GOVERNMENT
Teacher: Mr. Alex Forsthoff (Room C205)
Email: [email protected]
Voicemail: 970-884-9521 x3019
Website: mrforsthoffbhs.weebly.com
Course Description: This course focuses on interpreting the U.S. Constitution and analyzing the three branches of our federal system. We will examine the major historical and philosophical influences contained in the Constitution and discuss the role of government at the international, national, state, and local levels. It is through an understanding of the foundations of our democratic form of government that we become informed, productive citizens. This course requires researching current issues (immigration, education) for the purpose of influencing public policy; identifying which level of government is appropriate to influence change; analyzing options for learning about and participating in local, state, and national issues; investigating the goals and tools of U.S. foreign policy.
Supplies Needed: (1) One inch 3 ring binder OR (1) one-subject spiral notebook. This notebook or binder will be used for government class only. It will be turned in throughout the semester.
Overview of Units:
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Once a parent/guardian has seen this syllabus, and the student fully understands the class policies, please sign. This will be the first document in the student’s class notebook, and will be required to receive credit on the first notebook check.
Parent Signature:
Student Signature:
Date:
Teacher: Mr. Alex Forsthoff (Room C205)
Email: [email protected]
Voicemail: 970-884-9521 x3019
Website: mrforsthoffbhs.weebly.com
Course Description: This course focuses on interpreting the U.S. Constitution and analyzing the three branches of our federal system. We will examine the major historical and philosophical influences contained in the Constitution and discuss the role of government at the international, national, state, and local levels. It is through an understanding of the foundations of our democratic form of government that we become informed, productive citizens. This course requires researching current issues (immigration, education) for the purpose of influencing public policy; identifying which level of government is appropriate to influence change; analyzing options for learning about and participating in local, state, and national issues; investigating the goals and tools of U.S. foreign policy.
Supplies Needed: (1) One inch 3 ring binder OR (1) one-subject spiral notebook. This notebook or binder will be used for government class only. It will be turned in throughout the semester.
Overview of Units:
- Civics in the Classroom
- Structures and Functions of the US Government
- Media Literacy
- The Election and Electoral Process
- Origins, Philosophies, Foundations and Purpose of our Democratic Republic
- Types of Governments
- Domestic and Foreign Public Policy
- The US Justice System
- Students will arrive prepared to learn with necessary materials to do so. Bring your notebook every day as well as pencil, pen, homework, and any other materials.
- Students ride the Respect P.O.N.Y. (Respect Property, Others, Nature, and Yourselves)
- Act in a mature way in regards to some of the sensitive topics like sexuality and drug use that will be discussed in a scientific manner
- Students abide by the classroom behavior rules created during the first week of class that will be signed by all students.
- Students participate professionally in all activities during class time. This is social studies; you will be social. PLEASE talk/discuss/share with your peers when it is appropriate. Acknowledge when talking/discussing/sharing with your peers is not appropriate.
- I will be honest, fair, and consistent. This applies to all aspects of my classroom including grading, conversation, and discussion.
- I am serious about class time, and I will not waste it. I will not tolerate anyone else wasting it. I have a job and you have a job, let’s do them both professionally.
- I believe that students come first. My passion for economics, and social studies, pales in comparison to my passion for working with people. I am available any time if you have questions, issues, concerns, or are looking for a good conversation.
- If you are absent, check my website first to find any assignments or documents that you will have to make up. DO NOT ASK ME WHAT YOU MISSED BEFORE YOU CHECK THE WEBSITE! If you have questions after checking the website, feel free to come talk to me.
- You will have two school days to turn in make-up work.
- You have 1 week from the due date to make up any late work. There will be a %50 deduction on late work. If you contact me with a valid reason that you are unable to complete the work on time we can make arrangements. (Computer problems, my dog ate my homework, I forgot it at home, etc. will not fly!)
- Cell phone use is prohibited in my classroom unless I explicitly give students permission. We will be doing some activities and using certain technologies that require a cell phone or computer. I will give warning if they should be out.
- 1st Violation- Verbal Warning
- 2nd Violation- I will ask that the cell phone be placed on my desk for the remainder of the class period.
- Subsequent violations, a formal referral to the office
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Once a parent/guardian has seen this syllabus, and the student fully understands the class policies, please sign. This will be the first document in the student’s class notebook, and will be required to receive credit on the first notebook check.
Parent Signature:
Student Signature:
Date: