VA/US Government
2015-2016 Syllabus
Vicki W. Socia
Vicki.socia@lcps.org
This syllabus is a living document. Methods are subject to change at any time and for any reason. This document should
be kept as a reference.
Course Description
Welcome to VA/US Government. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a foundation that enables citizens
to participate effectively in civic and economic life. Students will examine fundamental constitutional principles, the rights
and responsibilities of citizenship, the political culture, the policy-making process at each level of government, and the
operation of the United States market economy.
Materials
-Notebook or folder
-Colored pencils
-Pencils (necessary for testing)
-Pens (optional)
-Highlighter
-Index Cards (optional)
Classroom Rules and Expectations
My goal is to make the classroom a safe and comfortable environment that is conducive to learning at all
times. To achieve this goal, I believe the following steps are necessary:
1.
Be punctual: You must be in your seat when the late bell rings. If you should happen to be tardy, go directly to
your desk without disrupting class.
2.
Respect yourself and others
3.
Respect the space around you. Please pick up all trash around your workspace and put everything back where you
found it. Classroom materials should be returned in the condition they were found.
4.
Be prepared for every class
o
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain your work. This work must be completed within the
number of days you were absent unless otherwise discussed with the teacher.
o
If you are absent the day prior to a previously announced test or quiz, please see the teacher or contact
via email to schedule when you will take your test.
o
You are expected to turn all assignments in on time. Anything submitted after the student has taken the
chapter/unit test will be given partial credit.
Assessments
This course will include a variety of assessments. Assignments will be scored on a weighted basis as follows:
Technology
Very often, technology is used in the classroom. Students are welcome to bring their phones, tablets, or other devices to
participate in certain class activities. If technology is not available, the student will not be penalized and may be provided
with a device. Students are bound by school rules and are not to visit any inappropriate sites or use these devices for nonacademic purposes. If they do, the teachers reserve the right to confiscate the equipment and turn it into the office for
students to pick up at the end of the day.
Retakes
One retake will be allowed each quarter. Students will have the option to complete a retake at any point prior to the
testing window set by the administration. There will only be 1 retake allowed. In order to retake a test, the student must
complete all work that was associated with the unit being retested and complete test corrections. If there are any
extenuating circumstances, please contact Mrs. Socia.
Plagiarism
A student displaying integrity understands that plagiarism includes the copying of the language, structure, programming,
ideas, and/or thoughts of another and passing off the same as your own original work. Such acts include, but are not
limited to…
- having a parent or another person writes an assignment (including the purchase of works on-line) or do a project which
is then submitted as one’s own work,
- Internet cut-and-paste,
-Summarizing, paraphrasing, or quoting without proper documentation
-Fabrication of a source citation
Assistance
I am available before school for extra help in room 207 from 8:30-9:00 am or after school by appointment. If you need
help, please come see me. Please advocate for yourself when you need assistance. It is my goal for every student to be
successful in this course.
I have read and reviewed this syllabus with my child, ______________________________.
________________________________________
Parent’s Signature
__________________________
Date
________________________________________
Student’s Signature
__________________________
Date
Parents/Guardians,
Please provide me with the following information:
Name of Parent/Guardian ____________________________________________________________________
Phone number(s) ___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the best time to call ___________________________________________________________________
E-mail address _____________________________________________________________________________
Best way to reach you _______________________________________________________________________
Any concerns that I should be aware of?
Thank you,
Vicki W. Socia
SBHS
***Please return to Mrs. Socia