Harrells Christian Academy Course Syllabus
Course Title: Civics and Economics
Credit Hours: 1 unit
Grade Level: 9 th Grade
Description: This course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become responsible and effective citizens in an interdependent world. Students will need an understanding of these systems of civics and economics that affect their lives as consumers and citizens. As informed decision-makers, students will apply acquired knowledge to real life experiences. When studying the legal and political systems, students will become aware of their rights and responsibilities and put this information into practice. The economic, legal, and political systems are balanced for presentation and, like other social studies subjects, this course lends itself to interdisciplinary teaching. The goals and objectives are drawn from the disciplines of political science, history, economics, geography, and jurisprudence. The goals for the course are as follows:
Goal 1: Foundations of the American Political System
Goal 2: The United States Constitution
Goal 3: The North Carolina Constitution
Goal 4: Roles of Citizens at Local, State, and National Levels of Government
Goal 5: Competing Interests and Resolving Conflicts
Goal 6: How Laws are Enacted, Implemented, and Enforced
Goal 7: Economic Choices
Goal 8: Features of the U.S. Economic System
Goal 9: Factors Influencing the U.S. Economy
Goal 10: Personal Responsibilities of Citizens
Textbook: Civics Today. New York, New York: Glencoe, 2008.
Instructor: Mrs. Linda C. Carr
School: 532-4575
Home: 532-4387
Required Materials: Pens and pencils
3-ring binder
Loose-leaf paper
Spiral composition book
Colored pencils
Access to a computer/word processor and Internet
Access to a daily newspaper that addresses local, state, national,
and international events
Major Course Objectives:
Students will develop and enhance their knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- Reading for content understanding
- Taking notes
- Analyzing the impact of political, social, economic, and culture issues which have shaped the American legal, political, and economic system.
- Going beyond memorization of isolated facts to the development of higher level thinking skills
- Analyzing currents events as they impact local, state, national, and international events
- Becoming more aware of the rights and responsibilities of American citizens
- Analyzing and understanding the importance of primary source documents that are the foundation of the American democratic system
- Developing and refining written expression
One of the most important skills a student can develop is the ability to read a textbook or any academic material and to be able to ascertain the most important ideas expressed by the author. This is difficult for many students. In order to develop this skill, students will learn the Cornell Note Taking Method. This method has been proven very effective in helping students retain the information they have read. Students will be expected to take notes on all assigned reading in their notebooks. Once the student becomes proficient in using this method, it can be applied to any core subject area reading. This course is intended to promote patriotism and to make students aware of the sacrifices of past Americans which enabled them to enjoy the freedoms and rights they have today. Throughout this course students will learn to compare, evaluate and analyze issues, documents, and events. Being able to express oneself effectively in writing is a very important skill. Historical writing requires that the writer support his/her opinions with facts. Using proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure is also a must. Points will be deducted from writings that do not display the skills and practices that students are taught in their English classes.
Requirements and Grading
Final Grade: The course grade will be calculated by the following formula-Marking period averages (50%) + midterm (25%) + final exam (25%) = 100%.
Marking Period Grades: The six-week’s grade will be based on tests(goal & cumulative), chapter quizzes, homework assignments, class work, group projects, research projects, newspaper readings, notebook checks, and writing/essay assignments. Goal and cumulative tests will be counted three times, chapter quizzes and essays two times, and all other assignments(daily grades) one time. I will drop one daily assignment at the end of the grading period.
Sample reading assignments:
Reading from the textbook for homework with student notes, analysis of historical documents, primary source writings such as letters or excerpts from diaries, current newspaper articles about local, state, and national issues
Sample writing assignments:
Essays, short answer test questions, reflections on current events
Sample speaking assignments:
Small and large group discussions, pair and shares, role playing, individual and group presentations
Sample listening assignments:
Small and large group discussions, pair and shares, video presentations, and lectures
Policies and Procedures:
The class rules are simple: (1) Be on time. (2) Be productive. (3) Be polite.
You should be in the classroom in your assigned seat and ready to begin the lesson when the tardy bell rings. A productive student brings his/her materials (textbook, paper, pencil/pen, and notebook) to class each day. A productive student participates in all class activities, pays attention in class, does not talk when the teacher or another student is talking, and avoids disruptive behavior. Being polite involves respecting the rights of others and treating others as you would like to be treated. Needless to say, you are expected to abide by the rules established in the student handbook. Consequences of rule infractions are stated in the handbook.
Make-up work after an absence: If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed and to make up the assignments. You will have 5 days to make up missed work. After that time, you will receive a zero. Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances which will require that we discuss a situation on an individual basis.
Bathroom procedure: Students will be allowed to go to the bathroom during class only in cases of emergency. Emergencies do not occur several times a week or even once a week. If you have a medical condition that might require you to have more frequent bathroom visits, please bring me a note from your parents.
Final Thoughts:
I am looking forward to working with you this year. My main objective for you is to increase your knowledge of and appreciation for the American political, economic, and legal system.
