Government and Economics Syllabus
Jacque Davenport, Teacher
Course Description: The government course covers the history of the Constitution the key people involved and how it is structured. The powers, functions, and procedures of all three branches of government will be covered. Students will study the nature of the office of the President, the manner in which he or she is elected, and the major political parties and their differences and similarities. The students will become familiar with how the Constitution and state government affect their everyday life. The Economics portion of the course will provide students with the basic principles of economics such as supply and demand, factors of production, scarcity, specialization of labor and other concepts related to a capitalist economy. Topics such as inflation, depression, energy, consumerism, and the stock market will be covered. Current events will also be included and related to whatever topic we are studying at the time where applicable.
Materials Needed: Textbook, writing utensil, three-ring notebook, loose-leaf paper, and four dividers labeled Notes, Homework, Tests and Quizzes, and Journals. You must bring your materials everyday. You will be issued four passes for the semester and if you do not use them, they can be used for extra credit for your semester exam.
Classroom Learning Activities: Activities may include debates, review games, mock trials, role-plays, research papers, web quests, art projects, class discussion, and book reports. A Mock Congressional hearing will be part of the Fall Semester Final. A variety of videos and guest speakers will be used to illustrate material covered in the course.
Grades: Class grades are based on class participation, notebooks, tests, special projects, and quizzes. Sixty percent of the grade is based on notebooks and tests. Notebooks are graded once each nine weeks. Extra credit points are given for review games and passes.
Classroom Rules: Don’t interrupt when someone is talking, be in your seat with all materials before the tardy bell rings, no food or drink in the classroom, follow directions as appropriate, and be respectful of others and property.