Course Syllabus
Spring 2023 Syllabus/Pacing Guide
A-G American Government
CP# 3008.2
CP# 3009.2 (If needed)
Instructor: Judy Orr
Email: jorr@cwcharter.org
Phone number: 1-209-441-6090 (voice and text)
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First Day of Class: January 11, 2023 |
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Last day to add or drop without charge: January 20, 2023 Last day of class: 5/3/23 |
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Proctored Final: Yes, TBA |
Please examine and keep for reference the CWCS Master Class Syllabus for rules and regulations on Student and Parent Responsibilities, absences, and a host of information on attending Canvas classes.
Announcements:
-You can prepare for the CAASPP tests by participating in GRASP the CAASPP.
-If you are having problems logging into CANVAS, please reach out to your ES.
-PLEASE NOTE: Since students MUST pass this class to graduate, missing work will be assigned a “0” within a week (with comments) to allow for accurate grades for ES/Parent/Student viewing.
Course Overview:
Government: In this course, students apply knowledge gained in previous years of study to pursue a deeper understanding of American government. They will consider the role of and necessity for government, as well as how government can attain goals sanctioned by the majority while protecting its citizens from the abuse of power. Students will also review and expand their knowledge of the key elements of a representative form of democracy, such as the idea that the authority to govern resides in its citizens. Their study will be grounded in the understanding that all citizens have certain inalienable rights such as due process, what to believe, and where and how to live. This course is the culmination of the civic literacy strand of history–social studies that prepares students to vote and to be informed, skilled, and engaged participants in civic life.
Class Information:
Class Times: Wednesdays 10:30 AM (CP 3008, or 9:00 for CP 3009)
Prerequisites: a-g World History and a-g US History
Textbook:
Savvas/Pearson Education, Inc. Vendor # 9856
Savvas/Pearson Realize - Magruder's American Government 2019. 9781418272944 Magruder's American Government Student Edition with Digital Courseware 1-year Access
If the curriculum is not available at the library, the ES can order it with instructional funding. Updated pricing information can be found on the Recommended Curriculum page or the OPS Catalog.
Requirements:
-Class textbook -Gmail Account -Reliable Internet access
-Working external headset with mic, (computer speakers do not work successfully with the Jigsaw setup). After the third week of class and no headset, students will begin lose participation points for the class. (Class is much more engaging if all students can talk in class using their mic).
Suggested: Office Depot Logitech Clear-Chat
Format for Submitting Assignments:
-Students must acquaint themselves with Purdue OWL MLA format (POMF) as all assignments must be turned in using this format. 10% of the score will be deducted if Purdue OWL is not used:
Purdue OWL Sample: Purdue OWL MLA sample paper
Late Work /Absences
If you are sick, have a mandatory test (i.e. CAASPP) or have to miss class for another reason, you must contact me via email prior to class to excuse the absence. You will have one week to complete any missed class assignment for full credit, by 11:59 PM on the following Tuesday. Email a summary of class to receive full attendance/participation credit (for school-related absences such as SAT, CAASPP, etc) by11:59 PM on the following Tuesday. For other excused absences, students will only receive full attendance credit with a summary PLUS a small additional assignment. Students who do not contact me to excuse their absence will receive a 0 for that week’s attendance/participation grade. Attendance can be made up, but with a late penalty
Assignments, tests, and quizzes are due by the date announced in class or as posted in the pacing guide and Canvas. Classwork and homework assignments submitted after the due date will receive a grade no higher than 75%. The Social Studies Department classes will not accept late work after the close date of the assignment. Absences don’t extend deadlines! The last day to accept late work, tests, or projects is 5/12. Any late work that is turned in receives a lower priority for grading. Please do not expect your instructor to grade late work immediately.
