Irmo High School
International School for the Art
U.S. Government - CP
2016 - 2017
Teacher’s Name: Ms. Lisa Boulware
Email:
[email protected]
Phone: 803 – 476 -3008
I.
Room Number: 3010 – West Wing
Website: accessible from IHS website
Course Description
This course presents the historical/theoretical background of our system and federal nature of the various levels of government. The
three branches of our national political system will be examined both from a national perspective as well as from an individual’s point
of view. The course incorporates discussion of political behavior, the role of the media, the rights and responsibilities of citizens,
current political affairs, a study of comparative systems existing in the world today, as well as the many issues of cooperation that exist
between these diverse systems and ours. The goal of the course is to teach the use of analytical and critical thinking skills to develop
informed and responsible citizens who can contribute to our country and to an increasingly smaller and ever-changing world.
II. Instructional Goals




Students will examine the relationship of the present to the past and use knowledge of the past to make informed decisions
in the present and extrapolate into the future.
Students will assess the relative importance of multiple causes on outcomes.
Students will analyze, interpret, and synthesize historical information to make inferences and draw conclusions.
Students will analyze, interpret, and synthesize course materials to succeed on the End of Course Exam
Course Standards
Standards can be found at: www.myschools.com
III. Textbook, Supplemental Materials, and Supplemental Reading(s)
United States Government Our Democracy, McGraw Hill Education
IV. Other Requirements
Students are responsible for fulfilling 10 hours of Community Service for the U.S. Government class. This service is due at the
end of the semester. This will count as 10% of their 2nd/4th quarter grade. Students must meet the requirements set forth on the
community service sheet in order to receive credit. Students must complete the form provided in order to receive credit.
V. Instructional Organization
Origins and functions of the United States government
Foundations of the American republic
United States Constitution and its role in defining and shaping America
United States’ relations with other nation-states and its role in world affairs
The role of a citizen in American democracy- civic rights and responsibilities
VI. Course Grading Policies, Assessments, & Procedures
Letter Grade
Numerical Average
A
90 - 100
B
80 - 89
C
70 - 79
D
60 - 69
F
Below 60
1st nine weeks
Major Assignments
Minor Assignments
2nd nine weeks
*Minor Assignments
Community Service
85%
15%
5%
10%
Late Work:
Assignments are due at the beginning of the period designated. Those turned in at the end of the class period will be subject to late penalties.
Homework and class work will not be accepted late. Major assignments will be penalized 10 points for everyday late including week-ends.
VII. Absences and Make-Up Policies
Students will be permitted to make-up work missed due to an absence. If the student misses 1 day, the make-up work must be completed
within 2 school days. If the student misses 2 or more consecutive days, the make-up work must be completed with 5 school days. If
circumstances dictate that the material which had been missed requires more time to be made up, the teacher will have the discretion to
extend the deadline.
Students who miss a test, quiz, or other class work due to an absence will need to make up the work after school or at a time agreed upon
with the teacher within five days of returning to school. If at all possible, a test or other major assignment missed due to a prearranged
absence should be completed before the absence occurs.
Students are strongly encouraged to record all assignments, dates, and grades. Absent students are expected to contact the teacher or a
classmate to collect the assignments they miss. Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all work, especially assignments
missed due to an absence, is completed in a timely manner.
VIII. Academic Assistance and Suggestions for Success
Academic Assistance is available Monday and Thursday during Advisory and after school and by appointment.
IX. Classroom Management Plan / Classroom Expectations
Class Expectations:
1. Students are responsible for finding out any work missed due to absence and are expected to make up their work immediately.
2. Students should come to class prepared with needed materials and assignments that are due that day.
3. Students are expected to wear IDs at all times during class.
Technology Expectations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cell phones are not allowed out in class and will be confiscated.
Ipads are not to be out unless instructed to do so.
Ipads are to remain flat on desks at all times.
Students must use only websites approved by teacher for classroom instruction.
Music on ipads and cell phones will not be allowed during instruction.
Students should not leave ipads unattended.
Class Rules:
1.
2.
3.
Follow all rules set forth in Irmo Handbook
Treat fellow classmates/teacher with respect
Follow technology rules established
Consequences:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Verbal Warning
Notice of Concern sent home
Parent phone call
Discipline referral
X. Honor Code
In order to foster an environment of mutual trust & respect, we believe, within the community of School District 5 of Lexington & Richland
counties, each individual should accept the personal responsibility to exhibit & promote academic & social integrity. The Academic Honesty
Policy is being implemented to ensure that students submit credible work that is evident of their content mastery. Students should be totally
honest in their dealings with others. They should complete their own work and be evaluated based upon its originality. They should avoid
academic dishonesty and misconduct in all its forms, including plagiarism, fabrication or falsification, cheating, and other academic
misconduct.
XIII. Syllabus Acknowledgement and Information Sheet
Attached is a student information sheet. Please take time to read and discuss the syllabus and
discipline plan with your child, then sign and return the appropriate forms which are attached.
Irmo High School
International School for the Arts
Course Syllabus Acknowledgement & Information Sheet
Ms. Lisa Boulware
U.S. Government - CP
“I have read and thoroughly understand the expectations, rules, and procedures that are expected of me as a student
enrolled in this course. I have also read and agree to abide by the tenants set for in the honor code policy. I realize that I
am responsible for all the rules, regulations, procedures, and course requirements set forth in all classes, and the district
policy manual, and I will be held accountable for the contents of this class and supporting documents.”
______________________________________
Student Name (first & last)
_____________________________________
Student Signature
______________________________________
Student Email address (print)
Does student have access to internet outside of school? Yes
No
Does student have smart phone or iPAD they will be bringing to school? Yes
Does the student have access to a smart phone or iPAD outside of school?
Yes
No
No
“I have read thoroughly the contents of this syllabus and discussed with my child the expectations in this course.”
___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Names (print)
____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian E-Mail address (print)
________________________
Home Phone Number
_________________________
Work Phone Number
________________________
Cell Phone Number
Additional information parent/guardian wishes teacher to know:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________