U.S. Government

                                  (Required Semester Course to Graduate)

Instructor: Mrs. Pam Neal    Office Hours: Before and after school, and during Homeroom

Voice Mail: 267 – 2165

Email: neal@lcchs.org

 Text: Magruder’s American Government  - 2003

 Course Description:

     This is a very practical course that will prepare you (or your student) to be an informed citizen, give you an understanding of how our government works, and encourage you to take an active role in your government.  You will be studying the Origins of American Government, The Constitution, The Amendment Process, Federalism, The Legislative Branch, The Executive Branch, The Judicial Branch, How Checks and Balances Work, Political Parties, The Voting Process, The Election Process, and How the Electoral College Works. This should be a very exciting semester as you watch our nation elect our 44^th President.

Supplies Required – (Bring to class on a daily basis)

Textbook

Your Assignment

Agenda/Daily Planner – in order to be excused to go to the restroom

Separate spiral notebook for American Government

Folder for storing returned assignments, handouts, quizzes, and tests

Loose leaf paper

Pens (blue or black) – All assignments must be done in ink!

No pencils allowed!!

Grades

     Lansing Catholic’s grading scale will be used. I use a % system. Everything is out of 100%.

Quarter grades will be determined by grades earned from assignments, participation, handouts, reports, quizzes, and tests.  There will be a test following every chapter. Grades  will be posted weekly to Skyward.  A semester exam will be given. Every student is required to take the semester exam. The grading scale is listed in the school handbook.

Semester Grades will be determined in the following way:

1^st Quarter        = 40%

2^nd Quarter       = 40%

Semester Exam = 20%      

  Classroom Expectations

     I follow all of Lansing Catholic’s school policies regarding dress code, absences, tardiness, inappropriate language, gum, drinks, food, coats, backpacks, behavior etc. Students should be in their assigned seats when the bell rings or they will be marked tardy. Having to return to your locker for an assignment after the bell rings will be considered a tardy for that particular class period. You are to be respectful of your peers and of me at all times.

    Much of the material in this course is based on class discussion.  To be absent can hurt the learning process.  It is the student’s responsibility to get what ever work or notes that he or she missed by seeing me when they return.  I do not accept late work unless a student has a school approved absence.   If a student is in the building any time during the school day it is his or her responsibility to turn in any assignment due and to find out his or her assignment for the next day.  Assignments are posted on the dry erase board and they will also be explained to the students.

 Make-Up Work:

      If you know you are going to be gone (college visit, kairos retreat, doctor appointment, student senate meeting etc.) get your assignment from me ahead of time.  If something is due whey you will be gone, you are required to turn it in before leaving unless I give you permission to do otherwise.  This applies to tests, quizzes, and projects as well. Tests and quizzes need to be made-up before or after school or during your study hall.