2002-2003
Social
Studies Department
U.S. &
Comparative Government
Mr.
Lenihan
United States and Comparative Government introduces students to how governments work and function at home and abroad. We will study in-depth the organization and functioning of the federal government of the United States, and if time allows, briefly look at Virginia state government. This course will focus on the Constitution, Bill of Rights, principles of government, origins of American Government, political parties, interest groups, voting behavior, foreign policy, and the electoral process. Time will also be spent learning about the 3 branches of government and the importance that they play. We will also follow current events, political issues, and debates. Towards the end of the course, we will compare the United States government with the governments of Great Britain, France, China, and South Africa. The main goals of this course are for you to become informed American citizens with knowledge of how and why our government works and how it has flourished for over 200 years.
As high school seniors preparing for college, you will be expected to complete all assignments and actively participate in class. Class will consist of a mix of lecture, discussion, debate, group work, presentations, videos, and online activities. Assignments will include projects, short essays, research papers, and occasional outside readings. Since this is a course in government, we will spend time debating issues and discussing laws that impact our lives as American citizens.
I will use a point system as follows:
Category Number
of Points
Tests 100 (2 given per quarter)
Quizzes 20
Homework Assignments 5 or 10 (you can expect homework almost every night)
Short Essays 50
Research Papers/Projects 200 (1 assigned per quarter)
Notebook 50 (checked once per quarter)
Participation/Behavior 50 (per quarter)
McClenaghan, William A. Magruder’s American Government. Needham, MA: Prentice Hall,
1999. (Course Textbook)
I have created a website specifically for my classes to be used by students and their parents. The website includes course information, updates, weekly assignments, online activities, etc. Please refer to it often, especially when you are absent as I plan to post assignments on a weekly basis. This will be especially useful for when you are out sick, out due to sports or if you forgot to write down your homework one night!
The website is: http://www.geocities.com/tomlenihan
Homework assignments are due the next class day. If you do not bring it to class you will lose 1 point. If you bring it to me by the end of the school day you will still only lose 1 point. If you bring the assignment in the next day you will lose 2 points. Unless you are sick or absent, you will not be able to hand it in for credit after the 2nd day that it was due. Homework is an easy grade as all I do is check to see that you did it.
Please note that all essays and papers must be typed, double-spaced using 12 point size font. Grade deductions will be made for all assignments that are not typed as required. You will have 3 days to hand in any project, essay, or research paper after the assigned due date. For every day that it is late you lose 10 points. After the 3rd day, I will not accept the assignment, which means an automatic grade of zero (0). You should always plan ahead and see me in advance after school or at the end of class, if you have any problems or concerns. Never wait until the last minute!
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. When doing research, you must properly cite sources used and quoted from. If you are not sure about something, see me!! I will spend time in class going over how to properly cite sources and take notes while doing research. If I suspect you have plagiarized in a paper, I will speak to you privately and will abide by all school rules regarding the seriousness of plagiarism. When in doubt ask me! You don’t want to jeopardize being suspended and failing for the quarter if caught plagiarizing. It is not hard for me to tell when something is not in your own words, and I will often search websites and the sources that you used.
If you miss a quiz or test, you will be required to make it up as soon as possible, but within 3 days (if you have been absent for awhile see me and we can discuss this). Tests may only be made up after school; quizzes can be made up in class with my approval. Remember it is your responsibility to check the course website for assignments or see me regarding all make up work when you are absent. It is not my job to track you down! Failure to make up work will result in your receiving a grade of 0 (zero).
It is your responsibility to arrive to class on time and be seated when the bell rings. You will be expected to get to work right away. I will then take attendance and come around to check homework if there was an assignment. Each day will be different in terms of what we do in class, but you should always be on time, come to class prepared, and get to work right away. Frequent tardiness will not be allowed. According to the handbook if you are tardy 16 times in a quarter, you will automatically fail the course.
You will need the following supplies for this class and should bring them with you each day:
Remember that organization is the key to success!!
Please do not ask about extra credit because I don’t plan to give any. If you are doing the assignments and trying your best, then chances are you won’t fail. Effort is very important in my eyes. On occasion, I may give an extra credit assignment to the entire class but that is at my discretion. I do not have to give extra credit and prefer not to. So I encourage you to work hard and take responsibility for your work.
I anticipate taking at least 1 class field trip during the school year. Being close to our nation’s capital is a great advantage to us. We will hopefully go to the U.S. Capitol and/or the International Spy Museum.
What You Can
Expect from me (the teacher):
My responsibility to you as students is to make sure that you learn the material and have every opportunity to participate in class, ask questions, and get help when you need it. I will treat you with respect at all times, and expect the same in return. I will be available before and after school to answer any questions, address concerns, or give you guidance and extra help. My goal is to see you learn and grow throughout the school year. Again, do not hesitate to visit me before or after school. I will do my best to make sure that you have a good year academically. All major assignments will be announced well in advance and I will grade papers, quizzes, and tests within a reasonable amount of time. I will be available before and during homeroom and after school in Room 122.
Notebook:
You are required to have a notebook just for this class and are expected to take notes in class! Taking notes is a way for you to focus on what is going on in class and to have something to study from for quizzes and tests. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make up the notes from a classmate or to see me for copies. If I see that you are not regularly taking notes in class and then produce a notebook when I check them, you will not receive any credit (i.e. a grade of zero (0). Notes are to be taken in class and not copied the night before I check them from one of your classmates. The notebook grade is meant to help your quarter grade!
Behavior/Participation:
As high school seniors, you are expected to be school leaders and role models. Being disruptive, disrespectful, and/or insubordinate will not be tolerated in my classroom. It is expected that you behave and show respect towards me (your teacher) and towards your fellow classmates. Depending on the action, I will usually give you a warning the first time. Students who are a frequent behavior problem will be dealt with accordingly (i.e., detentions, referrals, conferences with your parents and/or school administrators). Any personal problems or issues should be addressed with me privately before or after school in an appropriate manner. Everyone is here to learn and grow, and many of you need to do well to get into the college of your choice. If you follow the rules, pay attention in class and participate, you’ll be fine. I don’t like to penalize students who prefer not to participate in class, but that is a part of your quarter grade. It’s not expected that you participate on a daily basis but participating regularly will help you attain the maximum 50 points per quarter.
You are expected to read and abide by all rules and regulations in the Bishop O’Connell Student Handbook. I will abide by all school rules and regulations regarding the dress code, attendance, tardiness, behavior, etc. Also, food and drink are not allowed in class.
How You Can Receive A
Low Behavior/Participation Grade: