Welcome to Civics & Economics!
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new
landscapes but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust, French Writer
Dear Students:
I want to personally welcome you to my class! I am very excited about the voyage
of discovery we will be taking together this year. Similar to World History, we will
be exploring different cultures, customs, economies, governments, points of view,
political ideologies and beliefs. We will also be analyzing those events to see how
they’ve had an impact on our lives today.
The purpose of this course is two fold: The goal of Civics is to give students a
comprehensive overview of the various political parties and history of the American
system of government so that students may be equipped to enter American society
upon graduation as fully informed and capable citizens; AND the goal of Economics is
to provide a working knowledge of personal finance skills, the American economic
system, and finally global economics. Here’s to global citizenship & personal success!
Ms. Sawyer
Essential Items to Bring to Class:
1.
Three-ring binder with paper.
2.
Pen or pencil.
3.
Highlighter
4.
Lecture notes and handouts. (Keep in binder)
5.
3x5 Flashcards (Can leave at home)
6.
Open mind for learning new things.
Class Description: The class will be conducted as an interactive seminar where students
participate in class discussion, individual assignments and cooperative learning projects.
This classroom operates using strategies that promote teamwork, community, and
citizenry. This course provides curriculum mandated by the California State Content
Standards. In order to prepare students for the reality of living in a global society, their
academic and behavioral performance will be judged both on an individual basis and often
as a group, with both individual and group rewards/consequences.
COURSE PROCEDURES:
Note: Policies set forth in this document are subject to change as the teacher sees
fit in order to preserve order, and maintain the best possible learning environment that
provides students the opportunity to learn. Students who do not follow class
rules/school policy or disrupt the learning process are subject to disciplinary action.
Homework: You are expected to read the assigned sections of the textbook (usually 34 pages) and/or any handouts I give you. You may also be asked to watch the news or
video clip at home for homework. You will take quizzes on a regular basis based on your
Homework, videos, activities and the notes we take in class. It is important to
understand that classroom activities and projects operate on the assumption that you
have read the assigned readings. Homework is only assigned once or twice a week,
which is not excessive! So please do it! It will help (or hurt) your grade tremendously.
Homework Due Dates and Credit: Homework will be collected at the beginning of the
period on the date they are due (usually Thursday) for full credit. You may turn in your
homework one day late for 1/2 credit. Remember, 1/2 credit is still an “F” but at least
it is not a ZERO! So it is still better to do it late than not at all! If you are absent, you
may turn in your homework for full credit when you return. If you are absent for
several days, you have as many days to make up your work as you were absent.
Classwork Assignments: Assignments we do in class are usually due at the end of the
period or sometimes the next day for full credit. If you forget to turn in your class
work when it is due, you will only receive 1/2 credit.
*If students regularly receive Failing grades on their work or just do not bother to
turn in their work (Senioritis!) it is virtually a guarantee that they will fail the
class. This class is a KHS graduation requirement. Students must be careful and
diligent in making absolutely sure that their work is complete and turned in on time!
Quizzes: We will have frequent (weekly) quizzes on lecture notes we take in class, as
well as on articles and text material we read in class and/or movies we watch. Quizzes
are usually “open note” so please make sure you bring your notes to class every day.
Quizzes are usually between 10 - 20 questions. Make sure you keep ALL your quizzes
because I use those questions on Tests.
Unit Tests: Tests will be given throughout the semester at the end of a Chapter or
Unit. (Not all Units will have a Test.) Tests are written from your lecture notes and
quizzes, so organized notes are a critical part of studying and being successful on your
tests. Sometimes I will give you a Study Guide to help you study for the tests but
usually the tests will be directly from the Quizzes, so keep ALL your Quizzes. Tests will
be announced and on the Calendar one week in advance.
Class Activities: Class activities include a variety of assignments, including:
Coloring Charts, Handouts, Short Stories & Questions, Quick-Writes, Games,
Videos, Movies, Posters, Class Discussion and Debates. You may be asked to
do some assignments in groups as well as individually.
Weekly Participation: Each student must actively participate daily in class activities.
This does not mean the student must be overly vocal during each class session, only
focused on the lecture, discussion, movie or activity. If you are talking, texting, sleeping
or doing something for another class, you are not participating. Any discipline issues,
discipline referral, or failure to be prepared for class may result in a loss of points.
Video Clips & Movies: Sometimes we’ll just watch short video clips and
other times we’ll watch a movie the entire period. For short videos/
movies, just please listen and pay attention because they will enhance
what we’re learning in class or will help you with your homework. For longer
movies, you will be given a handout with questions to answer. You will always receive 10
participation points for watching a movie in class, or a zero… if you don’t participate.
Projects: You may have the opportunity to participate in both group and individual
projects during the year. Information on specific projects will be provided later.
Binder: You are required to have a binder for this class. You don’t have to have a binder
specifically for Economics and Civics, but make sure your other teachers do not collect
your binder because you need to bring it to class daily. I will give you a blank calendar at
the beginning of each month and will update it weekly. You are NOT required to keep a
calendar, but it is a way to help you stay organized and know what is due and when.
