Government

 Fall 2011

Teacher:  Mr. Homa

E-mail: dhoma@lghs.net

             david@davidhoma.com

Website:  www.davidhoma.com 

Description and Objective:  The idea of government goes far beyond the stop sign at the end of the corner.  The structure and process of government also goes far beyond only democratic ideas.  This course will look at why and when governments developed, what types of governments have existed and do exist, how governments affect the people they govern and where governments may be heading in the future.

Class rules:

1.  Follow directions.  You are seniors.  ‘Nuff said.

2.  Always be in the door before the bell rings.  If you come in late for any reason quietly sit

     down and then talk to me after class.

3.  All school rules apply in this classroom.

4.  No food or drinks (water is permitted).

5.  Always have your notebook with you.

6.  Always do your own work.

7.  Be an active participant in class and your own education.

8.  NO texting in class for any reason!

In addition:

Late papers and Make-up work.  No late papers will be accepted unless you have an excused absence and you have spoken to me immediately after the absence.  You have one day after the absence to speak with me or no work is accepted.  Make-up work will be dealt with on a case by case basis.  You must come and see me about make-up work. I will not track you down.

Anytime you have any problems with work PLEASE come to see me.

Grades:

Aeries is the primary way to keep track of your grade.  I update grades on a regular basis.  You may always speak with me but make sure you have checked Aries and have been keeping track of your grades throughout the semester.

Your grade will be based on the following:

1.  Each day one student will start the class with a brief presentation of a

     government event occurring within the past four months.  Each student will sign

     up for three presentations during the semester.  Be prepared a few days ahead

     of your due date.  I will give more details in class.

2.  Class assignments

     a.  homework, class work, notes, in-class projects

3.  Tests, quizzes

     a.  quizzes will include map and material covered over a day or several day

          period.  A quiz does not have to pre-announced.

     b.  tests will include material covered during a unit period.  A two day

          minimum announcement will be made prior to a test.

3.  Group project

     a.  this project will be explained in class and will last the full year.

     b.  half of the project will count for the first semester and half of the project

          will count for the second semester.

The grading scale:

A= 100-90

B=89-80

C=79-70

D=69-60

Extra Credit:

ex·tra (µk“str…) adj. Abbr. ext., ex., X 1. More than or beyond what is usual, normal, expected, or necessary. See Synonyms at  superfluous.

Extra credit is just as the definition implies.  I do not give extra credit.  From time to time I will add a few questions on an assignment or test but you will not know in advance.  Do not ask about extra credit!  This means you had better do all your work the first time!

Notebook:

1.  Each student must keep a notebook throughout the semester. 

2.  All items handed out in this class should be kept in your notebook. 

     Keep everything in the order that it has been handed out. 

3.  Each student will need a section of vocabulary words that he or she is

  unfamiliar with.  The words must come from anything we do in this class.  You will need to

  have 25 words each six weeks.  I will check your vocabulary each six weeks.

4.  Notebooks are to help each person be a better student.  Notebooks will not be

     evaluated on style but organization is very important.

Final note:

You are here to learn.  I do not give you a grade.  The effort you put into this class will give you your grade.  Have a great year!