Classroom Policies

Government-Classroom Policies
Welcome
Congratulations! You have made it to your senior year! Not only will you graduate from high school this year (we hope J ), but you will likely take on new responsibilities as a citizen. Becoming a responsible, contributing citizen will make life better for you and for your fellow citizens. Understanding some basic philosophies of government, current issues that face American and international politics, and deepening your understanding of the structure and operation of the U.S. government will be the focus of our study. We will also study the parliamentary system because so much of the world’s government is structured with this format. Please let me know if there are specific areas that you would like to study more thoroughly. I hope this will serve as a good launching plan for a life of serving God as you serve in your country, wherever that may be.
Structure of the Class
We begin virtually every day with an opener of some kind. You may be asked to reflect on your reading homework, form a written comment about a class discussion from the previous day, take a review quiz to show your understanding of recently covered material, etc. Whatever the “opener” may be, come to class prepared so that when class begins, you can begin.
About every two weeks you will be given a quiz. The quiz will be announced (there will be smaller, unannounced quizzes occasionally) and will require some studying. The quiz will cover the unit. Class time will not be given for a review. Classroom activities and homework assignments will be given to help me know whether you understand the unit material and it will help you prepare for the unit quiz. After several units, I will give a test that I will review for in class. I will try not to give tests on Mondays so that you can enjoy your weekend!
Syllabus
A syllabus will be provided each week that will give a plan (plans can and often change) of what will be covered. I will try to write homework on the board, but the syllabus can also be used to ensure that you have the homework assignment. The syllabus should be posted outside of my room so that you can have access to it even when the door is locked or another class is in session. I will also try to use my government blog to post the syllabus so that you can access information wherever you have an internet connection. The blog’s address is: http://ditzenberger.blogspot.com/
Assignments
All assignments are to be done independently unless otherwise noted. Independently means that you do not have help on the assignment. When you submit an assignment to me, I am evaluating what your understanding of the material is, not what someone else has contributed. I am concerned with my ability and competency to teach you and your effectiveness to learn. Independent work helps me to assess both of these elements. There will be plenty of chances for group work-both inside and outside of the class. Assignments can be completed in pen or pencil.
Daily assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class in their appropriate folder unless otherwise directed by me.





Participation points will be given each week. Students can participate by listening in class, asking questions, discussing when appropriate, affirming other students, working hard in a small group/cooperative learning setting, etc. You’ll get full credit for participation points if you arrive to class everyday and are engaged. If you have more than two excused absences a week, you will not receive a grade at all (different than a zero) and your absence will not be counted against you.
Expect one significant assignment a quarter. This may be a project, a paper, a group assignment that involves multiple steps, or a presentation. The point of these more significant assignments is for you to pursue learning at a deeper level while integrating a variety of skills (i.e., research, writing, public speaking, etc.) into the learning process.
Please submit all assignments or tests with your given (or nickname) and family name on the first line, followed by the course title on the second line, and the date on the third line.
Name Jeff Corson
Class U.S. Government
Date in Proper Form 20/7/2007 or 20-7-07

Your total grade will be broken down as follows:
Tests: 50% Projects: 20% Daily Assignments and Homework: 20% Participation: 10%
General Rules
-Water is allowed in the class as long as it is in a closed water bottle. No other drinks are permitted.
-Respecting others demonstrates that we are made in God’s image and therefore are valuable to God. Disrespecting others demeans them and does not honor God’s image that he has given them. Debate and discussion are an essential part in learning the material for this class, but interaction with ideas and the people who hold them should always be done respectfully. Let’s create an accepting, affirming atmosphere of respect in which we can all (including me) learn.
-Leaving the class to use the restroom is acceptable, but you need to ask just so that you can leave at a good time. Often there may be a good time in the coming few minutes. If I expect students are leaving the room for other reasons, I will change this rule to fit the class. Don’t forget to sign out.
-Extra credit is not generally offered. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, I may allow students to complete additional assignments as a substitute for learning that was missed when the situation is extreme and beyond the student’s control.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns: kditzenberger@ics.edu.sg


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please return this within the first week of class for 5 points credit.

I have read and understood the Classroom policies of Mr. Ditzenberger’s U.S. Government class.

_______________________________________ Signature of Parent or Guardian _______________Date


_______________________________________ Signature of Student _______________Date

Week 1 Syllabus

Lesson: Philosophical Foundations of American Government
Time: 5 Periods
Unit 1
Week: 1 Dates: August 13-17
Objectives:
1. Students will understand and become familiar with class expectations and the purpose of rules as they relate to government
2. Students will be able to name people and documents that influenced the formation of our gov’t.
3. Students will articulate what it means to live in a “State of Nature” in addition to clarifying the pros / cons of such an environment
Standards:
1.5 – Students know the fundamental democratic principles inherent in the U.S. concept of a Constitutional Democratic Republic
1.3.1 – Students can analyze the political thought that influenced the development of the U.S. Constitution
Materials:
Textbook, http://ditzenberger.blogspot.com/index.html
August 13, Monday
1. Can humans live without a government, why or why not?
2. Syllabus and Policies (20 minutes)
3. Game (20 minutes)
4. Homework-paragraph on game topic due 14/8-write what you know about your person, idea, place. No research or help is accepted. I want to know what you know! Also answer the poll on the class blog: (http://ditzenberger.blogspot.com/index.html) by Friday.
August 14, Tuesday
Collect Homework (5 minutes)
2. “I Have a Dream” speech and discussion (20 minutes). Count references to justice.
Political Philosophies Lecture (have PPT) (25 minutes)

August 15, Wednesday
Issue Textbook (10 minutes)
Activity on Justice: Plato’s Republic-Discussion Questions (15 minutes)
Current Event template and Article-15 minutes
Write a paragraph explaining what you believe about human nature, whether humans are basically good and altruistic, or selfish and tend toward what is good for oneself at the expense of others. (15 minutes). What is not finished should be completed and turned in on 16/8.
August 16, Thursday
1. Supreme Court Case
2. Types (Forms) of Government. -25 minutes
3. In groups, evaluate four forms of government by writing at least two pros and one con for each form that you choose. 20 minutes. Then answer the question: Why do you think the form of government has succeeded when and where it has?

August 17, Friday
Open Note Quiz on Week 1.
Functions of Government-(Lecture based on 24-29). (25 minutes)
Read Federalist Paper #10 and summarize Madison’s arguments. Divide into groups and give individuals sections. Students summarize arguments (identify 3 arguments for each section). (18 minutes)
Homework: Define Terms on page 3 of text book under the heading, “Political Dictionary.”