American Government Course Syllabus
Nicholas County High School
2015-2016
Mrs. Gray – Room 201
Email: Carla.gray@nicholas.kyschools.us
Course Description:
American Government: The study of government and civics equips students to understand the nature of
government and the unique characteristics of American representative democracy, including its fundamental
principles, structure, and the role of citizens. Understanding the historical development of structures of power,
authority, and governance and their evolving functions in contemporary U.S. society and other parts of the
world is essential for developing civic competence. An understanding of civic ideals and practices of citizenship
is critical to full participation in society and is a central purpose of the social studies.” (Kentucky Department of
Education’s Uniform Course Description)
Course Objectives:
Throughout the course students will:
 Understand the nature of U. S. government and the unique characteristics of American democracy,
including its fundamental principles and structure and the role of its citizens;
 Develop the ability to analyze and interpret government data and think critically about American
politics.
Course Topics/Units:
 Power, Politics and Authority- Where does Government come from?
 Foundations of American Government
 United States Constitution
 Legislative Branch
 Executive Branch
 Judicial Branch
 Politics, Political Party, and Political Participation
 America and the World- US Foreign Policy
Course Materials:
2” 3-Ring Binder with Loose Leaf Paper
Dividers
Pen or Pencil
Classroom Guidelines:
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Be in your seat and working on the assigned bellwork when the bell rings.
Bring ALL books and materials to class and take them with you when you leave.
Treat each person in this room with dignity and respect.
All students should have an opportunity to learn the materials presented in class. Please, do NOT
interrupt the learning time of your fellow classmates.
Follow directions the first time they are given.
Follow all policies and procedures as outlined in the student handbook.
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You will be allowed to leave the classroom 2 times during each 9 weeks. This includes going to the
restroom, health room, office, and counselor. You must receive a hall pass from the instructor in order
to leave the classroom.
Grading:
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The grading scale that will be used each school year to report student progress for Nicholas County
Middle and High School is as follows:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = Below 60
I = Incomplete
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The weighting of course components:
 Homework/Class Assessments: 35%
 Tests and Quizzes: 45%
 Final Exam: 20%
Grading will consist of class activities, homework, quizzes, tests, notebooks, and/or projects. However, not all
assignments will be taken as a grade. Emphasis will be placed upon quizzes and tests as well as other
assignments that better assess what a student has learned. Quizzes, tests, and other assessments will be worth
more points than homework, class activities and other assignments.
Retakes: Retaking of quizzes and tests will be allowed within 3 days of the original assessment. However, for a
retake to occur a student must have completed all homework assignments and other assignments/activities
regarding that particular quiz or test. If they have not completed this work, they will have to complete the work
before being allowed to retake the quiz/test
Assignments: All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period unless otherwise specified by the
instructor. Include the following heading on each assignment: Name, Student Number, Date, Class Period and
Assignment Name.
Makeup Work: For regular daily assignments you have three days to make up the work with an excused
absence. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to make up any missed labs, quizzes, or exams.
Late work will only be accepted with an excused absence and only within the 3 days after an absence or the
work will need to be completed with the teacher during voluntary ASD.
Plagiarism/Cheating: Plagiarism or cheating in any form is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
Student work that is suspect to cheating or plagiarism will receive a zero (0) for a grade.
Remind 101:
In an effort to better help parents and students stay aware of assignments and upcoming projects/test, I have
created a Remind 101 account for this class. It will allow you to receive text messages from me without needing
to exchange phone numbers. In order to sign up, please text the following code to the number provided:
Phone Number: 81010
Class Code:
6th Period- cgray6
7th Period- cgray7
It will then ask for your name (if you are not in the system). From that point forward you will receive the
updates I send out. Hopefully this will be a helpful tool for both students and parents.
Please complete the form below and return:
American Government
2015-2016
Student Name: ______________________________________________________________
Best Parent Contact Number: ________________ Best Email: ______________________________
Preferred Contact Method for Teacher: (please circle one and give the required contact below)
Phone Call
Email
I have read and understand the attached class syllabus for American Government.
_____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
____________________
Date
_____________________________________
Student Signature
____________________
Date