US Government Syllabus Mrs. Creech 2015-2016

Course Outline1st Quarter: Illinois Government

● Ch. 1- 7 in Governing Illinois● Officers of Illinois● Illinois Constitution: Preamble, Articles 1-14● 3-4 day review and then Illinois Government TEST

2nd Quarter: US Government (Government in America)● Unit 1: Foundations of American Government● Unit 4: National Government: Legislative Branch● Unit 5: National Government: Executive Branch● Unit 6: National Government: Judicial Branch● US Constitution: Preamble, Articles 1-7, Bill of Rights, Amendments 11-27● 3-4 day review and US Government TEST

ExpectationsAll students are expected to:1.) Arrive to class on time.2.) Bring all necessary supplies to class.3.) Show respect towards Ms. Kettner and other students.4.) Make an effort to do well.

AssignmentsGenerally, you will have time at the end of class to complete assignments. This means that there is NO EXCUSE for assignments that are incomplete. If you are not using your assigned homework time in class wisely, there will be points deducted from your assignments. Make it easy, finish your homework at school so you can spend your night doing things you want to do, not things you HAVE to do.

You will be required to keep track of current events WEEKLY. You will need to find one news story from each of the following categories: World, National, and Local. These will be due every FRIDAY.

ProjectsThroughout the year you will have a few projects assigned. Although the content of these projects will vary, the requirements and expectations will be similar:

● Each project will require you to think deeper about one or more of the topics that we have covered in class.

● Each project will serve as a large percentage of your overall course grade. ● You will have some opportunity within the projects to choose the direction of your

assignment ( this could mean choosing your own topic, choosing the style you present your information, etc.).

● You will have plenty of time in class to work on these projects, so do not stress about finding time at home to complete them.

Academic HonestyPlease make sure that all of the work you turn in to me is your own. If you are caught copying assignments from other students, you will receive zeros on those assignments. If you are caught plagiarizing sources from the internet, you will receive a zero on the assignment. NOTE: This is pretty lenient, if you are caught plagiarizing in COLLEGE, you will not only receive zeros but may also be removed from school and have LEGAL action brought against you. Save yourself the time and learn to do it the right way now!

Grading Policy

My grade book will be based on points. Projects, quizzes, and tests will be worth more points than your everyday assignments. You will also receive participation points for taking and keeping your notes.

If you disagree with a grade that you receive on an assignment, project, or test you have the right to question this grade. I do, however, require that you take this right seriously. All grade concerns need to be submitted to Ms. Kettner IN WRITING within 48 hours of receiving the grade in question. Complaints not submitted in writing will not be eligible for review.

****YOU MUST PASS THIS CLASS TO GRADUATE****