A-G Grading:
Attendance/Participation 25%
Class Assignments 25%
Canvas Quizzes 25%
Midterm/Final 25%
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GRADING SCALE |
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100%-93% |
A |
76%-73% |
C |
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92%-90% |
A- |
72%-70% |
C- |
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89%-87% |
B+ |
69%-67% |
D+ |
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86%-83% |
B |
66%-63% |
D |
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82%-80% |
B- |
62%-60% |
D- |
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79%-77% |
C+ |
59.4% & below |
F |
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**When decimals are involved, grades are rounded to nearest whole number. |
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PACING GUIDE |
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Week |
Date |
Chapters are called “Topics” in MaGruder’s. Read these Topics and complete the assigned Topic quizzes prior to class. |
Pages |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday |
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Week 1 |
Jan 11 |
Topic 1: Foundations of Government Integrity Pledge due by 11:59 PM |
p 4-37 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday(4) |
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Week 2 |
Jan 18 |
Topic 2: The Beginnings of Am Govt Political Cartoon Assignment due by 11:59 PM |
p 46-81 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday(4) |
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Week 3 |
Jan 25 |
Topic 3: The Constitution |
p 90-134 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday(4) |
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Week 4 |
Feb 1 |
Topic 4: The Legislative Branch Campaign Overview Due by 11:59 PM |
p 144- 210 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday(6) |
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Week 5 |
Feb 8 |
Topic 5: Executive Branch, Presidency, Vice Presidency |
p 220- 249 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday(4) |
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Week 6 |
Feb 15 |
Topic 6: The Executive Branch at Work Campaign Speech Due by 11:59 PM |
p 259- 314 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday(6) |
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Week 7 |
Feb 22 |
Topic 7: The Judicial Branch Supreme Court Case Summary due by 11:59 PM |
p 324- 345 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday (3) |
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Week 8 |
March 1 |
Topic 8: Protecting Civil Liberties |
p 354- 382 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday (7) |
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Week 9 |
March 8 |
Topic 9: Citizenship and Civil Rights Midterm Taken In Canvas by 11:59 PM (Current Event assigned by this date) |
p 383- 412 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday (4) |
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Week 10 |
March 15 |
Topic 10.1-10.4: Government By the People |
p 464- 499 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday (4) |
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Week 11 |
March 22 |
Spring Break – Enjoy! |
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Week 12 |
March 29 |
Topic 10.5-10.7: Government By the People continued |
p 500- 537 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday (3) |
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Week 13 |
April 5 |
Topic 11: Elections Yard Sign and Bumper Sticker due by 11:59 PM |
p 546-598 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday! (4) |
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Week 14 |
April 12 |
Topic 12: Government and the Economy |
p 608- 652 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday! (5) |
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Week 15 |
April 19 |
Topic 13: California State and Local Government Current Event write up due by this date 11:59 PM |
p 662- 719 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday(6) |
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Week 16 |
April 26 |
Topic 14: Comparative Political Systems Campaign Commercials Due 11:59PM |
p 728- 752 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday(4) |
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Week 17 |
May 3 |
Last class meeting to wrap up semester. Inform instructor if you are unable to attend |
Get caught up on quizzes. |
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Week of May 5 - 12 |
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Mandatory proctored final Location to be discussed with your ES |
p 728- 752 |
Take all quizzes for the topic by end of day Tuesday(4) |
Inability to complete assignments
All assignments for the semester are presented to the student at the first class meeting. If there is any reason (religious, etc.) that a student cannot complete an assignment, it is the student’s
responsibility to inform the instructor by the THIRD CLASS MEETING. An alternative assignment will be provided.
REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS
All WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE IN Purdue OWL MLA FORMAT (POMF):
POMF Sample Paper (click)
Be cautious not to plagiarize: https://plagiarismdetector.net
LESSON QUIZZES: Students will complete the quizzes for each Lesson in Canvas prior to the class meeting. Some Topics have 3 quizzes, some have 7 quizzes. Please plan accordingly.
POLITICAL CARTOON: View and study the cartoon posted in Canvas. Write 4 paragraphs (POMF) Paragraph one should introduce the topic of political cartoons and their place in politics. Paragraph two should discuss the figure in the center being hit by boxing gloves. Paragraph three should discuss the four boxes from which the boxing gloves are emerging. Paragraph four is the conclusion in which you discuss your own view or opinion. See pacing guide above for due date. POMF must be used (check the syllabus or watch the first class' recording if you don't remember: POMF Link)
SUMMARY OF A SUPREME COURT CASE: Write a 2 page summary of a Supreme Court case of your choice. Give details of who was involved, why it was appealed, the impact on society, how this case affects you, and why you chose the court case. Include a bibliography with at least 2 sources (NO WIKIPEDIA). A plagiarism checker will be used. Please ensure that 12% or less are registering as plagiarised. See pacing guide above for due date. POMF must be used (check the syllabus or watch the first class' recording if you don't remember: POMF Link)
CURRENT EVENT: Every student will choose a current event and present it to the class. Choose an article from a newspaper, or online news that is related to government happening in the world to report to the class. Write a one-paragraph (at least 10 sentences) summarizing the event, citing your source, and submit on Canvas (written in POMF citing where you found your article). Present a summary to the class (no longer than 20-30 seconds) highlighting your current event. Volunteers will be taken first, then students will be assigned a date (by the 3rd class session) to present in class. Make sure to have a headset or microphone on the day you present as this is a requirement to take an online class. Practice with your ES to make sure your mic works, or ask me to try out your mic. Be prepared to field questions from the class or the instructor. 20% be deducted from total score if not presented on day assigned. Notify instructor 24 hours in advance if you need to miss class and schedule a make-up date. See pacing guide above for due date. POMF must be used (check the syllabus or watch the first class' recording if you don't remember: POMF Link)
CAMPAIGN PROJECT
This project allows you to view some of the basic items in a political campaign. You will imagine that you are running for an elected office. Complete each component of the mock campaign. This is a cohesive project, with the same theme and ideas that you develop carried throughout each component. If you have any questions, please contact me at 209-441-6090 or jorr@cwcharter.org
-Overview: -Overview: Choose a current political party to represent (i.e. Republican, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, Independent, etc). Type a 1-page essay giving an overview of where the party stands on AT LEAST 3 ISSUES (examples: abortion, death penalty, taxes, immigration, health care, etc.) of that party. These will be your political agenda items. This will be presented in an essay form. See pacing guide above for due date. Make sure to use POMF (check the syllabus or watch the first class' recording if you don't remember: POMF Link)
-Write a campaign speech of at least 1 typed page. Include your political agenda items (what you researched in your overview), why you are the best person for the job, why the public should vote for you, what you have to offer the American people, and what you will do during your term if elected. Evoke emotion, make it exciting! This will be presented in essay form. See pacing guide above for due date. Make sure to use POMF (check the syllabus or watch the first class' recording if you don't remember: POMF Link)
-Create a yard sign (2 x 3 feet) with an original campaign slogan. Examples of slogans include: “I Like Ike”, “No New Taxes”, “Let America be America Again”, “Make America Great Again”, or “Build Back Better”. You can create either a slogan or a graphic (can be a drawing or crest- be creative) . Remember to put your name on there somewhere with the year and make it colorful. Make sure your slogan does not resemble a previous politician’s.
