American Government – Course #2106310
Syllabus
Instructor: Mr. King
Email: Steven.King@marion.k12.fl.us
Phone: 352-671-4820 extension 58848
Course Description: The grade 9-12 United States Government course consists of the
following content area strands: Geography, Civics and Government. The primary content
for the course pertains to the study of government institutions and political processes and
their historical impact on American society. Content should include, but is not limited to,
the functions and purpose of government, the function of the state, the constitutional
framework, federalism, separation of powers, functions of the three branches of
government at the local, state and national level, and the political decision-making
process.
Part 1: Foundations of U.S. Govt.
Part 2: Interactive United States Government
-Ch.1: Foundations of Govt.
-Ch.2: Origins of American Govt.
-Ch.3: The Constitution
-Ch.4: Federalism
-Ch.5: Congress: The Legislative Branch
-Ch.6: The Presidency
-Ch.7: The Executive Branch at Work
-Ch.8: The Federal Courts & Judicial Branch
-Ch.9: The Political Process
-Ch.10: Civil Liberties
-Ch.11: Civil Rights
-Ch.12: Understanding Elections
-Ch.13: Supreme Court Cases
-Ch.14: Making Foreign Policy
-Ch.15: Comparative Political & Economic
Systems
-Ch.16: Florida State & Local Governments
Grading Criteria:
Homework
Class/Daily Assign., Quizzes, FCA’s
Tests, Projects, Presentations
10%
40%
50%
100%
Grading Scale:
100-90 = A
89-80 = B
79-70 = C
69-60 = D
59-below = F
*All ESE, ELA, ESOL and 504 will receive accommodations based on current IEP
GUIDELINES/EXPECTATIONS:
Make up policy: Students shall be given the opportunity to make-up assignments iaw district
policy. It is the student’s responsibility to request their makeup work when absent. Students are to
complete classwork and/or homework with one (1) day for each day of absence, except in
extreme circumstances, to be determined by the Principal. If work NOT completed within policy
time frame (1 day = 1 day), it will be teacher discretion for partial and/or zero grade on late work
(beyond established time frame). For all assignments given, if students turn in work late
BEYOND DUE DATE, there WILL BE grade deduction and NO MORE than 50% (partial)
grade for assignment turned in & graded – TEACHER DISCRETION.
If absent on quiz/test days, it is students responsibility to make-up ON THEIR OWN TIME.
Make arrangements with instructor – 3 days to make up for excused absences / 1 day for
unexcused.
Extra credit may be given to completed study guide assignments as announced by instructor.
*Required DBQ’s & RWA’s will be completed per quarter (2 DBQ’s & 1 RWA)
Conduct:
The Marion County Code of Student Conduct, as well as Lake Weir High rules, will be enforced.
Some of the important expectations to remember are: NO GUM, CANDY, OR DRINKS
(Water Only!) Laptops and mini-computers are allowed at the teachers’ direction and discretion,
but, the students are totally responsible for any damage or theft that might occur to the items.
Follow the school’s dress code, be on time and prepared for class, be respectful of and to
yourself, your fellow students, administrators, & other teachers. If treated well with courtesy and
respect, the same will be reciprocated and it will be a great year for all parties involved in
process.
Discipline Policy:
The following guidelines will be used for classroom discipline. This policy will be used for
infractions such as disturbing class, tardiness, dress code, and disruptive/disrespectful actions.
* First offense - warning to refrain from continuing with the inappropriate behavior
* Second offense - Time out in another part of the classroom or in another teacher’s classroom
* Third offense - Parent contact by phone or letter regarding the inappropriate behavior
* Fourth offense - Discipline referral to the dean detailing inappropriate behaviors and
interventions tried unsuccessfully
Classroom Rules:
1.
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Be on time to class
Follow directions the first time given
Be kind and considerate to classmates
Bring materials needed to class DAILY.
No food or drink in classroom
No profanity at any time
Electronic devices and accessories MUST NOT BE VISIBLE
and must be TURNED off upon entering and during class time.
8. Use of passes will be limited and documented (ie. bathroom,
water)
9. Copying, Cheating, and Plagiarism is STRICTLY
PROHIBITED!!!
10. The Marion County Code of Student Conduct, as well as Lake
Weir High School rules will be enforced at all times
Tardy Policy:
1. Up to 5 minutes late-Tardy
2. 5-15 minutes late-Out of area = write referral
3. 16 minutes and above- Skipping= write referral
Supplies: Students must bring these supplies to school every day.
* One Spiral Notebook (recommend min. 120 pg.) & One Duo-Tang folder with prongs
OR 1 3 Ring Binder
* Several #2 pencils with erasers
* Highlighters
* Colored Pencils
* 1 red pen, blue pen, black pen
** NO PERMANENT MARKERS ALLOWED
MR. KING – COURSE SYLLABUS (CONT.)
ADDENDUM TO COURSE SYLLABUS:
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Students will need to complete a current events assignment each work for homework
assignment. The student will need to find an article from the newspaper or a magazine that
deals with American Govt. (anything that deals with Local/State/Federal govt.) Students
need to write a summary about the article and attach the article to the final draft of their
paper – which needs to be well written (OWN HANDWRITING) and properly formatted.
Also include their opinion about the article.) ---DUE ON FRIDAY OF EVERY WEEK.
Students are on a 6 period day school schedule, each class being 50 minutes in
length. Students have plenty of time to use facilities for restroom before school starts,
between class periods, and after school, and are encouraged to go during their lunch
periods. Because of the time allotted throughout the day, students will BE GIVEN
LIMITED BATHROOM PASSES every 9 weeks DURING CLASS (unless extreme
emergencies or medical condition on file). Instructional time is extremely important and
with only 50 minutes of instructional/classroom time for each class assigned, it is imperative
that students are in class as often as they can be to maximize their learning opportunity. We
all know that students like to take time for personal reasons, such as texting, calling from
cell or listening to electronic device and we know that unfortunately, some students use
bathroom passes to facilitate that behavior. Because of this and the importance of being in
class, I have regulated release from class to bathroom to the above policy as
mentioned. Again, I emphasize students are to use time allotted between classes, before &
after school, and during their lunch time for bathroom breaks.
Students will be required to complete all assigned unit graphic organizers.
Students need to complete all assigned readings from the textbook “Holt McDougal: United
States Government.” &/or “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution” (students’ will
need to complete assigned Graphic Organizer for each reading – if requested.)
All assignments must be turned in on time; Work turned in late WILL HAVE grade point
deduction.
Students are encouraged to participate in class activities, participate in class discussions, and
complete all class and homework assignments to ensure a satisfactory grade. EXCESSIVE
ABSENCES (UNEXCUSED) could reflect grade and / or G.P.A.
Your attitude in this class will determine your attitude to succeed. It is YOUR CHOICE
whether you pass or fail this class as I ever ask or require is you to do your best. Success is
your to claim, but IT MUST BE EARNED. It is my pleasure to provide you with the
necessary tools and motivation on your journey to knowledge and achievement. I look
forward to a rewarding and nourishing year.
Sincerely, Mr. King
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*This portion is to be signed by both students and parent/guardian and returned to Mr. King by the
end of the first week of school for a homework grade, along with Emergency Information Form, and
Code of Conduct form. (Cut along the line and detach)
I understand the rules/guidelines governing the classroom, and am aware that if I break these
rules/guidelines at ANY time, I will be held accountable for my actions. I accept responsibility for my
personal academic success.
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STUDENT SIGNATURE / PERIOD
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PARENT SIGNATURE