Week of 2/1

Here are this week's plans:

2/1 (Monday)--Complete Declaration of Independence Discussion. We will finish our discussion on the sources and meaning of the Declaration of Independence. The lecture notes for this material are posted on Docushare (as both a Word document and in the original PowerPoint) in the "Declaration of Independence" folder. Remember to turn in your signed syllabus for 5 extra credit points. Assignment: Read the Common Sense excerpt and be prepared to discuss and answer the questions in class tomorrow.

2/2 (Tuesday)--Thomas Paine's Common Sense. Answers to the discussion questions are due tomorrow (10 points). We will discuss the excerpt and answer the questions in class. Assignment: Read Chapter 1, sections 1 and 2.

2/3 (Wednesday)--Principles of Government. Today you will learn about (i) elements of a "state" or "nation-state," (ii) theories on the evolution of the state, and (iii) forms of government. Assignment: Finish reading Chapter 1.

2/4 (Thursday)--Wrap-up on Unit 1; Review for Quiz. Today we will finish up our discussion on government principles. Tomorrow, we will have a quiz on the Declaration of Independence and the principles of government we have studied this week. We will spend about half the class reviewing for the quiz. The quiz will be worth 30 points.

2/5 (Friday)--Quiz on Declaration of Independence and Principles of Government. After the quiz, we will have time for discussion of current events.

Next week, we will begin studying the tumultuous period from the end of the Revolutionary War to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. You will see that America's grand experiment in democratic government got off to a very rocky start! These problems eventually led to the Constitutional Convention and the ratification of the Constitution, a remarkable governing document that has guided us through 220 years of drastic social, economic and international change.

Week of 1/25

First day of class: Tuesday, January 26.

Note: The attendance incentive is back! Come to class regularly and avoid the dreaded "semester final!"

Here is an overview of planned activities for the week:

1/26 (Tuesday)--Textbooks; Syllabus; Class Expectations and Participation. Our first task will be to check out new textbooks from the bookroom. The new government text is not only updated, but user-friendly, including online access! We will spend the balance of class going over the syllabus, discussing class rules and expectations, and conducting a student interest inventory.
Assignment: Read the first two sections of the Declaration of Independence (p. R39 in your textbook).

1/27 (Wednesday)--Docushare; Introduction to Declaration of Independence; Preview of State of the Union Address. Today I will show you how to access class materials (exam review sheets, class assignments, etc.) online from the district's Docushare site. We will begin looking at the Declaration of Independence, which embodies many key principles on which our system of government is based. Finally, we will preview President Obama's State of the Union message.
Assignment: Watch the State of the Union message and be prepared to discuss in class tomorrow! Start earning your Class Participation points!

1/28 (Thursday)--Discuss State of the Union Message.

1/29 (Friday)--Continue Declaration of Independence Discussion.

Class Rules and Expectations

Please observe the following Rules and Expectations for this class:

Mr. Antley’s Classroom Rules and Expectations

The Golden Rule: Treat yourself and others with respect.

The Primary Expectation: Every one of you will pass this class!

Specifics:

1. Be in class, in your seat, on time, and ready to work. Bellwork and/or journaling will be waiting for you most days.

2. Help ensure accurate attendance. If you are not in your seat at the beginning of class when roll is checked, you may be marked absent. It is your responsibility to come to me and see that such mistakes are corrected. No changes in attendance records will be made after the end of the day when the absence/tardy occurred!

3. Minimize class disruptions. This means bringing your book, folders, notebooks, papers, writing instruments to class every day, unless told otherwise. Bring any snacks or drinks to class with you; you will not be given a pass to the Student Store during class!

4. Keep the room and your desk neat. Snacks are allowed if you clean up after yourself. Do not bring glass or other breakable items into the room. I follow a zero-tolerance policy on this! Violation equals loss of privilege!

5. Questions are encouraged; interruptions are not. Raise your hand and be recognized. Do not interrupt others.

6. Take notes. Taking notes is essential to success in this and most other classes. Open note tests will be given occasionally.

7. No sleeping. Studies show that consciousness is required for virtually all learning!

8. Clear known absences and obtain assignments in advance. I post class plans, assignments and deadlines on DocuShare and Blogger. You can access and work on most assignments even if you miss class. Please write me a note or send me an e-mail if you are going to be absent.

9. Fill out school-sponsored activity forms for me to sign. This saves a great deal of class time!

10. IPods and other electronic devices are not to be used during class. Exceptions to this policy may be announced from time to time; otherwise, you should not have devices on or be using/wearing earbuds during class.

11. On-task behavior is expected at all times. You are expected to be productively engaged in work pertaining to this class!

12. This is a learning community. Disruptions that interfere with learning by the community will not be tolerated.

In all other respects, class procedures, rules, disciplinary policy and expectations will conform to the FHS Student Manual.

Violations of the foregoing rules will bear the following consequences:

First offense: Verbal reminder.

Second offense: Extra homework.

Third offense: Detention.

Subsequent offenses: Referral.

Please see me if you have any questions about these policies.

Let’s Have a Great Year Together!!

Welcome!

Welcome to American Government!!

I will post reminders, due dates, and other pertinent information pertaining to the class here throughout the semester.

Please bookmark this site and check it at least weekly, and whenever you miss class.

No matter what career path and future interests you pursue, the actions of national, state and local governments affect you!! A solid foundational knowledge of the Constitution and the processes by which laws are made, interpreted and enforced will help you stay informed and prepare you to lead an active, involved role in shaping government policy and contributing to the growth and prosperity of our nation!

I look forward to a fun and stimulating year!