Teacher Web Page

Class Rules

Assignments

Grades

Useful Links

Tay Cooper

Social Science, World Civilization 1 & U.S. Government/Economics

tcooper@csusm.edu

(760) 727-7284 extension 3113

About the Teacher

I have been blessed/cursed with a case of wanderlust. This has made it difficult to stay in one place for long. My travels have taken me to five continents and most of the United States during summer breaks. Those of you in my World Civilizations class will see the interminable slide shows that give us a first hand view of the cultures and my adventures with them. Each of these trips focuses on two things, the wonderfully diverse people and their cultures along with the marvelous beauty of the world in which we live.

My educational career has taken me from seven years of middle school and thirteen years of high school teaching to two years as a Distinguished Teacher in Residence at California State University, San Marcos. I expect to finish my career at Rancho Buena Vista High School. My teaching is characterized by a focus on student creativity, interaction and thinking. Students are expected to become active participants and managers of their own learning as they explore their worlds through the district and state curriculum.

US Government

Summary-This course fulfills the VUSD and State requirements for high school graduation and meets the CSU and UC admission requirements. It offers students a background of the development of the American political and legal system and an understanding of how these systems relate to similar and contrasting systems worldwide. The underlying purpose of this course is to develop the thinking and decision making skills that contribute to responsible citizenship locally, nationally and globally.

Grades are earned on a strict 90-80-70% scale. Late assignments are subject to point penalties. Occasionally, extension activities are offered but should not be confused with “instead of” assignments for students who fail to complete regular work. All student work is evaluated on an individual basis and measured against a rubric or on a completion basis, as assigned.

Coursework varies from essays to simulations, role plays, debates and research projects. Most assignments require the student to reflect upon their own understanding and learning and to document it. A well-organized notebook serves as the basis for student portfolios of experience and accomplishment. This notebook will include all completed work and written reflections and journals. This notebook is evaluated several times through the semester and comprises a significant portion of the grade. In addition, there are technology elements to some assignments. Students who complete an electronic portfolio using a variety of media will earn extra points above those assigned. There is also a six hour community participation/service component to this course.

Attendance is a crucial element for success in this course. The interactive nature of class assignments makes effective “make-up” difficult. Students are required to see Mr C immediately after school the first day back to make arrangements for completion of missed work. This is the student’s responsibility. All RBVHS school-wide attendance, tardy and behavior policies are observed in this class.

Course Goals

^{Students
will be able to:}

^{·
Describe the various
theories of the origins of government.} ^{Compare
and contrast historical political concepts with American and other
forms of government.} ^{Compare
and contrast contemporary political systems.}^{Describe
the influence of colonial experience on the development of American
government.} ^{Contrast
the different plans followed in developing the U.S. Constitution.}^{Describe
the role of compromise in the political process}^. ^{Cite
the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.} ^{Identify
the role of political parties and the importance of the party system
in American political life.} ^{Identify
the roles of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of
government and the federal, state, and   local
levels.} ^{Demonstrate
an understanding of our federal system, separation of powers, and
checks and balances.} ^{Identify
the roles of major public officials at federal, state and local
levels.}^{Describe
the concept of due process and equal protection of the law in the U.S.} ^{Demonstrate
an understanding of the structure and operation of the criminal and
civil justice systems.} ^{Demonstrate
a knowledge of delegated, denied, implied and reserved powers.} ^{Explain
the various methods for a bill to become a law.} ^{Demonstrate
a knowledge of our electoral process, including types of elections,
voting requirements and
election of state}^{and federal officials.}^{Demonstrate
knowledge of the Bill of Rights and other amendments along with the
Constitutional Amending process}^.^{Draw
conclusions based on specific data and express opinions orally and in}^{Develop
note-taking and study skills necessary for success beyond high school.} ^{Demonstrate
respect for opposing viewpoints.}

^{Course Topic Outline}

^{Foundations
of American Government}^{(3 weeks)}^{Principles
of government

Origins of the American Government

The Constitutional Convention

Federalism}

^{Political
Behavior-Government by the People}^{(2 weeks)}^{Political
Parties

Voters and Voter Behavior

The Electoral Process

Mass Media and Public Opinion

Interest Groups}

^{The
Legislative Branch (3 weeks)}^{Congress

Powers of Congress

Congress in Action}

^{The
Executive Branch}^{(3 weeks)}^{The
Presidency

The Presidency in Action

Government at Work: The Bureaucracy

Financing Government

Foreign Policy and National Defense}

^{The
Judicial Branch}^{(4 weeks)}^{The
Federal Court System

Civil Liberties: 1st Amendment Freedoms

Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Freedoms

Civil Rights: Equal Justice Under Law}^{Comparative
Political and Economic Systems}^{(1 week)}^Participating in State and Local Government ^{(2
weeks)}^{Organization
of State and Local Government

State and Local Government in Action}

Mission for the Class

Describe your course objectives.

Information ©2001, subject to change without notice
This site is maintained by RBV Web Publishing Class
Last Modified: