Course Disclosure for US Government

U.S. Government: Course Disclosure

Mrs. Hirschi

Course Description: The goal of this course is to foster informed, responsible participation in public life.  Knowing how to be a good citizen is essential to the preservation and improvement of United States democracy.  Upon completion of this course the student should understand the major ideas, protections, privileges, structures, and economic systems that affect the life of a citizen in the United States political system.

Grading: Grades are based on a standard point system that could include things like homework, class work, tests, quizzes, participation in class and group work.  Work that is late will receive an automatic 30% loss.  Points lost off of an assignment for being late cannot be made up.

A grade is a representation of how well a student has mastered the content taught in the class.  My goal as your teacher is to do all I can to help you understand the US governmental processes, not punish you if you don’t.

Extra Credit: There will be opportunities to receive extra credit points in this class, however, no extra credit assignments will be available until ALL assigned work is completed and turned in (this includes quizzes and tests).

Citizenship: Your citizenship grade is based on your behavior, attitude and abilities to follow the rules of the classroom and school.  If you cannot act properly, you will be dealt with using the school’s discipline procedure policy as outlined in the student handbook.

Tardies and Absences: The attendance policy of our classroom will mirror that of the school’s policy as outlined in the student handbook.  All absences and tardies must be excused in order to make up work or tests.  It is your responsibility to fill out an ATTENDANCE MEMO (using Power school) on your FIRST day back to class after an absence to contract making up work/tests.  A student who has 10 (ten) or more absences (excused and/or unexcused) will automatically receive an F for the quarter.

Hall Passes: When students have to leave during class for a drink, use the restroom, or because they forgot something we lose time that could be better spent on education.  All students must ask the teacher for permission to leave the classroom for any reason.  Because of the 7 minute break between classes, which should be ample time to take care of any pertinent business, granting hall passes will be at the teacher’s discretion.  This policy will enable us to have more quality learning time.

There is only one rule for my classroom: “Everyone and everything that enters this classroom must be treated with respect” and it is posted at the front of the classroom. Class procedures range from turning in papers to the above mentioned make up work from absenteeism.  We will go over each procedure as they are needed.  However, the classroom rule, consequences, and procedures will be in addition to those in the school and district handbook.

If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to call me at 865-3989 during school hours or email me anytime at darcie.hirschi@ironmail.org

Thank you,

Mrs. Darcie Hirschi

Please sign and return the attached  portion of this document; keep the rest for your records.  The signed portion of this document is worth points toward your final grade if returned by _____________.

 

I have read, understand, and agree to the US Government course disclosure.

Subject & Period:____________________________________________________

Student Name (printed)_______________________________________________

Student Signature____________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (printed)________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature_____________________________________________

Date___________________________________  Telephone Numbers/Email I can reach you at:

Parental Permission to View Videos/DVDs

Teacher: Darcie Hirschi                              Subject: US Government                              Grade Level : 12

I have found that by using popular movies I am able to connect to or create prior knowledge to build from in students.  Students tend to relate more to cinema and it keeps their attention longer than a background lecture or article.  Please review the following information and sign permission for or against your student viewing the movies I have selected.

The following videos/DVDs will be viewed, in their entirety, in class:

National Treasure 1

National Treasure 2

Man of the Year

Sicko

W.

The First Amendment Project

The movies will be seen during the listed units (specific dates cannot be foreseen due to varying time needed for each unit)

National Treasure 1: during our “A New Nation” Unit

National Treasure 2:  during our “Constitution” Unit

Man of the Year: during our “Voting” Unit

Sicko: during our "Constitution" Unit (Separation of Powers/Legislative Branch)

W: during our "Voting" Unit

The First Amendment Project: during our "Bill of Rights" Unit

The ratings, and reasons for the ratings, of the movies are:

National Treasure 1 (PG): action violence, some scary images

National Treasure 2 (PG): action violence, some scary images

Man of the Year (PG 13): language, drug related materials, brief violence

Sicko (PG 13): brief strong language

W. (PG 13): language including sexual reference, some alcohol abuse, smoking, and brief disturbing war images

The First Amendment Project (NR): documentary, strong language

I give permission for (student) ________________________________ to view the videos.

Parent/Guardian Signature_____________________________ Date______________

OR

Rather than viewing the videos, I would like my son/daughter to participate in an alternative activity.

Parent/Guardian Signature________________________________ Date _________________