U.S.

Government Course Syllabus

Orangewood Academy 2015-2016

Instructor: Mr. WhiteRoom 201

Email: dwhite@orangewoodacademy.com

Website: www.whiteoa.com
Course Description

During this course the students will study the foundations and structure of
the United States federal government, the structure of the state and local
governments, and civil rights and liberties. The goal of the class is to provide
the students with a sense of the purpose and function of government and
how governments address some of the most basic issues in life.

Course Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Students will explain the fundamental principles and moral values

of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and
other essential documents of American democracy.
Students will analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the
three branches of government as established by the U.S.
Constitution.
Students will summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court
interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments.
Students will evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national,
state, and local elective offices.
Students will evaluate and take and defend positions of the media
in American political life.
Students will be able to demonstrate the school-wide Student
Learning Outcomes in everyday learning and interaction with
teachers and other students.

Required Materials
Edwards, George C. Government in America: 2012 Election Edition (16th
Edition). Pearson, 2012. ISBN: 978-0205865611
Paper
Writing Utensils

Participation
Participation is crucial to senior-level government. Students are expected to
come to class on time and prepared with a writing utensil and
textbook/notebook/homework (as assigned). Participation also includes
active in-class discussion and/or other class activities. Failure to come to class
prepared and/or failure to participate in class activities may result in the loss
of 5 daily points per class period.

Daily Work
Daily reading and written assignments are given from the textbook or other
supplementary materials. Students are expected to turn in homework by the
end of the class on the day it is due, unless otherwise specified by the
instructor. No late work will be accepted.

Projects/Research Paper
Various projects and/or research papers will be assigned during the year.

Quizzes/Tests
Quizzes will be given on a weekly basis, and pop quizzes will be given at the
instructors discretion. Tests will be given at the end of each chapter unless
announced otherwise in class by the instructor.

Semester Final
A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the semester. For
those seniors that have earned an overall 95% in the class along with a 95%
in both the quiz and test categories by the time of the final exam, the final
exam will not be required.

Grades
Homework
Quizzes
Tests
Projects/Papers
Semester final

A
AB+
B
BC+

10%
30%
30%
15%

94-100%
90-93%
87-89%
83-86%
80-82%
77-79%

Class Website

15%

C
CD+
D
DF

73-76%
70-72%
67-69%
63-66%
60-62%
0-59%

Homework assignments for the week will be posted on Mondays at

www.whiteoa.com. Unit schedules and other class information are also
available on the history website.

Student Learning Outcomes (as specified in the Orangewood

Academy student handbook)

Spirituality: Each student will identify and demonstrate components of a

Christian lifestyle including moral and ethical behavior based on biblical
principles and founded on a grace orientation.
Scholarship: Each student will acquire skills in studying, critical thinking,
practical living, goal-setting, and personal assessment.
Sportsmanship: Each student will demonstrate fitness, self-control, teamwork,
and honesty by modeling respect, courtesy, and consideration.
Service: Each student will recognize membership in the world community and
an inherent ability to positively impact the environment and society.

Honesty Policy
See OA Student Handbook for policy.

Attendance Policy
If the number of absences exceeds 15% of the class, credit will not be
issued for the class. All school-related activities do not count against the
15%. Student is responsible for bringing a note signed by a parent/guardian
in order to obtain an excused absence for class purposes. See OA Student
Handbook for full policy.

Discipline Policy
In general this is the process that will be followed in the case of behavior or
activity that is distracting to the education process:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Verbal warning
Loss of participation point(s)
Out-of-class meeting between instructor and student to address
issue. Parent/guardian will be contacted and informed on issue.
Out-of-class meeting between instructor, parent, and student .
Referral will be given and issue will be presented to the principal.

I have read and understand the above information

and class policies for U.S. Government.
_______________________________________
___________________________________
_____________
Parent Signature
Student Signature
Date