| AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS |
Teacher: Mrs. Rachel Califf
Email: rcaliff@woh.rr.com
Required Class Texts:
Class Description:
The primary purpose of this class is AP exam preparation. In preparing for the exam, students will study and learn about the constitutional history of the United States Government, the various political beliefs and their history, political parties, interest groups, mass media, congress, the presidency, the bureaucracy, the federal courts, public policy, civil rights, and civil liberties. Students will study how these various mechanisms are organized, interact and are conducive to democracy. Through this class, students will come to understand the various avenues through which they, as citizens, have the opportunity to organize and communicate their interests and concerns. Students are also encouraged to seek out civic and political opportunities in their own communities during the class year.
The syllabus will include text and online readings, online quizzes, essays, current and world event discussions, group projects (like the drafting of a mock legislative bill), simulations, webquests/treasure hunts, polls, one term paper and a practice exam that doubles as the class final. The term paper is on a class-related topic of the student's choice and gives the student the opportunity to further research a particular area of interest.
The class syllabus will also include weekly discussions with classmates and teacher. These discussions (both academic and social) take place primarily on the main class message board, where we post messages (like a bulletin board) that can be read and responded to later. The web-board is designed to give students a chance to voice their opinions and explore current issues with openness. This is where students will engage in the most fun part of politics -- debating current issues!
I will closely monitor all class-work and web-board discussions. I will also be available, via email and phone, to answer any questions students might raise. I expect students to complete all assignments by assigned deadline and to maintain open & honest communication with me at all times regarding class-work and relevant home-issues that might affect class-work.
Who should apply: Reliable Internet and Email Access is a Must. Students grades 9 through 12 are welcome to apply. Academic performance must be average or above, and student should be familiar with basic (5 paragraph) essay form. Students must be self-motivated and punctual with assignments.
Teacher Qualifications: This will be my ninth year teaching AP American Government & Politics. I am a Grove City College graduate with a BA in both Communication & English, and multiple credits in Political Science. I am also a PHAA homeschool graduate and a veteran AP online student-turned-teacher, from which I continue to nurture a long-time fascination with politics. I am also the Director of Client Services for Elizabeth’s New Life Center in Kettering, Ohio – a pro-life crisis pregnancy center. My own personal views tend towards a conservative and Christian political outlook, but students are welcome to support and put forth a range of opinions. 3 - Highly Interactive
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