AP Government Class Policy

john.williams@bvsd.org
Planning periods: 3rd & 7th Room 151
Phone 303-442-2430 ext. 2211
COURSE OVERVIEW
AP Government and Politics is a one semester college level class open to grades nine through twelve. It satisfies the government requirement for graduation and also serves as an elective for those students who have already taken a course in US Government. This is a weighted class so the grade you earn will count more (in your favor) for your GPA.
The class will cover the workings of the political system as it functions within Constitutional parameters and also the interaction of officials and institutions with political pressures from the public, media and interest groups.
The major units of study are:
I. Constitutional Underpinnings of the United States Government
The Constitution
Federalism: states and the nation
The Structural Foundations of American Government
II. Political Linkages
Public Opinion
The Mass Media
Interest Groups and Corporations
Social Movements
Political Parties
Voting and elections
III.Government and Governing
The Congress
The President
The Executive Branch
The Courts
IV. What Government does
The Struggle for Civil Liberties
Civil Rights: The Struggle for Political Equality
Domestic Policy: The Economy and Social Welfare
Foreign policy and National Defense
Homework--Homework is very regular in this class with textbook reading and supplemental assignments covering the concepts being learned. Political discussions at home about important issues and the upcoming election are very helpful!
Grading Procedures:
Grades will be based on homework assignments, quizzes (which will follow each chapter), unit tests and a final exam .
Grades can be determined by using the following scale:
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
below 60% F
The AP Exam:
The AP exam is developed and administered each year by the College Board here at Boulder High School. All students are encouraged to take this exam but it is not a requirement for this class nor do the results effect the class grade in any way. This year's exam is set for the afternoon of May 11th. Students will be excused from their afternoon classes in order to take this test. Results for the test are usually available in mid-July.
Because this one semester class will finish in January, there will be review sessions beginning in April to help prepare for the test. It is crucial that the students keep their class notes and handouts together for review purposes. Orders for the Barronís review guide for the test (about $15) will be taken during the first several weeks of class.
Students and parents wishing to find out about a particular collegeís policy regarding the granting of AP credit can find out more information at www.collegeboard.org. There are a number of other resources available at this site (some are free!) and itís worth checking out.


Late Work:
There will be a substantial penalty for unexcused latte work. Make sure to see me if there are important circumstances that would prevent you from handing an assignment in on time. I am available during my planning period and before and after school by appointment.

Extra Credit:
There will not be any major extra credit assignments for this class.

Behavior Expectations:
The study of politics often deals with controversial issues and, obviously, not everybody is going to have the same opinion. There will be many opportunities for you to discuss and debate different points of view but you need to do it in a respectful manner.

I strongly encourage you to stay in touch with me during the course of this school year! See me if you are having problems with the quizzes, tests or projects and will work on strategies for improving your grades.