabus

MR. HAMILTON / MS. CHUMLEY
CHURCHILL GRADE 12 CIVICS
COURSE SYLLABUS

EMAIL: mhamilton@churchillschool.com
achumley@churchillschool.com
BLOG: http://misterhamilton.blogspot.com/

COURSE THEMES:

CURIOSITY: Encouraging students to become curious about their world through independent research and reading

EXPRESSION: Helping students express themselves in writing and speaking

RESPONSIBILITY: Entering voting age, students have a responsibility to grapple with the pressing issues facing our nation; to weigh different perspectives and form their own opinions; and to take action on the basis of informed opinions.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

1 Notebook: Must have blank paper for notes and somewhere to put class handouts.
Pencil/Pen
Assignment Notebook

PARTICIPATION (30%):

• Students will begin the course with a B+ (88%) for participation, but will have opportunities to gain (or lose) points over the course of the year.
• Class work: actively participating in class activities, discussions, and group projects.
• Behaving respectfully at all times towards classmates and teachers.
• Coming to class on time and with required materials
• Absences: whenever you miss class, it is your responsibility to check in with us and set up a timetable for completing any missed work.

HOMEWORK (35%):

• Homework will be given regularly including weekly current events assignments
• Students’ 2 lowest grades will be dropped at the end of each quarter
• All assignments must be typed, 12” font, and double-spaced
• Assignments turned in 1 day late receive 25% deduction
• Assignments turned in later than 1 day will receive no credit

TESTS, ESSAYS, AND PROJECTS (35%):

• Independent Reading – 1 book/semester
• Unit Tests and Quizzes
• Final Research Project (5-7 page paper and presentation)

BASIC WEEKLY SCHEDULE: (subject to change)

MOVIE MONDAYS: Viewing films related to the course material

VOCABULARY TUESDAYS: Reviewing and learning new terms/vocabulary

CAFÉ WEDNESDAYS: In-class reading assignments (with light refreshments)

CURRENT EVENTS FRIDAYS: Discussions of current events. Twice a month, these discussions will focus on the 2008 presidential election.

SEMESTER SCHEDULE:

Unit I: Our Political System
1. Citizenship
2. The Political Spectrum / Political Parties
3. Forms of Political Action

Unit 2: Domestic Policy
1. Race Relations
2. Gender Relations
3. Sexual Orientation
4. Civil Liberties

Unit 3: Foreign Policy
1. The War on Terror
2. Iraq
3. Human Rights
4. The United Nations