Civics and Current Events

Class Description

This year long course will explore the structure and processes involved in our political and legal system within the United States, while using current events to examine how written policy is put into action. Topics covered will include an introduction to government, foundations of American government, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, political parties and ideologies, campaigns and elections, the Legislative branch, the Executive branch, the Judicial branch, Civil Liberties, Foreign policy, and local government.

All reading materials will be provided in either PDFs or books, with consideration for those students who use audio books as a primary learning resource.

Class time will be used for lecture, video clips, debate, discussion, and group interaction. Homework will be reading heavy with frequent written and project based assignments. For many students coming into our program, workload modifications can be made to meet these students where they are at in regards to current skills and time management experience. Please plan on about 3 hours of homework per week on average.

At the end of the year, a summary of the class as well as a personalized note and a final grade will be written up for each student.

Grading Scale: Test and Projects will be 60 % of the grade; Homework will be 30%; Class participation will be 10%  

Materials

Students will need to have access to google classroom

A note taking system (paper/pen; computer; etc)

*Remote students need to have a working camera and microphone/headset

Material Fees will be $30 for the year