Course Description:
This course is a challenging course that is meant to be the equivalent of a freshman college course and may earn students college credit. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. Students will become acquainted with a variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. Current political, legal, and governmental issues will be used to illustrate major points and refine the student’s understanding. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills and essay writing.
Concepts Covered:
1. The American System of Government and its origins
2. Political Opinions, interest, and behaviors
3. Political Organizations, to include parties, interest groups, and mass Media
4. Government and their role in making and enforcing public policy
5. Civil Liberties and civil rights
6. Impact of foreign governments with relation to the United States Government
Texts:
1. The Complete Guide to Government
2. McGruger American Government
Alternative Learning Materials http: //www.bornemania.com/gov/films/films.shtml
· Students will use a number of multi-medias to create a concrete understanding of the learning outcomes. When films are used students will demonstrate an understanding of the material through essays, papers, speeches, and tests
1. America: From Freedom to fascism
2. A Perfect Candidate- a disturbing (though funny) documentary of the 1994 Senatorial race between Oliver North and Chuck Robb. (Highly Recommended).
3. The Ghosts of Abu Ghraib - This HBO feature focuses on the perpetrators and prisoners of the U.S. torture of Iraqi's in the first years of the occupation.
Expectations
1. Students are expected to complete a number of research assignments.
a. Plagiarism as stated in the Gobles Public Schools handbook will be dealt with immediately
2. Students are expected to complete all assignments on line, and at an AP Government level
3. Students are expected to complete a number of essays. Essays will be completed in APA style
Materials Needed
1. Three-Ring Binder (Organized tabs)
o Notes
o Study Guide
o Papers
o Research
2. Computer usage
Grading Scale:
1. 100-90 A
2. 89-80 B
3. 79 and Below project, test must be redone to meet criteria
AP Exam:
· Gobles Public Schools will not pay for taking the exam and/or reimburse the amount paid to take the AP exam.
· Students who take the class are strongly encouraged to take the AP College Board test on the morning of Monday, May 2nd 2011.
· Depending on the university you plan on attending and the score they receive, college credits may be earned (check with college or university to be sure), or click here to access the College Board webpage regarding scores needed to earn credit at various universities.
Gobles Honors Government Learning Outcomes:
· At the completion of Honors United States Government and Politics, the student will be able to identify and explain the formation, function, players, organizations, and institutions that make up the American system of government based on the following themes:
· U.S. Constitution—the U.S. Constitution is a living document that revolves around interpretations of our democratic ideals.
· Civil Rights and Liberties—the government's responsibility is to protect civil rights and liberties for all citizens.
· Federalism—our government is more responsive to the people due to the division of power between the states and the federal government.
· Separation of Powers—distributing political authority among three branches of government protects against potential abuse of power through a system of checks and balances.
· Civic Responsibilities—A democratic government's ability to protect every one's rights requires the participation of citizens in the political process.
· The Media's Role—the media has a great amount of influence on American politics.
Current Events
· When learning about politics there is nothing better than to use events that are occurring in our world today. Students will use news papers, articles, and the internet to identify, compare and contrast, and explain the impact of current events with Government.
Useful Links
APGov.org - WOW, this has a lot of AP US Gov info. Click on "US" under "Moodle" to get a boat load of AP US Gov materials (lectures, study guides, etc.)
Free-Response Questions... for FREE - Look at all the free-response questions asked on the AP US Gov exam since 1999 with the answer keys. No, this isn't cheating.
Online AP Exam Reviews - CPS has registered students for this free test review. You just need to register by clicking on the link and see AP US Gov and Politics review materials.