Participation in Government

  • Participation in Government

    Mr. Simpson                    Mrs. Gaeta

    2015-2016 Syllabus

    Participation in Government is a 20 week course required for Graduation. The course will be project and discussion based. This will be an interactive course where your interests will determine the topics covered. Your participation in class is crucial to your success. We will explore the following units this semester.

    • Foundations of Government and the American Government
    • Constitution
    • Branches of Government
    • State and Local Government
    • Political Process (Political Parties, Interest Groups, Election)
    • Your Civil Liberties and Rights
    • Interactive Government
      • Elections
      • Supreme Court Cases
      • Foreign Policy
      • Media in Politics

    Required Materials

    • Pen or a pencil
    • Notebook
    • Folder
    • Smartphone with network data access (optional)

    Class Rules and Procedures

    1. Be on time.
    2. Be prepared
    3. Be respectful
    4. All school rules apply.

    Cell phone use is encouraged....... when appropriate.

    Often during class we will use our smartphones and other devices. Use of these devices will be directed for academic use. During an activity it is your responsibility to stay on task and off of social media unless we are using it. 

    Required Assignments

    Public Policy Project

    Students will choose a prevailing political, social, or economic issue and conduct critical research in order to gain essential research skills for college level courses.

    Annotated Bibliography

      • At least 4 sources
      • APA format

    Public Policy Letter

      • Write a letter to the editor of the Buffalo News or to the appropriate government leader who has jurisdiction over your particular issue addressing key concerns, opinions, variables, etc. 

    Viewpoints in Media

      • Create any type of media (ex. poster, video, slideshow, ppt, prezi, animation, etc.) that illustrates opposing viewpoints of your particular public policy.

    Research Paper

      • Define your public policy issue
      • Define the level of government associated with your issue
      • Explain the history of your issue including any government action the US has taken on the issue (ex. Roe V. Wade- Supreme court decision that women have the right to choose abortion).
      • Explain the current statues of the issue
      • Explain the different perspectives on the issue and/or the differing alternatives to dealing with the issue.
      • Explain your opinion/viewpoint of this issue. Be specific and opinionated!
      • Minimum of 6-8 pages, typed, double spaced. 12pt. font in Times New Roman.

    Current Issues Analysis (CIA's)

      • Students will analyze news articles of video news stories. Each analysis will consist of
        • Summary of the article
        • Personal opinion of the issue discussed in the article.


    COMMUNITY/POLITICAL SERVICE

      • 10 Hours of Community/Political Service
        • Student will complete 10 Hours of approved community or political service as required for completion of the course and for graduation
      • Attend School Board PASS/FAIL
        • Students will attend one School Board Meeting
        • Required to pass the course and for graduation
      • Attend Town Board Meeting PASS/FAIL
        • Students will attend one Town Board Meeting
        • Required to pass the course and for graduation 

    FINAL EXAM (33% OF FINAL COURSE GRADE)

      • There will be a final exam at the end of the semester. Failure to complete this requirement will resort in course failure.

    Grading - you will be graded on a total points scale. These are some examples of assignments you will have:

    • Public policy project
    • Tests and Quizzes
    • Other assignments
    • Currents Issues Analysis
    • Weekly discussion board assignments
    • Final Exam= 33% of final course grade

    Remind 101

    All students are required to have a Remind 101 for Government. I will give daily updated on classroom assignments as well as information about community service. It will help you pass this class.

    We encourage all of you to get involved in school activities, but don't get overwhelmed. If you have any problems during the year please see me as soon as possible so that we can resolve them together. We are looking forward to a challenging and rewarding year with all of you!

    Mr. Simpson and Mrs. Gaeta