Kevin Smith
Dominion High School
(571) 434-4400
kevin.smith@loudoun.k12.va.us
U.S. Government and Politics Syllabus
I.
Overview:
In this year-long course we will make a systematic study of the US Political
System. The topics we will consider include: the different kinds of political
systems; the different branches of government at the local, state, and federal
level; the role of interest groups, political parties and mass media;
constitutional issues; electoral processes and voting patterns; and comparative
government. In order to develop students’ understanding of these and other
topics, a variety of teaching methods will be used: lecture; class discussion;
student presentations; group-work; simulations; videos; etc.
II.
General procedures:
For tests students will be responsible not only for the assigned readings but
also for anything else presented during the course (lecture notes, e.g.). If a
student should miss a class meeting, he or she will need to borrow notes from
another student. Students will also need to contact the instructor about making
up any missed exams, quizzes, or homework assignments.
Attendance will be taken every class period. Class participation is expected.
Sometimes absences are unavoidable but every effort should be made to be in
class on a regular basis.
Students are to show respect for other students and to maintain classroom
decorum. Please turn off cell phones and similar electronic devices during
class so as not to distract either your classmates or the instructor.
III.
Course materials:
A. Magruder’s American Government. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2003.
B. Guided Reading book for Magruder’s American Government.
C. Handouts provided by the instructor.
D. Primary sources and articles available on the Internet.
E. Newspapers and magazines (some of which are available for free online),
including The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The New York
Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Loudoun Times Mirror, Newsweek,
Time, The National Review, and The Economist.
IV.
Outside sources:
In addition to those sources already mentioned, students are encouraged to
take a look at TV shows and weblogs that feature political commentary and
news; for instance, Face the Nation, Fox News Sunday, The Daily Show (with
Jon Stewart), The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, Hardball (with Chris
Matthews), The Daily Kos, The Huffington Post and The Drudge Report.
Although bias is not absent from some of these programs and blogs, they are
often more interesting to watch or read than the more traditional news
offerings and they will give you an opportunity not only to sharpen your
analytical skills but also to keep up on current events.
V.
Writing:
Writing essays and papers is an important component of any humanities
course, whether at the high-school or college level. Consequently, short
papers will be assigned periodically and most nearly every unit test will
require at least one essay. Also, students will do at least one major research
project during the year.
VI.
Grading:
Grades will be determined as follows:
70% Tests, quizzes, essays, oral presentations, projects
20% Homework
10% Class participation
VII.
Academic Integrity:
Students are required to do their own work. Copying other students’ work,
cheating on tests, or plagiarizing material (whether from the Internet or from
books) is a violation of Dominion High School’s Honor Code and clearly
unacceptable. If students are ever in doubt as to what is permissible and what
is not, they may ask the instructor.
VIII.
Help:
If you are experiencing difficulty with this course, do not wait until the end of
the marking period to get help. Please see the instructor either before or after
class to arrange for an appointment.
IX.
Tentative Schedule:
9/8-9/18
9/21-10/6
10/7-10/12
10/13-10/26
10/27-11/9
11/10-12/4
11/25-11/29
12/7-12/22
12/23-1/3
1/4-1/19
1/20-1/25
Chapter 1
Chapter 6
Chapter 13-5
Chapter 8
Chapter 7
Chapters 2 & 3
Course Introduction; Principles of Government
Voters and Voter Behavior
Electoral College
Mass Media and Public Opinion
Money and Elections
Origins of American Government/
The Constitution
**Thanksgiving Holiday**
Chapter 4
Federalism
** Christmas Break **
Chapter 5
Political Parties
Review for First Semester Final Exam
** Semester Final Exam** (Exam Period: 1/26-1/29)
2/1-2/8
Chapter 9
Interest Groups
2/9-2/26
Chapters 13 & 14
The Presidency
3/1-3/19
Chapters 10, 11 & 12 Congress
3/22-3/26
Chapter 18
The Judiciary
3/27-4/4
** Spring Break **
4/5-5/6
Chapters 19 & 20
Civil Liberties
5/7-5/21
Chapter 21
Civil Rights
5/24-6/8
Chapter 22
Comparative Political Systems
6/9-6/14
Review for Semester Final Exam
**Semester Final Exam** (Exam Period: 6/15-6/18)
6/19
Graduation (Saturday A.M.)
N.B. This schedule may be revised at a later date.