Newnan High School
History and Social Studies Department

Mr. Aaron Buck

(This page includes staff biography, schedule and syllabus for the classes that they are presently teaching.)

Graduated from Clayton State University with a B.S. in Social Science. He now has a MS. degree in Social Studies Education from Nova Southeastern.

Currently teaches Civics, World History and AP Geography.

Mr. Buck is married to Kristi and they have one son, Dominic.

He enjoys soccer and reading in his spare time.

President James Madison

2009-2010 Schedule

First Term:

Block 1- Civics

Block 2- AP Geography

Block 3- Plan

Block 4- Civics

Second Term:

Block 1- World History

Block 2- World History

Block 3- Civics

Block 4- Plan

Syllabus- Civics

Course Description: Civics is a 1 semester course taught thematically about American government. The course includes a variety of processes including lecture, discussion, current events, small group work and evaluations of real life scenarios. The themes for the course include the following:

Citizenship

Immigration

Political Parties

Voting and Elections (Will be stressed fall semester per current election cycle)

Public Opinion

Major Political Theorists

Events leading up to American Independence

Constitution and Amendments

3 Branches of Government

State and Local Government

Role of the US in the world

Comparison of major government forms

Attendance – It is important to be here to earn a good grade. Tardiness is dealt with per the student handbook.

Seating – The teacher assigns seats.

Requirements of the student – Tests are given at the end of every unit. The students are required to complete various projects both in class and outside of class. The student is REQUIRED to keep a notebook in class, (3 ring, 1.5 inches, 5 dividers, PLENTY of paper) There will be a writing journal and portfolio that will be required to be kept in this class. Details to follow.

Students are expected to have ALL materials everyday. All work must be properly labeled.

Homework is assigned multiple times throughout the week. It is required to be completed at all times.

All students are required to stay awake and actively participate in class every day.

Grading Scale – Follows the grading scale in the 2008-2009 Student Handbook.

NOTE: .5 or higher will be rounded up to the next whole number.

Breakdown of Grades:

Tests – 40%

Quizzes – 20%

Daily work – 10%

Midterm – 15%

Final Exam – 15%

Projects are graded as test grades. The midterm covers all information in the 1^st 9 weeks. The Final Exam covers all material covered over the entire semester.

Late and Missed Work – Work is NOT accepted late. If you are absent, turn it in as soon as you come back. You need to request your make up work as soon as you come back and you have 3 days to complete it unless other arrangements are made.

Academic Dishonesty – Cheating results in a 0. Plagiarism is a form of cheating and will result in a zero. The concept is simple DO YOUR OWN WORK.

Classroom Rules

Be on time
The use of profanity or derogatory language is not allowed.
Speak only when called upon or asked.
Do not touch anyone else or something that belongs to someone else.
Get out of your seat only with the instructors permission.
Do not write or pass notes in class.
Cell Phone use is prohibited.
No grooming
Do not eat food, drink beverages or chew gum in class.

Discipline – All discipline procedures follow the 2008-2009 Student Handbook.

All teacher assigned detention is in room 1004 from 7:35-8:00 am.

Teacher Availability – I am usually on campus by 7:45. You are welcome to come by and ask any questions that are needed. Parents, feel free to call or e-mail me at any time.

Phone: 770-254-2880

E-mail – aaron.buck@cowetaschools.org

* The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time.

Supplies that are needed:

- 1.5 inch 3 ring binder (2)

- plenty of paper

- Pen or pencil daily

- 5 tab dividers