AP Government – Course Requirements

READING:    In order for students to be successful at a collegiate level course such as this, it is ESSENTIAL that students complete all assigned reading prior to class discussion.  The required reading, along with the lectures and class discussion, will figure prominently in your formal evaluation on quizzes and examinations.  The required reading will be substantial, but not overly burdensome if the student is organized and plans ahead.

GROUP ASSIGNMENTS:  Students will be placed in groups for the duration of the semester.  Establishing a good rapport with the group is a key to success in the class and will greatly assist in the management of the amount of reading required.  These groups will meet to plan and present selected readings to the class periodically.  The purpose of the presentation format is to assist fellow classmates in gaining a more complete comprehension of reading assignments.  These presentations should last not more than 20 to 30 minutes, and the format is open and left to the group presenting.  Each individual will receive a grade as well as the group.  Presentations will be based on readings from Peter Woll’s “American Government: Readings and Cases” and additional handouts.  The groups will also cooperate on a policymaker project during the course of the semester.  The project will be completed outside of class time and will be a major test grade.

CURRENT EVENTS:  Knowledge of current and political events is essential for linking political theory with practice.  Students who can apply governmental concepts to contemporary social and political phenomenon do well on the AP exam in May.  Daily current events will be assigned. 

EXAMINATIONS:  Formal evaluation for the course will consist of unit exams containing both multiple choice and essay sections.  Exams will conclude our study of each unit.  Tests are 75% of the grade.

DAILY WORK:  Daily grades will consist of mini- quizzes over reading, Socratic Seminars, vocabulary, timed writings, unit outlines, and supplemental readings and handouts.  Dates for all quizzes can be found on the course calendars.  Quizzes and daily grades are 25% of the student’s grade.  Late work is not accepted.

ABSENCES:  It is your responsibility to get your work if you are absent.  Be sure to complete all work missed while you are out of class.  Major assignments, group presentations, and the like that are scheduled in advance are due the date you return to class.  Students will have three days to make-up work assigned while absent.

BEHAVIOR:  This is an advanced college level course.  If you are not mature enough to behave yourself and respect your classmates, you are probably not mature enough to handle the work!!!