This course offers a rigorous examination of the historical and theoretical foundations of American democracy as they relate to political and economic practice and policy in the 20th century. Topics covered will include the constitution and federalism; the structure and function of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government, civil rights and liberties, political parties and campaigns; macro and micro economic theory and problems of production, distribution, and consumption in various economies. Students will be required to do substantial reading from college-level texts and supplemental contemporary essays, and to participate actively in discussions and analysis of landmark political economic precedents and current political and economic issues. The teachers involved share a commitment to establishing clear connections between assessment and curricular goals providing experiences for students, which promote sustained inquiry and in-depth investigation of issues and ideas. This is a rigorous academic course designed to challenge the college bound.

Class Policies

We will work together to build a classroom environment in which everyone is treated with decency and respect. Behavior or language that jeopardizes this in any way will not be tolerated. All policies established by BHSN and listed in the student handbook will apply and be enforced.

• Tardiness-All students are expected to be in the classroom and prepared for class to begin when the bell rings. Students arriving late without a pass will be marked tardy and assigned a 30 minute detention to be served after school. If you are more than 10 minutes late to class, you will need to get a re-admit from the attendance office. Please refer to the student handbook for additional information.

• Materials-All students are expected to have all materials necessary for class with them everyday. For this course, students are asked to have a 3-ring binder for class notes and handouts.

• General Assignments-Most assignments, especially homework, will be turned in at the beginning of the class period. Students will be given instructions on whether the assignment can be hand written or must be word-processed. For word-processed assignments, students should be prepared to turn in a hard copy at the due date. I understand that printers malfunction, but time requirements are reasonable to the point this problem should be avoided. Assignments submitted through email or on disks will not be accepted.

• Late Assignment Policy-All assignments are expected on the announced due date. If the assignment is submitted at the next class meeting, 10% will be deducted from the grade earned. 50% will be deducted from the grade earned for assignments submitted two meetings after the due date. No assignments will be accepted after this without the teacher’s consent. (Ex. If a student earns 90 on a 100 point assignment and it is submitted between the due date and the next class meeting, they will earn 81/100. If the assignment is submitted between the first and up to the second class meeting after the due date, the student would earn 45/100).

• Make Up Work Policy-Make up work is the student’s responsibility. If you are absent, you are expected to get the assignment from the teacher the day you return. In general, students will be given one day to make up work. If students are absent on the day of a test or a quiz, they will be expected to take them, or an equal alternate test, before or after school or during seminar. Extended absences will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

• Grades-Grades for the course will be determined by a combination of written/oral assignments and presentations, class projects, tests and quizzes, and additional activities the students will be given during the course. Each assignment will have a point value. At the end of the semester, your grade will be calculated by dividing the total number of points you have by the total points possible. Students may check on grades at appropriate times and are encouraged to keep a record of their score.

Grading Scale

100%-93%

A

92%-90%

A-

89%-87%

B+

86%-83%

B

82%-80%

B-

79%-77%

C+

76%-73%

C

72%-70%

C-

69%-67%

D+

66%-63%

D

62%-60%

D-

59%-below

F

• Attendance-is crucial for success in this course. When perspective employers call your high school, they are very likely to request information about your attendance habits. It is very important for you to be in class everyday. This will give you the best opportunity for success in class. Again, all tests will be made up before or after school or during seminar.

• Cheating-I regret even having to address this, but because of recent incidences, academically dishonest work (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will be dealt with harshly and in accordance with school policy.

• R.E.S.P.E.C.T-Respect for others, their opinions, and personal and school property is expected at all times.

• Food-Students are not permitted food and drink other than bottled water in this class

*******All rules are enforced with the teacher’s discretion and any topic not addressed will be dealt with according to school policy in the student handbook.

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