American Government/Civics

Course Details:

The American Government course focuses on the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, processes of the government and related issues. The course also focuses on the basic principles of economics, including how these principles affect United States contemporary international issues. Accordingly, a fundamental goal of the course is to develop students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills, helping them become global citizens.

Upon completion of this course, students will:

• understand the American political tradition and culture that significantly shaped the Constitution
• learn about the Constitution focusing on the separation of powers, as well as the role of the individual within a democratic society
• gain an appreciation and learn practical applications of their civil rights and liberties
• learn to examine the role of government at the federal, state, and local levels
• learn to examine the role and responsibilities of the United States and its citizens in the world
• learn to examine basic principles of economics and how these principles affect such issues as globalization, environmental concerns, human rights and the war on terrorism
• develop critical thinking and problem solving skills
• gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to become global citizens

Note: This course is not designed for ELL (English Language Learners) students. ELL students may enroll in this course ONLY if they have adequate mentor support at their home school and are able to fulfill all course requirements.

Prerequisites:

• US History - Semester - 1 Recommended
• US History - Semester - 2 Recommended
• World History - Semester - 1 Recommended
• World History - Semester - 2 Recommended

Syllabus:

Section 1 – Civics

• Key Ideals and Principles
• Key Ideals and Realities
• Evaluating Effectiveness of Federalism
• Effectiveness of Various Forms of Governments
• Impact of International Agreements on World Issues
• Ways of Influencing Governments and Organizations
• Bill of rights

Section 2 – Economics

• Costs and Benefits of Governmental Policies

Section 3 – Geography

• Analyzing Information from Geographic Tools

Section 4 – History

• Defining Eras in U.S. History
• Analyzing Interpretation of a Recent Event
• Contemporary Events and Cause of Conflicts
• Current Issues/Positions based on Analysis of History
• America – Country of Science and Technology

Section 5 - Social Studies

• Implications of Decisions
• Analysis of Decisions and Long-term Implications
• Evaluating the Breadth of Research on an Issue/Event
• Proposed Alternative Resolutions
• Avoiding Plagiarism and Conducting Research

Section 6 - How Our Democracy Works

• American Principles
• Political Parties and Special Interest Groups
• Citizens, Alliances and Legislation
• Civic Responsibility and Voting
• Role of Media