U.S. Government Studies Course Syllabus Fall 2015
Instructor: Mr. John Gervais
Email: jgervais@houstonisd.org
Room A312, Tutorials: By Appointment, Conference: 4th period
Course Overview
The purpose of this course is to gain a better understanding of our nation’s complex
system of government. We will accomplish this goal by actively examining life in
America today, and in the past while looking at government’s role in both. Therefore the
theme of our course will be the inter-relationship between our government, our laws, and
our people.
General Expectations
Class Rules
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Check Your Attitude at the Door
Work Hard. Get Smart.
100% Everyday
Whatever It Takes
No Shortcuts. No Excuses.
No cell phones / headphones unless otherwise specified.
COURSE RESOURCES - Text: American Government. William A. McClenaghan.
CRITERIA FOR GRADING
Grades will be posted on Gradespeed every week to determine if extra work is required.
Students and parents have access to Gradespeed through the HISD website.
Exams/Challenges/Projects – 50%
Daily Work/Quizzes – 25%
Homework/Participation – 15%
Course Outline
The class will be broken down by Units. After each unit is completed there will be an
assessment. At the end of the semester there will be a semester exam.
Unit 1 – Foundations and Principles of U.S. Government
Unit 2 – Civil Liberties and the Bill of Rights
Unit 3 – Democracy in Action: The People
Unit 4 – The Legislative Branch
Unit 5 – The Executive Branch
Unit 6 – The Judicial Branch
Unit 7 – Public Policy
Unit 8 – Foreign Policy