-Create an original bumper sticker with the same theme/colors as your yard sign. Remember, the campaign projects component are cohesive and carry the same theme throughout. Make sure it resembles your yard sign, has your last name, the year, and either your slogan, or your graphic from the yard sign. The size of the bumper sticker is half of an 8.5 x11 piece of paper. The paper is folded like a “hot dog bun”. Email or call if you have any questions.
Paper folded with the long sides (11”) touching.
-Develop a 20-30 second radio (audio) or television (video) commercial that showcases the political agenda items (from your overview) you hope to accomplish/attain, why you are the best person for the job, and your slogan. The commercial should be euphonious (pleasing to the ear) and grab the audience’s attention. Have fun, but be professional- make sure it is appropriate to air on TV or the radio. (If you are technically challenged and do not know how to post a video on YouTube or how to send the recording, choose the audio commercial)
Grading Rubric:
WRITING RUBRIC
Overview of party platform, and campaign speech.
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0 - 25 Points |
26 - 50 Points |
51 – 89 Points |
90 -100 Points |
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Language Mechanics: Capitalization, Punctuation, Grammar, Spelling |
Many errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. |
Some errors. |
Few mechanical errors. |
Flawless |
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Audience |
Uninteresting, dull, no emotional response. |
Somewhat interesting to read/hear, loses audience’s attention, very little emotional response. |
Interesting to read/hear, has audience’s attention, some emotional response. |
Extremely interesting to read/hear, grabs audience’s attention, elicits audience emotions. |
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Organization |
Confusing, illogical format, several key ideas were missing. |
Somewhat organized, some ideas were not presented clearly. |
Clear organization, focused on key ideas, adequately explained ideas. |
Extremely well organized, logical format, easy to follow, fully explained ideas. POMF used. |
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Identification of Key Issues |
Information on political party irrelevant or incomplete. |
Very few items presented from the political party explained, errors in basic ideas. |
Information on political party explained. |
Information on political party overview explained in interesting and sophisticated manner. Cites sources if applicable. |
VISUALS RUBRIC
Slogan/yard sign and bumper sticker
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0 - 25 Point |
26 - 50 Points |
51 - 89 Points |
90-100Points |
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Aesthetic value |
No color, poorly constructed, no pertinent information |
Somewhat easy to see, little color, some information |
Stands out easily, colorful, contains pertinent information |
Visually striking, colorful, grabs audience’s attention, contains pertinent information |
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Creativity |
Minimal |
Slightly effective |
Original ideas |
Very sophisticated |
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Audience |
Not interesting, no audience attention |
Somewhat interesting to see, little audience attention |
Interesting, audience attention |
Extremely interesting to see, elicits audience emotions, grabs audience’s attention |
COMMERCIAL
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0- 25 Points |
26- 50 Points |
51- 89 Points |
90 - 100 Points |
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Originality |
Overused format |
Slight originality with new ideas |
Original formatting and ideas |
Total out of box thinking, fresh |
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Effectiveness |
No attention gained |
Minimal attention gained |
Some relation to message from audience |
Complete emotional and mental buy-in, majority of audience can relate to message. |
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Length |
15 seconds and below |
10-20 seconds |
20+ seconds |
No more than 30 seconds |
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Message Clarity |
Unclear, unintelligible |
Minimal understanding of basic message |
Clear message and understanding of all information |
Message elicits emotional response, total grasp of all theory and information |