Grading Policy: Assignments turned in late will receive 1/2 credit, so please make sure
assignments are turned in when they’re due! Quarter and Semester grades will be
determined using a weighted percentage system. Category weights are noted below:
Classwork 20%
Homework 20%
Quizzes 20%
Tests 20%
Participation 20%
Tutoring and Assistance: Any Student in need of assistance should personally contact
me by e-mail (csawyer@avhsd.org) or in person to schedule tutorial time. I am available
at lunch and most days after school. Please ask for help; I want you to be successful!
HELPFUL HINTS FOR SUCCESS:
1.
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6.
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9.
Bring your binder, pen/pencil to class every day..
Stay organized!
Ask lots of questions!
Be positive and keep an open mind.
Keep all of your work, lecture notes and handouts in your binder.
Do not throw ANYTHING out until the end of the Semester.
Be respectful of others, their beliefs, opinions and property.
Be an active participant in classroom discussions.
Don’t procrastinate! Waiting until the last minute hinders the quality of your work.
Also, don’t wait until the last minute to do Extra-Credit. Do a little bit each month
10. MOST IMPORTANTLY: HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOURSELF!
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR, ENVIRONMENT AND RULES
Academic Honesty (Cheating/Plagiarism): Students are expected to be honest and
forthcoming in their words and actions. Cheating and/or Plagiarism will not be tolerated
at any time. Should a student be caught cheating on any exam, quiz, paper, project, or
homework assignment, the student will receive a ZERO for the assignment and may receive
additional consequences at the discretion of the teacher. I have a “give or get” policy.
Whether you give someone the answers or get them from someone, you get a zero. You all
attended the “Super Secret Special Assembly” on cheating…Just say “NO” to cheaters!
Tardies: Please be on time to class. You need to be in your seat when the tardy bell
rings…not running into my classroom. If you come in after the bell rings, you will be
marked tardy, have to pay a penalty tax and only receive ½ participation points! After your
3rd tardy, you will be assigned “After School Work” and/or appropriate consequences.
Planners: You will need to use your Planner as a pass to use the restroom, get a drink visit
the nurse, office, etc. Please don’t raise your hand for permission to go somewhere. Just
fill out your planner and bring it up to me to sign. I don’t mind if your interrupt me. If you
don’t have your planner, write a note on a piece of paper for me to sign.
Personal Needs: Please attend to personal needs before entering class. There is no
personal grooming allowed in class. Also, many students have severe allergies and/or
asthma so DO NOT put on perfume or fragrant lotion in class!!!
Electronics/Food: There are no cell phones or Ipods allowed in class unless we are using
them for an assignment. If I see you with one out, or you are playing with one in your
purse/backpack/lap, you will lose participation points and I will take it away. The 1st
offense you can pick it up after school. The 2nd offense your parent will need to come pick
it up. You will also be assigned “After School Work” for using your electronic devices if it
becomes a constant problem. Also, food/candy is not allowed in class unless I give it to
you. You may chew gum/have drinks, but no food! We don’t want ants!!!
Environment: The most important component of a successful classroom is RESPECT!
Please be respectful of your classmates and their opinions. An environment which
allows students to feel comfortable asking questions and expressing opinions is
always the most effective for learning. Please listen when anyone is talking,
especially your teacher! Disrespect will not be tolerated! Appropriate language
should be used at all times. No cursing and/or offensive language! Lastly, Bullying or
offensive comments will NOT be tolerated at any time for any reason.
Note: If you are constantly being disciplined, not only will you loose participation
points, but you may lose your privilege of doing extra credit work. Students who
disrupt the class and cause the loss of valuable instruction time for 40 other students
will not be given the option to improve their grade just because they want to!
Recycling: I have a blue recycling can in my classroom. Please recycle all your bottles and
cans in the blue can. All the bottles that are collected as taxes from your Civics/Econ
class as well as all the bottles and cans collected from all my other classes will be used
solely for YOUR class to do something fun!
Civics and Economics
Syllabus Acknowledgement Form
Ms. Sawyer’s Class
2015-2016
I have read the Syllabus and understand what is expected of
me in Ms. Sawyer’s class. I understand that I am responsible for
obtaining all required materials necessary to be successful in this class.
By signing below I agree to abide by the behavior expectations,
procedures, rules and regulations stated in the class Syllabus. Should I
fail to do so, I agree I will accept the consequences dictated by the
teacher and school administrators.
____________________
Student name
____________________
Student signature
As a responsible parent/guardian, I have read the Class Syllabus
and understand what is expected of my student in Ms. Sawyer’s
class and know that I play an important role in helping my student
be successful. I am aware of what is expected of my student and
I am aware of the consequences my student may face for
breaking class rules and/or failing to follow the procedures.
I understand that if my student does not adhere to the rules and
regulations stated, that disciplinary action will be taken.
____________________
Print Parent/Guardian name
______________________
Parent/Guardian signature
____________________
E-mail
_____________________
Home or Cell phone #