Political Studies - Political Literature & Economics/Government

Instructor: Rose Tutera & Julia Kempkey
Length of Course: 1 Year

Curricular Map (PDF FILE)

Course Description:
Political Studies is a richly integrated course that combines senior level Social Studies (Economics and U.S. Government) with Language Arts (Political Literature). The project and problem-based curriculum is team-taught in a two hour block that meets each day. At the beginning of each unit, students are presented with problems and projects designed to mirror relevant issues that can and do occur in the world outside of class. This approach creates in each student a need to know the curriculum as they progress through the project stages and allows them to demonstrate mastery of California State Content Standards and the Learning Outcomes.
 
Syllabus 2007-2008

“The most important political office is that of the private citizen.”
Louis D. Brandeis

Grading Policy

20%---Work Ethic/Citizenship/Participation
10%---Written Communication
20%---English Content
20%---Social Studies Content
10%---Oral Communication
10%---Critical Thinking
10%---Collaboration

Late work Policy
* Students: You can find the agenda for the days missed on the class calendar. If the network is down, you are responsible for finding out about missed work from another student.

• Forgot to turn homework in?  If there is a work ethic grade, this component of the grade will be lost. If there is not work ethic component, you will lose 25% of the possible points after one day. After 2 or more days you can receive a maximum of 50%
• Excused absence?  Write “Absent” and include the dates that you were absent and the original due date of the late work. You will have the same number of days to turn in the assignment as the number of days you were absent. After that, the other late work policy will be implemented (see above)

 

“Need to Know” + Extra Help Policy
*Students: You are always encouraged to PROACTIVELY seek help when needed

• Appointments can be made for before school, after school, and during lunch
• We can adjust the direct instruction to fit your needs. . . . Just let us know when you would like extra instruction or help.

 

Tardy Policy
You will be referred to the office after three unexcused tardies in an attendance period. Out of respect for your fellow classmates and teacher, you need to be in your seat at the start of class.

REMEMBER: As Seniors, you are expected to demonstrate a high level of time management, efficiency, and coordination between outside activities, jobs, academics, internships, and on-going senior projects.