Civics and Economics Course Syllabus
Currituck County High School
Joanna Blume
Telephone: (252) 453-0014, ext 3032
E-mail: jblume@currituck.k12.nc.us
Web page: http://www.currituck.k12.nc.us//Domain/141
Welcome!
This course is a NC graduation requirement. In order to receive credit for this class you must
receive a minimum grade of 60%. Your final grade will be determined by a combination of
grades earned in class, and a state issued final exam that counts as 20% of your grade.
Course Description:
The purpose of studying Civics and Economics is so that the student will be able to learn the
skills and knowledge that are necessary to become a better-rounded citizen. Students will be
encouraged to think critically, to make decisions and to reason clearly. They will be expected to
locate and use varied sources of information. Information obtained in this class is extremely
important for any United States History Course.
Course Requirements:
Chromebook: Each student is expected to bring their Chromebook to class fully charged and
ready to use. In the event that a student does not bring their Chromebook, an alternative
assignment will not be provided.
Binder: Each student will need a 2 inch binder with dividers to keep all notes and important
papers properly organized. Textbooks and other outside reading materials will be used. Those
who fail to read, take notes and keep organized will struggle in class.
Textbooks: All students will be given a Civics textbook. Please return it in the condition that it
was received.
Homework: Homework will be assigned on a regular basis. It must be turned in to me on the day
that it is due. If homework is assigned please be prepared for a possible quiz or assignment on
the same information the following day. Please check my web page for homework assignments.
Any student who fails to complete homework will be assigned to tutoring.
Current Events: In addition to class work, students will be required to blog about a current
event. A current event article will be issued each week. The student must post their response on
the class blog each week before Friday at midnight. Each article is worth 10 points, for a
possible score of 100. This grade will count as a test score.
Tests/Quizzes: There will be several tests and quizzes given throughout the year including a state
issued final exam. Students will be required to compose responses to short answer questions on
class tests and on the state issued final exam. All tests will be collected and kept by the teacher.
Grading Policy:
Tests
50%
Quizzes
Daily Assignments
10 Point Grading Scale:
A
Superior
B
Good
C
Average
D
Poor
F
Failing
30%
20%
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
59 and below
Attendance Policy: Attendance will be taken every class period. There are no make up days for
absences. Whether excused or unexcused, students are only allowed to be absent 7 days from
class. Students who are absent beyond the 7 day count may fail the class due to attendance.
Being tardy to class is unacceptable. Every third unexcused tardy will result in a day of PIT and
will convert to an absence. Absences converted from being tardy cannot be removed or
recovered by the student.
Course Expectations:
Classroom Expectations:
1. Strive to succeed everyday!
2. Respect yourself and the others around you.
3. Be in your seat and prepared for class when the bell rings.
4. Dismissal will be by the teacher-NOT the bell.
5. No food or drink
6. Be sure to bring the following materials to class everyday:
- Chromebook
- Textbook
- Binder
- A writing utensil (pen or pencil)
- Flashcards
Hall Pass Policy: Any student wishing to visit any area of the High School during class hours
must have a hall pass.
School Rules: All School Rules will be enforced in the classroom. Failure to comply with these
rules may result in an office referral.
State Rules: Civics & Economics is required of all students who wish to graduate in North
Carolina. All students are encouraged to get off to a good start and stay focused. Students may
not be exempt from the state’s final exam. The exam counts 20% of the student’s final grade.
Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices: The CCHS cell phone and electronic device policy
will be strictly enforced in the classroom.
Make Up Work/Late Work: When a student returns from an absence, they should complete any
missing assignments. Tests and quizzes will be made up immediately upon their return to school
or in tutoring. Make up work is the student’s responsibility! Students who have been absent will
not be penalized so long as they complete the work in a timely manner. However, students who
simply choose not complete an assignment by the due date will not get full credit. Nevertheless,
they will still be allowed to complete the work up to three days after the assignment is due.
Anything turned in after the third day will not be accepted.
Parent Communication: Parents can check on their child’s grade at any time using Home
Base. This is an online tool that allows you to view my grade book at your convenience.
Moreover, progress reports are handed out every 4½ weeks or upon request with enough notice
given. These reports include missing tasks as well as the student’s current grade in the class and
on each assignment. Parents may call me at (252) 453-0014 ext. 3032 between 7:45-8:00 am or
3:10-3:50 pm. Parents may also contact me for an electronic progress report at
jblume@currituck.k12.nc.us to get an update.
Honor Code: All assignments are given with the understanding that each individual will
complete that assignment in an honest manner. Anyone caught cheating or plagiarizing will
receive an automatic grade of “0” for that particular assignment. Actions in terms of discipline
will be assessed individually. Group Work means just that – everyone in the group
contributes, and all group members are responsible for understanding the information.
Tutoring: Any student who has missing assignments and/or is having difficulty in class must
attend tutoring.
Course Overview
Course Structure: Each unit usually consists of several chapters. Each unit is tested at least
once. For unit details and frameworks go to http://currituck.schoolwires.net/Page/2778
Course Outline:
Weeks 1-2: Foundations of American Citizenship (Unit One, Chapters 1-3.2)
Weeks 3-4: The US Constitution (Unit Two, Chapters 3.3-5)
Weeks 5-6: Our National Government (Unit Three, Chapters 6-8)
Week 7-8: Influencing Government (Unit Four, chapters 9-11)
Weeks 9-10: State & Local Governments (Unit Five, chapters 12-14)
Weeks 11-12: The Criminal Justice System (Unit Six, chapters 15-17)
Week 13: Personal Financial Literacy (Online Modules)
Weeks 14-16: Economics (Unit Eight, chapters 18-27)
Weeks 17-18: Exam review & Administer State Exam
______________________________________________________________________________
Syllabus Agreement
Civics and Economics
Joanna Blume
I understand that effort, proper organization and good study habits will lead to
success in this class.
I, the undersigned, have read and fully understand the syllabus and the expectations
that will be required of me in this class.
Student’s Name (Printed):_______________________________________________
Student’s Signature: ____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (Printed):_________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________________