Connecticut Technical High School System
SAMPLE STUDENT COURSE SYLLABUS
2014-2015
Course Title: Civics/American Government
Instructor:
Mr. John Patriot
E-Mail: john.patriot@ct.gov
Course Credit: 1
Classroom:
A-207
Voice-Mail:
(203) 333-3333 ext. 411
Office Hours: Periods 2 and 4
Monday through Friday 2:15 PM to 3:00 PM (by appointment)
Course Description - Civics/American Government is a required course for graduation. The
focus of this course is to prepare students to participate in exercising their political
responsibilities as thoughtful and informed citizens. Civics provides a basis for understanding
the rights and responsibilities for being an American citizen and a framework for competent and
responsible participation. Emphasis is placed on the historical development of government and
political systems, and the importance of the rule of law; the United States Constitution; Federal,
State and local government structure; and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Students
will actively investigate local, state and national issues, read and participate in discussions, and
develop informed arguments using a variety of writing forms. This course prepares students to
take the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) by teaching key college and career ready skills.
Goals and Essential Questions for this Course:
LEARNING GOALS: Students will
demonstrate an understanding of:
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
I. The ideals and beliefs shared by Americans and the
meaning of citizenship.
1. What does it mean to be an American today?
2. What rights are offered to American citizens and what
are they granted in exchange for these rights?
1. What historical documents, political figures and
philosophical ideas laid the groundwork for our form of
government?
1. What are the basic principles of American
government?
2. How does the Constitution impact Americans?
3. How is the power of government distributed and
balanced?
1. Why does our constitution still work today, over two
hundred years after it was written?
2. What challenges exist in protecting the rights of
citizens and meeting the American ideal?
1. What is the role of a citizen in a democracy?
2. How can citizens participate in the political process?
1. How can citizens effect or influence public policy at
the state and local levels?
2. What are the roles of citizens in state and local
government?
II. The historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations
of the U.S. government system.
III. The U.S. Constitution and the components and
balances of the federal government.
IV. The importance and relevance of the Bill of Rights
and amendments in the past and today
V. The role and development of political parties and the
election process in our two-party system.
VI. Sate and local government in order to understand
how public policy is formed and why it is important to
participate in local government.
Textbooks and Materials Provided to Students in the Course:
Civics: Government and Economics in Action, Prentice Hall
Textbook website/access: www.phschool.com You will be given a password, so you can read
selections from the textbook and complete activities in reading and writing using the online website.
Additional Materials Students Need to Purchase for the Course:
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2” (or larger) three-ring binder with college-ruled loose leaf paper or a large spiral notebook
Pen and highlighters
A homework planner or assignment pad
Course Grade: The course grade will be weighted according to the following activities and
assignments:
10 % Homework
50% Assessments: Tests, Quizzes, Essays, Presentations and Projects
40% Classwork, Journal/Schema Activators etc.
IMPORTANT POLICIES TO NOTE
LATE WORK POLICY
I want all my students to be successful in this course. All assignments are an important part of this class and need to
be completed on-time and prior to the beginning of the next cycle so that you will be successful. It is in your best
interest to complete assignments in a timely manner while the class material is fresh in mind and before the class
moves deeper into the next topic or skill to be learned. Due dates and deadlines will be given for all marked work
that will be a part of the grade. Inform me in advance if you know that you will be unable to complete the
assignment on the due date so that the deadline can be adjusted.
Consequences for late work: Work handed in late shall be penalized 2% per day to a maximum of 10%. It is your
responsibility to complete assignments.