A.P.
Disclosure Document, 2006-07
Mr. Olson, Rm 701
Name: Period:
Course Description:
Advanced
Placement U.S. Government and Politics is an in-depth look at the American
political system. The primary purpose of this course is to prepare you for the
Exam which takes place in May. However, it is also the purpose of the course to
enlighten your thinking in regards to government and related issues so that you
may become a thinking and productive citizen.
There is good
deal more reading and information to be processed in an A.P. class than usual.
Consequently, the level of motivation and performance in this class is expected
to be exceptional. It is essentially a college level course that can give you
college credit. It is expected that you will take the exam in May.
THE REQUIRED GOVERNMENT & CITIZENSHIP CREDIT
may also be earned with completion of the second semester of the course (only
the SECOND semester counts for this
credit).
In our course
of study we will first look at theories of government and then move on to the
structure and ideas of the Constitution. We will then study the three branches
of government. As time permits we will also look at interest groups, the media,
civil rights, and policy-making. The bulk of the class will focus on the
Constitution, three branches of government, the bureaucracy, and political
ideologies. Concurrent with our study of American government will be a study of
domestic political issues and some international current events.
Materials / Sources:
American Government,
Outside
sources: TBA
Course Objectives:
1) Relate
the basic facts and ideas of the American Political system.
2) Be
able form sound opinions dealing with issues in American government.
3) Gain
an appreciation for our nation and its government, and develop the attitude and
knowledge that make good productive citizens.
4) Polish
study skills: Effective reading; clear writing; Exam taking skills; good study
habits.
5) Solid
preparation for the AP examination.
Course Requirements:
Attendance
Attendance is
essential in an A.P. class. You will not likely pass with out good attendance.
If for some reason this becomes a problem you will be asked to transfer.
Otherwise the school-wide attendance policy will be closely followed. (For a
copy go to the school web site at Timpanogos.alpinedistrict.org)
Folder
You must have a lose leaf folder
specifically for this class. You will
want to keep class notes, returned assignments, handout and other important
papers in this folder. These will be checked periodically for a grade.
Homework/
Late work
You will have
some kind of homework assigned for each class period. Homework will be due the
next time unless a specific date is given. Late work will be accepted up to day
of the exam for that unit, but points will be taken off (usually you will get
half credit). If you cannot complete homework because of serious illness your
parents should contact the school or me personally. Deadlines for late work
will be strict. Only extreme circumstances will change this. Deadlines will be
posted in the classroom.
Exams
Your exams
will cover the information you get from the teacher (notes), reading from the
text, and any outside reading you may be assigned. Your exams will be graded
and turned back to you by the next class period. If you miss an exam in class, it
must be made up in the testing center within two class periods after the day it
is given in class. Check the door of the testing center door for days and
times.
Grading
Policy
We take
seriously the admonition that students should achieve mastery of the subject
and feel that a “D” does not demonstrate this mastery. HENCE, NO “D” GRADES ARE
GIVEN. Students must achieve a 70% to
pass the course. A 69% is failing.
However, any
student who receives a 60-69% one quarter and then shows improvement with an
85% or higher the next quarter will receive a passing grade for the previous
quarter in which the failing grade was received.
The grading
scaled is as follows:
100%-94% = A,
93-90% = A-, 89-84% = B, 83-80% = B-, 79-74% = C, 73-70% = C-, 69-0% = F
Integrity
You will be
expected to demonstrate integrity. Cheating is just not acceptable. Please not,
you
nay not share work on assignments unless given specific permission.
Never lend your assignment out to be copied. The student who lends their assignment will get a zero, as well as the person
copying the work!!
Makeup Policy
·
No makeup work is allowed for unexcused
absences
·
You have the responsibility to check
what work was missed on the day of an absence. You will be required to turn in
assignments or take quizzes on the day you return, unless you have been
specifically excused by the teacher. Use the Log Book on the assignments table to find out what was missed.
·
You are allowed to turn in late work
for PARTIAL CREDIT, but the work must be turned in no latter than the day of
the exam for that unit. Once the exam is given, absolutely no work will be accepted.
·
Additionally, if you are present when
the assignment is given but absent the day it is due, it will be marked as late
unless specifically arranged with the teacher. In other words, find a way to
get the assignment to class or get excused by the teacher.
·
All makeup quizzes and tests will be
taken in the testing center. You must have your student ID. The testing center
is open from
·
YOU
MUST COMPLETE THE MAKEUP QUIZZES AND TESTS WITHIN ONE WEEK OR NO CREDIT WILL BE
GIVEN.
·
To
be fair and objective with all students, makeup quizzes and exams will be
somewhat more difficult and no bonus or extra credit questions will be given.
Rules / General Expectations:
* Come to class
prepared
* Be respectful in class
* Dress code will be enforced
* No food or
drinks in class
* Pay attention when teacher is talking or
another student is making a comment
* Never leave class without permission, remain
at your desk until the bell rings.
I will expect
you to come to class prepared. You should bring your text to class everyday
unless otherwise announced. Assignments should be done neatly. Make your handwriting neat and as legible as
possible. If I can’t read your work, I’ll ask you to do it over again or you
will get a point reduction.
Your general
behavior in class should follow one simple principle… respect. You need to
respect myself as the teacher, other students, and school property. In return
you will get the same. Finally, if you have any problems or
questions please come and talk to me before school in the morning or right
after class.
Parents and
Students, PLEASE SIGN the cover
sheet...
(Students,
keep this disclosure document in your folders and turn in the signed cover
sheet for 10 points)
AP
Disclosure Document 2006-07
Mr. Olson
I
have read and acknowledge the policies and rules for this class:
Student
(print)________________________________
Student___________________________
Date________
Parent(s)__________________________Date________