The Ensworth High School
Department of History
Contemporary Issues – Elective – 2010 – 2011
Mr. Chanaca
Course Description: This course is designed to help students view current events
through both historical and multiple political perspectives. The course will attempt
to develop a students’ international awareness by helping them to explore both
analytical and probative questions on political, social, economic and moral topics.
This course will further develop the core skills of collaboration, questioning,
observing, communicating, hypothesizing, evaluation and the application of
knowledge that was learned in the ninth and tenth grades. By the end of the course,
students will have utilized these skills to view the world and America’s role in that
world from a board perspective through a variety of learning techniques including,
but not restricted to, journal writing, essay writing, Harkness discussion, group
projects, book reviews and class projects.
Course Structure: In general, the weekly format of the course will start with the
introduction of a topic for consideration and will involved a journal entry on the
topic. Then the class will explore some of the historical foundations of the topic
while being exposed to multiple views on this topic. By the end of the week, the class
will hold a Harkness instruction that will explore both the historical and multiple
political viewpoints involved.
Additional Assignment Requirements:
1. Journals – All students are required to have a bound journal by the end of the
first week. Students will respond in writing to key issues to be discussed on a
regular basis throughout the semester.
2. Hot Topics – In addition to the stated syllabus, selected topics of study may be
assigned by the teacher to accommodate the coverage of current events. When
appropriate, “Hot Topics” may be used to start off a class to keep all students
aware of contemporary issues and could involve journal writing or other forms of
assessment.
3. Book Review – Students will select, read and review one of the following books
by the end of the course and relate its impact on current issues of today.
-All The Presidents Men – Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein
-Three Cups of Tea – Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
-Eight O-Clock Ferry to the Windward Side – Clive Stafford Smith
Required Resources:
Textbook – Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Political Issues; 17th edition by
George McKenna and Stanley Feingold
Internet – Ensworth High School Library Database
Expectations:
All class members are expected to follow the minimum expectations:
1. No lying, cheating or plagiarism. Trust is an essential element to the
operation of our class and to break this trust could result is a serious school
offense, including expulsion. Please refer to p. 26 -27 in the student
handbook for specific details about plagiarism.
2. Complete all assignments on time or suffer the consequences for late
assignments. (read further details below listed under Late Assignments) This
approach promotes fairness for all students.
3. Treat everyone and every viewpoint in the class with respect. (including the
teachers) We will be discussing some sensitive topics and all viewpoints must
be heard in a safe environment. Should disagreements develop in the
classroom we encourage for a continuation of the discussion either inside or
outside the classroom with at least one teacher present.
4. To follow all other school rules while in the class to promote a trusting, fair,
and safe environment for the entire school community.
Grading Procedure:
1. All homework and quiz assignments will be averaged at the end of a marking
period and comprise 25% of the total term grade.
2. All major assignments (tests, papers, projects etc.) will be averaged at the
end of a marking period and comprise 75% of the total term grade.
3. I will inform you officially of your grade every four weeks and you can keep up
with your current grade at anytime via the online grading system provided to you
by Ensworth High School.
Late Assignments:
1. Any assignment not handed in on its due date will automatically be docked
10 points for lateness. The student will have 24 hours to hand in the late
assignment.
2. Should the late assignment not be handed in within that 24 hour period
without permission, the teacher will still require the assignment be handed
in but not count the assignment any higher than a 65 score.
3. The teacher reserves the right to assign a date for any assignment where the
student will receive a 0 for any assignment not handed in.
4. The teacher will adjust the rules for late assignments for excused absences
and will generally follow the rule of an extra day for every day of excused
absence. But a student will be expected to meet with the teacher to arrange
for the new due date on the day the student returns to school.
5. Unexcused absences will receive a 0 in accordance with school policy as
explained in the Student Handbook under the section “Academic Attendance
Policies”.
Course Syllabus: (with possible questions to be considered)
Unit 1 – Democracy and The American Political Process
1.
2.
3.
4.
Should Americans believe in a unique American mission?
Is Democracy the answer to global terrorism?
Is Democracy right for every region in the world?
Does America practice hypocrisy when its conducts it foreign policy under the
auspice of democracy?
5. Does American’s form of capitalism help promote democracy?
Unit 2 – The Institutions of American Government
1.
2.
3.
4.
Does the President have unilateral war powers?
Is Congress a broken branch?
What is the role of the Supreme Court?
Has the media lost its objectivity when covering politics?
Unit 3 – Social Change and Public Policy
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Does Affirmative Action advance racial equality?
Should abortion be restricted?
Do we need a national health plan?
Does the American government have an obligation to protect gay rights?
Who has the ultimate responsibility to stop illegal immigration?
Is bigger government, better government?
Unit 4 – America and its role in today’s world?
1. Should the US pull out of Afghanistan?
2. What is America’s role in helping eliminating social problems in the world?
3. Do we have a right to demand a nuclear freeze on other countries when we have
our own nuclear weapons?
4. Does the American economy affect the world economy or visa versa?
5. Is America still a world power today?