Syllabus: Virginia
& US Government
Mrs. Kelli Mooney
[email protected]
http://kmooneysocialstudies.weebly.com
Welcome to Virginia & US Government! My name is Mrs. Mooney and I look forward to meeting each of you and having a successful class. Since I know how important it is for all of us to get off to a good start this semester, I want to explain a little about this class and my expectations.
Course Description: According to the Virginia Standards of Learning, this course enables citizens to participate effectively in civic and economic life. Students will examine fundamental constitutional principles, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the political culture, the policy-making process at each level of government, and the operation of the United States market economy. The standards identify the personal character traits that facilitate thoughtful and effective participation in the civic life of an increasingly diverse democratic society. Civic education also must emphasize the intellectual skills required for responsible citizenship. Students will practice these skills as they extend their understanding of the essential knowledge defined by the standards for Virginia and United States Government.
SCHEDULE
First 9 weeks SOLs: GOVT 1-5, 11, 13, 17, 18
Topics: Origins and Foundations of American Government
Comparative Government
The Constitution: Framework for Government
The Bill of Rights
Second 9 weeks SOLs: GOVT 1, 3, 6, 9, 14-17, 18
Topics: Voting and Elections.
Political Ideology
Political Parties
Interest Groups
Third 9 weeks SOLs: GOVT 1, 3, 7-8, 12, 17, 18
Topics: National Government: The Legislative Branch
National Government: The Executive Branch
State and Local Government
Fourth 9 weeks SOLs: GOVT 1, 3, 7-8, 10-11, 17, 18
Topics: The Judicial Branch
State and Local Government
Comprehensive Review and Final
Textbook and Materials: The textbook we will use is Magruder’s American Government. Each day, students should bring to class the following materials:
Required Materials:
3-ring binder
Loose leaf paper
5 tabbed dividers
Pen or pencil(s)
Grading System: Grades will be determined by various classwork assignments, homework assignments, quizzes, projects, notebooks, and tests. Students are required to keep a binder for my class, which I will check periodically throughout the semester. This ensures that the students are keeping up with all assignments, taking notes, and it greatly assists with the students' organizational skills.
Grading Percentages:
Classwork/Homework - 30%
Quizzes - 15%
Notebooks - 10%
Projects - 15%
Tests - 30%
Grading Scale:
A – 93-100
B – 85-92
C – 75-84
D – 70-74
F – 0-69
Make-Up Policy: When a student is absent from my class, it is his or her duty to ask me what assignments he or she missed. I will provide a copy of the notes for my students and provide any work they might have missed ONLY if their absence is excused. I understand that situations occur that will cause students to miss school and I will be more than happy to assist my students in catching up on all assignments. However, I do expect the students to be responsible and come to me to receive all missed work.
Classroom Expectations: The rules are simple:
1. Treat others as you want to be treated. Respect is required in my classroom at all times. I do not tolerate any bullying, name calling, or any form of disrespect at any time.
2. Bring all materials to class every day. This includes the textbook, binder, a writing utensil, and colored pencils.
3. I expect all students to participate in class. History should be fun and alive and this is only possible if the students are willing to be active, engaged learners.
Mrs. Kelli Mooney
[email protected]
http://kmooneysocialstudies.weebly.com
Welcome to Virginia & US Government! My name is Mrs. Mooney and I look forward to meeting each of you and having a successful class. Since I know how important it is for all of us to get off to a good start this semester, I want to explain a little about this class and my expectations.
Course Description: According to the Virginia Standards of Learning, this course enables citizens to participate effectively in civic and economic life. Students will examine fundamental constitutional principles, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the political culture, the policy-making process at each level of government, and the operation of the United States market economy. The standards identify the personal character traits that facilitate thoughtful and effective participation in the civic life of an increasingly diverse democratic society. Civic education also must emphasize the intellectual skills required for responsible citizenship. Students will practice these skills as they extend their understanding of the essential knowledge defined by the standards for Virginia and United States Government.
SCHEDULE
First 9 weeks SOLs: GOVT 1-5, 11, 13, 17, 18
Topics: Origins and Foundations of American Government
Comparative Government
The Constitution: Framework for Government
The Bill of Rights
Second 9 weeks SOLs: GOVT 1, 3, 6, 9, 14-17, 18
Topics: Voting and Elections.
Political Ideology
Political Parties
Interest Groups
Third 9 weeks SOLs: GOVT 1, 3, 7-8, 12, 17, 18
Topics: National Government: The Legislative Branch
National Government: The Executive Branch
State and Local Government
Fourth 9 weeks SOLs: GOVT 1, 3, 7-8, 10-11, 17, 18
Topics: The Judicial Branch
State and Local Government
Comprehensive Review and Final
Textbook and Materials: The textbook we will use is Magruder’s American Government. Each day, students should bring to class the following materials:
Required Materials:
3-ring binder
Loose leaf paper
5 tabbed dividers
Pen or pencil(s)
Grading System: Grades will be determined by various classwork assignments, homework assignments, quizzes, projects, notebooks, and tests. Students are required to keep a binder for my class, which I will check periodically throughout the semester. This ensures that the students are keeping up with all assignments, taking notes, and it greatly assists with the students' organizational skills.
Grading Percentages:
Classwork/Homework - 30%
Quizzes - 15%
Notebooks - 10%
Projects - 15%
Tests - 30%
Grading Scale:
A – 93-100
B – 85-92
C – 75-84
D – 70-74
F – 0-69
Make-Up Policy: When a student is absent from my class, it is his or her duty to ask me what assignments he or she missed. I will provide a copy of the notes for my students and provide any work they might have missed ONLY if their absence is excused. I understand that situations occur that will cause students to miss school and I will be more than happy to assist my students in catching up on all assignments. However, I do expect the students to be responsible and come to me to receive all missed work.
Classroom Expectations: The rules are simple:
1. Treat others as you want to be treated. Respect is required in my classroom at all times. I do not tolerate any bullying, name calling, or any form of disrespect at any time.
2. Bring all materials to class every day. This includes the textbook, binder, a writing utensil, and colored pencils.
3. I expect all students to participate in class. History should be fun and alive and this is only possible if the students are willing to be active, engaged learners.