MAT-SU CAREER AND TECHNICAL
HIGH SCHOOL
2011-12 Course Syllabus
TEACHER: MR. MURPHY
SEMESTER: FIRST/SECOND
E-Mail: sean.murphy@matsuk12.us
Phone: 352-0404
Webpage: http://www.matsuk12.us/1770201157104373/site/default.asp?#
A.
COURSE TITLE: CIVICS
RECOMMENDED GRADE LEVEL: 9th GRADE
COURSE OUTCOME: In Civics students will learn what it takes to become a
responsible, active, participating citizen of the United States. They will learn how our
government, economic system and political system operate. They will outline the rights and
responsibilities of American citizens as outlined in the foundational documents and other laws.
Students will understand how civic dispositions such as civility, tolerance, and respect for law
promote the healthy functioning of American constitutional democracy. They will
understand the importance of the United States in the world political and economic system and
will be able to explain the basic elements of the American economic (free-enterprise) system
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In Civics students will learn the foundations of the
American democratic system.It will introduce the principles of our society's free market
economy and basic consumer skills. The course will focus on civic involvement in the
government process in action and identify the various parts and functions of the justice system.
Students will gain an understanding of their basic rights and their responsibility and roles as
participating citizens of the United States
COURSE TEXT: Prentice Hall Civics: Government and Economics in Action,
2009. Lost or damaged textbook replacement cost: $85.00
B.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR/CITIZENSHIP
1. Follow school attendance/tardy policy
2. Treat others with respect
3. Raise your hand to speak
4. Only one person speaking at a time.
5. Bring all necessary materials each day
6. Follow all school rules in the handbook, including NO HATS & NO FOOD!
7. No cell phones, or MP3 players.
8. CLASS is DISMISSED ONLY by the TEACHER.
C.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT/METHODS
1st offense -- non-verbal warning
2nd offense -- verbal warning
3rd offense -- seat change
4th offense -- Removal from class.
* Serious infractions may result in your immediate REMOVAL from the class to
the office.
D.
SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS, PROJECTS, HOMEWORK, ETC.
1. Assignments must be done in pencil or pen (only blue or black) unless you are
told differently by your teacher. HOMEWORK can be done on a computer, if
you like.
2. HOMEWORK is due at the beginning of class (unless specified) and is to be
placed in the homework bin for your period.
3. LATE WORK will be docked 10 points for every day it is late. You may not
submit LATE WORK more than 1week after it was originally due.
4. If you are ABSENT, it is your responsibility to request MAKE UP WORK.
You will have the same number of days you were gone to make up the work.
Assignments given before you are due on the day you return.
E.
GRADING SCALE AND SYSTEM
1.
Grading Scale:
A = 90% - 100%**See note below
B=
80% - 89%
C=
70 % - 79%
D = 60% - 69%
F=
0% - 59%
**Observation of Government in Action
*To earn the grade of A (in addition to obtaining at least 90% in the class),
you must do one government observation for the semester.
Rationale: Part of good citizenship is staying informed and being involved in your community.
Groups that you may observe:
City council, School Board, any State or Federal Government meeting, any school Site-Based
committee, or any group first approved by Mr. Murphy
When you attend a government meeting, take notes on the following questions. You will
then need to type up your report, using complete sentences, to turn in.
1. Identify the group being observed—School Board, City Council, etc.
2. Identify the people in the group—Chairman, council members, etc.
3. What is the function and authority of the group?
4. Who does the group represent? How is this representation apparent?
5. When and where did the meeting take place?
6. Describe what happened at the meeting:
a. What issues were discussed? (Attach an agenda if one is available)
b. How was the meeting conducted?
c. How were decisions made? What decisions were made?
7. Evaluate the proceedings:
a. Did the members of the group that you observed seem informed about the issues being
discussed?
b. How well did the group accomplish the purposes of the meeting?
2.
Grading System (Quarter Grades)
Participation/Employability, Homework/Classwork, Tests, Projects,
Quizzes = 100%
##Participation includes daily attendance and being on time. These are
two of the skills
(dependability and punctuality) emphasized in the
State of Alaska Employability standards:
http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/CTE/docs/curriculum/alaskaemployabilitystandards.pdf.
**Please take advantage of the school district's online grading system, IParent. If you have not yet signed up for this service, check with the school office. I
will try to post grades once every week.**
F.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
To pass this class you must have an average of 60% or better on participation,
homework, projects, papers, maps, tests and quizzes. **Note above requirement to
receive an ‘A’.
G.
H.
COURSE OUTLINE/AREAS OF STUDIES
Introduction to Civics
Foundations of Citizenship
Structure of our Government State & Local Government
Law
Voting/Political Parties
Foundations of America
Economics
Other Topics if time
SUPPLIES
For this class you will need the following items EVERYDAY:
1. Notebook (3 ring binder designated for Civics ONLY)
2. Pencil or pen
3. Textbook
4. Brain
Return This Sheet to the Teacher
I.
STUDENT/PARENTAL SIGNATURES
Please detach this page and return it with parent/guardian signature.
I have read the above information and understand what is expected of me in this
classroom.
Student Signature
Date
Parent Signature
Date
I (parent) would like to be kept informed regarding my student's progress in Civics.
You can easily reach me from
to
(time)
at the phone number listed:
or
E-mail address:
Your student's success is a shared responsibility among all of us. Feel free to contact
me during my prep period which is 2nd hour. Please consult the school schedule for
times as the times for 2nd hour change during the week. You may also call or stop by
before or after school. My phone number is: 352-0404.
My e-mail is:
sean.murphy@matsuk12.us
Thank you!