Syllabus

**Email: jmalbon@rsu24.org**
The purpose of this course is to study the roots of American democracy and it’s evolution over time. We will define American government and its role in our lives. The constitution will be examined in detail and will lead to a study of our three branches of government. Students will be asked to analyze and make connections with our modern government and the constitution. Citizenship, elections, political parties, voting among many others will be examined. We will also explore such topics as globalization, economics, and geography with a particular emphasis on the five themes of geography.

**Class Expectations**

 * Positive Attitude:** Your success this year and throughout high school will depend on keeping a positive, can-do attitude. Please bring a positive, open-minded attitude with you to class. Be encouraging and supportive of each other. The more positive you are, the more fun you and everyone else will have. This is your class, you can help make it a rewarding experience.


 * Be on time:** Students are settled in their seats or in their groups before the class begins.


 * Work Completion:** Work is expected to be completed on time to the best of your ability. DO NOT FALL BEHIND! See me anytime you are struggling so I can help you. Work that is late will generally result in a lower grade. Since homework will likely be given daily, lack of completion will generally result in poor quiz and test grades.


 * Absences:** In the event of an excused absence, the student will contact me directly, via email or before or after school to determine what is missing or due. It is the student’s responsibility to recognize and follow up after an excused absence.


 * Group Work:** Also called team work. This will be a mainstay of the class. Success of the student will depend on the ability to work with cooperative learning teams. The reason for this is simple: The goal of the class is to foster a sense of citizenship and responsibility. Group work is a skill that needs to be practiced. Our society depends on citizens working together productively.

Class Norms

 * Materials Needed:** All students are required to have a notebook/three-ring binder and bring them to class everyday. Computers will also be brought to class everyday.


 * Computers:** They are a privilege and not a right. Abuse of technology will ultimately result in loss of computer use. This would not be a pleasant thing since many assignments will require computer use. Refer to your handbooks.


 * Homework Hand-in:** Homework will be placed in the box marked with your class period.


 * Late Work:** I will accept late homework/classwork on a case by case basis. Work that is not handed in will result in an Academic Support Issued for the following school day. Quizzes and test make-up will be decided between teacher and student under specific circumstances. You cannot make-up work after an unexcused absence.


 * Cell phones and ipods are not permitted in class. Refer to student handbook. They will be confiscated if seen in use.

**Grading**
Homework 15% Quizzes 30% Exams 35% Class Participation 10% Final Exam 10%