American Government
American Government
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American Government at Rossford High School
Introduction
This is a required course to graduate from Rossford High School, and one that requires you to put forth your best effort on a DAILY basis. The expectation is for you to participate in class, and be prepared every day. You have ample opportunity to demonstrate that you are academically competent learners, effective communicators, productive individuals, culturally aware, and involved citizens.
Textbooks
Remy, Richard C., Donald A Ritchie, Lee Arbetmam, et. al. U.S. Government: Our Democracy. McGraw Hill Publishers c. 2018.
Smith, Jane W., Carol Sullivan, and Grant Wiggins. Pearson American Government. Boston, MA: Pearson, 2010. Print
Lenz, Timothy O., and Mirya Holman. American Government. N.p.: Orange Grove, 2013. Print
Course of Study
A. Principles of Government (Ch 1-4)
B. Political Beliefs and Behaviors (Ch 5-7)
C. Interest Groups, Political Parties, Media (Ch 8-9)
D. Institutions (Ch. 10-18)
E. Civil Liberties / Civil Rights (Ch. 19-21)
F. Governing the States (Ch. 24-25)
G. Public Policy
Attendance
Regular attendance is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL in this class. I will strictly enforce the school attendance policy. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to take care of the things that were done in class.
Classroom Management
A. I CAN NOT OVERSTATE THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING EXCELLENT CLASS NOTES. THEY WILL BE OF GREAT HELP FOR TEST AND QUIZ PREPARATION THIS YEAR.
B. Each one of you is expected to take an active part in class on a daily basis. When you enter this room, be prepared to think, ask questions, and make informed comments.
C. If you have difficulties in this class, feel free to drop by for extra help. I am available during AI, before school, and after school. If you need to see me before or after school, it is best to make an appointment. If a special problem or problems arise, see me as soon as possible, so that we can work things out.
D. If you are having "one of those days", let me know before class begins so that I can accordingly make allowances.
Homework
Expect nightly reading, viewing, and/or listening assignments. TAKE THESE SERIOUSLY! You will be "in the dark" during the lectures, and discussions if you do a poor job of reading or (gulp!) do not do the reading at all. You will also bomb the quizzes that are based upon the readings.
Late work is usually not accepted. If you are going to be absent, you are responsible to check the class web page as soon as possible to find out what you missed.
Grades
A. I use the following grading scale:
A = 100-92
B = 91-82
C = 81-70
D = 69-60
F= Below 60
B. Your quarter grade will be based on the following factors:
1. Test scores - 40%
2. Quiz scores - 30%
3. Daily Work scores - 30%
C. Your semester grade will be based on the following factors:
1. Quarter grade - 40%
2. Quarter grade - 40%
3. Exam grade - 20%
How to contact me:
The best way to contact me is via email at ccox@rossfordschools.org . Please put your name in the subject line. I check this email account several times a day and it is the surest way to contact me.
The second best way to contact me is to see me during AI. It is a professional courtesy to see me before school or prior to AI beginning.
Important Links for Regular Class Use:
Presidents of the United States
Annenberg Videos for American Government
Periodic Presidents - Amendments
Exam Study Session - Everything you should know at the half way point of this class.
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10
Ohio Dept. of Education Standards for American Government - American Government Performance Level Descriptors