Gifted Civics

Course Description

Welcome to Civics! The purpose of public education is to prepare students to function in society as intelligent, responsible adults. This course deals specifically with cultivating good citizenship and developing the skills necessary for participation in a democratic system through the study of American civics. Civics is the study of the rights and duties of the individual in dealing with the affairs of citizenship. During this course, students will have to opportunity to participate in an on-line legislative project hosted by the University of Virginia. Students will compose a bill and follow it through the debating and committee process. They will submit their proposed laws for approval or rejection. Students also have the opportunity to attend Georgia Close Up convention whereby students get to meet state legislatures and participate in discussions concering State laws.

Grading

Students should expect at least one announced and unannounced grades per week.

Homework/ Classwork/ Quizzes = 40%

Tests (final is one test grade), Supreme Court case book review & United Nation = 60%

Notebooks

Students will need a loose-leaf notebook in which to store notes, handouts, worksheets, and tests.

There will be times your grade does not match what was handed back or missing.You must be able to produce disputed works.

Expectations

• Students must attend class. I will follow the standard school policy regarding absences. After 3 absences i will send a letter & call home and inform your parents. After 5 absences, i will submit an attendance referral form to the appropriate administrator.

• On your pacing guides, you have the prospective time allotted per chapters. If you are absent and we have completed a chapter before our absence, you are to begin reading and completing homework for the next chapter. If you show up on the day of the exam, no matter how many absences you've had during the week, you are still required to take the test. No additional time will be given to study for tests because you know what material will be on the test.

• Upon returning to school, students are responsible for getting their own makeup assignments pursuant to school rules. Students with more than 5 absences must get a note from an administrator to make up work.

• Students returning from an absence will be expected to take any missed tests the day of their return to school unless you arrange other wise with me.

• Read! Tests will cover information in notes and in the book.

• NO SLEEPING!!!! Students caught napping in class will be given 2 warnings and then sent to the apropriate administrator.

• Be prepared. Students should bring books, pen or pencil and paper to class everday. (Yes...you have to bring your book everyday!)

• Students must be on time.

• I will enfore the school's plicy on no food in the classroom. No food unless specifically stated for educational purposes.

• Pleas ask questions when the material is unclear. I understand that we have an enormous amount of materical to cover in a short period of time. It gets confusing. Ask questions-I dont usually bite!

• Classroom participation is essential. students ust answer questions, complete assignments, and take part in classroom activities. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action and will be reflected in your grade.

• Pay attention in class. I promise not to talk the whole time, but i need your attentionwhen i am lecturing.

The Textbook

Prentice Hall: Magruder's American Government. Replacement cost: $65.

Due to the large amount of material we have to cover and the short amount of time we have, students are expected to read the textbook. Exams will cover information in the book, even if I have not disscussed it in class.

Method of Instruction

My method of teaching revolves around taking notes in class (graphic organizers, outlines, and student generated), small group activities, reading and writing assignments, worksheets, class discussions and videos. Some research and group presentations will also be involved.