American Government Syllabus
Mr. Niemi –TUESDAY 10:00
Fall 2007 – 1.5 credits

Text, Readings, Materials: The class will attempt to mirror the Nova Net site in timeframe.  Textbooks are readily available and may be checked out when not being used in class.
McClenaghan: Magruder’s American Government 2006
Materials – You are required to bring your Nova Net government notes, paper, and writing instrument(s) along with your opinions and beliefs…do NOT leave the latter items at home please.
Course Descriptions/Objectives – “Students in grade twelve pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American government. They compare systems of government in the world today and analyze the history and changing interpretations of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the current state of the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches of government. An emphasis is placed on analyzing the relationship among federal, state, and local governments, with particular attention paid to important historical documents such as the Federalist Papers. These standards represent the culmination of civic literacy as students prepare to vote, participate in community activities, and assume the responsibilities citizenship.
In addition to studying government in grade twelve, students will also master fundamental economic concepts, applying the tools (graphs, statistics, equations) from other subject areas to the understanding of operations and institutions of economic systems. Studied in a historic context are the basic economic principles of micro- and macroeconomics, international economics, comparative economic systems, measurement, and methods.”
– History Content Standards for California Public Schools
Course Calendar/Schedule – Since we are on block system, the below listed dates correspond with the DCHS calendar. Please remember that due to the schedule, missing one day of class is equivalent to missing one week in a traditional school.

Attendance, lateness – Attendance is mandatory. Participation is not possible without your presence. Thus, attendance will represent 25% of your grade. One is allowed two tar dies during the semester. A note (from parent or doctor) will be allowed to excuse your absence but you will not be able to make up the quizzes.
Class participation – Participation is the largest portion of the grade. In order to learn, evaluate and critique, one must be willing to speak. Given the nature of the subject, American Government, your participation is not a privilege, but a right. It must be practiced.
Missed exams or assignments – As mentioned above, missed quizzes/exams may not be made up. Extra credit is available. Please make an appointment with me to discuss such projects.
Academic dishonesty – Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Plagiarism defined is “a piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented as being your own work 2: the act of plagiarizing; taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own (www.dictionary.com).” As a result, poorly cited material will constitute plagiarism. Your analysis is more important than someone else’s facts.
Grading – Grades will be based on the following criteria;

Available Support Services.  Should you need any extra help with the class or Nova Net, please do not hesitate to meet with me. It is imperative that you take the initiative prior to the last week of school. It is easier to catch up to a little than a lot!