This class will provide students with an opportunity to explore how the U.S. political process works (and doesn't work). Students will examine and debate the philosophical foundations of our current political system. An in-depth study of the Constitution will help students understand the structure of our government as well as the importance of the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments. Legislative and campaign issues such as foreign policy, the environment, education, health care, U.S. debt, abortion, welfare, third parties, campaign finance, PACs, and lobbyists will frame our observations of the American political system.  Local and grass root politics may also be part of the class. Student action in the form of letter writing will help connect students to the political process. Formal debates, speeches, and simulated hearings, as well as reading, research, and writing will make up most of the course work. Weekly media discussions will help students stay informed. Expect a lot of reading, and frequent discussions.

Grades, Expectations, Etc...

Your grade will be based on the following three general categories:               

1) Participation in class activities  2) Homework, quizzes   3) Projects, presentations, and exams 

Participation means being on time and prepared for class (you can't participate if you're not there). You need to do the reading and preparation in order to make the class activities meaningful and interesting. Participation in discussion is crucial to this aspect of your grade. You need to demonstrate that you are a part of the discussion—actively listening and/or speaking. Cuts and tardies lower your participation grade.

 Reading assignments, homework  and quizzes are another crucial way to show your understanding. Please complete these assignments in a timely manner because they form the foundation for class activities and discussions. These assignments are meant to help you better understand the material. Students may revise/redo a homework assignment to improve a grade if it was turned in on time. Revisions must be made within a week after the original assignment was graded and returned.

Projects, presentations, essays and exams provide an opportunity for students to explore topics in greater detail and share them with the class. These include research papers/projects, debates, multimedia presentations, etc...Expect 1-2 per semester. Exams will be announced ahead of time.  

Homework Assignment Grading

Late work will receive one mark below the timely equivalent.

4  Complete and timely assignment, which may exceed the expectations. Shows good understanding of the material—neat, well organized, accurate.

3  Meets the minimum expectations of the assignment. Shows understanding, answers most, if not all of the questions, and is timely (may also be a late 4 level assignment).

2  Meets the most of the requirements of the assignment.  May not show understanding of material, may be missing some questions/components and/or be late.

1 Falls short of assignment expectations. Shows some effort, but is incomplete, inaccurate, sloppy, and/or late.

Grades: Letter grades will be used for semester and quarter reporting. Assignments will be graded using the homework grading scale, the writing rubric or criteria specific to a given assignment. Late work will receive one mark below the timely equivalent.

"A" means excellent work in all three of the general grading categories. Consistent and positive participation, at least 90% of assignments completed at a high level, and excellent exams/projects are the minimum requirements for an A. Student shows mastery of content. Must complete all major assignments and exams.

"B" means solid, well-done work in all of the general assessment categories. The minimum requirements for a B are 80% of assignments completed, good participation, and good exam/quiz scores (above average). Student must show solid understanding of material. May even include some excellent work.

"C" denotes completion of the majority of the coursework and some participation. Quality and quantity of work/ participation shows general understanding of the course material. Student must complete 65% of assignments. Quiz and exam scores are average to below average. Some assignments may be late and/or missing.

"D" shows lack of work and/or understanding. Many assignments are  missing and student shows little or no participation in class activities. Exams and projects reflect minimal effort and gaps in content understanding. 

No Credit/F — not enough work to warrant credit.