AP American Government
2011-12
Teacher: Mrs. Heather Hanson
Room: 2231
Email: hhanson@sdsm.k12.wi.us
Phone: 414-766-5229
Purpose and Structure of the Course
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of American government. To accomplish
this, students develop analytical perspectives for interpreting, understanding, and explaining political events
in this country. American Government is a highly structured, very demanding college-level course for
students who are serious about earning college credit. One of the primary objectives of this course is to
expose students to all areas covered on the AP examination. Thus it is imperative that a high-level academic
environment exist and that the student is dedicated to learning, is highly motivated, and is willing to put forth
the time and effort required for a course of this intensity.
The following five major topics will be covered: (1) The constitutional underpinnings of American
government, (2) political beliefs and behaviors, (3) political parties and interest groups, (4) institutions and
policy development and, (5) civil liberties. At the conclusion of the course students should have a more
sophisticated understanding of majority rule democracy, constitutionalism and civil liberties. Students will
also be able to see the relationships and distinctions between formal and informal institutions and the public
policies that are developed as a result of these relationships.
Course Requirements
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You will be evaluated on the following four criteria: Homework, Tests, Quizzes, and Participation.
You must be in your seat and ready to begin class when the bell rings. Take care of any business you
may have prior to the bell.
This is a college level class in Political Science. As such I expect students to behave as college students. I
will instruct this class in a method that best exemplifies a college course and I expect students to act
accordingly. I will not accept or tolerate late or missing work and absence from class is unacceptable.
Due to the short nature of the course and the vast amount of materiel involved students are expected to
become learners both IN and OUT of the classroom. This means doing reading when it is required and
becoming aware of current events and political happenings. It is expected that students read the New York
Times every day as well as weekly magazines such as U.S. News and World Report. Only in this fashion
can students begin to truly understand and apply knowledge. Learning, true learning, does not occur in
the vacuum of the classroom.
It is expected that you have internet clearance; we will occasionally use the computer lab or mobile labs.
Teaching and Study Methods
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Classes will be conducted in a lecture and discussion format. Board notes will be minimal so student note
taking is essential. Students might also consider outlining their texts as a study tool. This is optional but
highly recommended. Typically, college students will highlight but since you do not own your books,
outlining might be a suitable alternative.
In addition to assigned class readings students are expected to stay abreast of current events in national
politics. In order to do this, students should read the New York Times every day. Students should also
consider reading U.S. News and World Report or another similar weekly newsmagazine. Newsweek has
excellent political coverage. National Review (conservative) and The Nation (liberal) are also excellent
sources of political information. This reading will further your knowledge of the subject matter and the
articles you read can be included in the clippings file project you will complete.
Specific Requirements/Policies
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Homework: is worth 25% of your grade. It must be turned in on the day it is due to receive full credit.
You will lose one letter grade for each day your assignment is late. Any assignments not turned in within
a week of their due date will not be accepted. Assignments could come from the text, readings, or from
me. If you are absent (excused) your homework is due on the day following your return. (Unless you
knew of the assignment in advance, for example, a paper). Please attach a note to any late work that
explains why the assignment is late.
Tests: are worth 35% of your grade. You must take the test on the day it is given. If you are absent,
you will have to take a make-up exam. You are responsible for making the arrangements for this. You
must approach me to set up a time to take the test.
Quizzes: are worth 10% of your grade. Quizzes will come in two formats. The first, with be current
events related. Current events quizzes will be based on your reading of the New York Times. These
quizzes could include photo identifications as well as questions from the articles. The second type of
quiz will be based on the text, lectures, papers, readings and discussions. Quizzes could occur weekly,
especially with current events.
Participation: is worth 20% of your grade. Participation includes but is not limited to, discussion, group
work or projects and presentations. You are required to participate in class to receive full credit in this
area. You will be evaluated every three weeks during the semester.
Final Exam: is worth 10% of your grade. The final exam is a cumulative assessment for the semester.
The exam is similar to the format of the AP test.
Grading Scale: Grades are composed of tests, quizzes, homework and participation. The following scale
will be used in this course:
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Minimum %
92%
83%
74%
65%
Below 65%
Tests
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Material for tests will come from notes, assignments (including papers), quizzes and discussions or
presentations.
Typical test format includes the following types of questions: multiple choice, short answer, and essays.
Absences
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If you are absent on a second consecutive day, then you are required to call or Email me in order to get
your assignments in case you do not already have them.
I expect that you take your materials home every evening. This includes your textbook. I require you do
this in case you are unable to attend school the next day but are capable of doing work while out of
school.
I must be informed of all anticipated absences (family vacation, field trip, doctor’s appointment, etc.) at
least five days in advance.
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If you anticipate missing a test, and wish to avoid completing a make-up essay, you may schedule a time
to take the test just prior to or immediately after a test is given.
Cheating
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You are expected to complete all of your work by yourself. Homework assignments must be put in your
own words and should not be carbon copies of someone else’s work.
If you are caught cheating on an assignment, quiz, test or other work in this class you will receive a zero.
All parties involved, no matter to what extent, will be penalized.
Participation
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Participation is evaluated on a daily basis. Students are expected to share their views and informed
opinions within class discussions.
I expect that students go beyond the “headlines” or the surface and provide an analysis of an issue. A
response to a question will demonstrate your understanding of an issue not just your opinion.
Participation must be relevant to the class and the material being covered.
Papers
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All major essays must be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins and meet the
requirements stated for the specific paper.
Your essays require you to do current research, which means that you will be using the Internet. I will
not accept anyone plagiarizing articles from the Internet. If you are found guilty of this offense, your
essay will receive a zero no matter how much copying you have done.
You must cite all sources within the context of your essay.
Textbook and Supplemental Readings
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Wilson, James Q. American Government: Institutions and Policies. 10th Edition.
Bose, Meena and DiIulio, John J. Classic Ideas and Current Issues in American Government.
Benson, David G. and Waples, Karen K. Fast Track to a 5: Preparing for the AP United States
Government and Politics Examination.
 Supplementary Readings
 New York Times or Wall Street Journal
 Classroom handouts
Other Information
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Each student is expected to purchase a subscription to the New York Times. The newspaper is used in
class, so you will need your own copy.
The cost of the paper for the term is TBD. Checks are preferred and can be addressed to South
Milwaukee High School.
Updated 08/29/11