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Aristotle wrote that man is, “by nature a political animal.” For
better or worse, Americans are political beings who are ruled
under a dynamic and complex system of government. This
college-level course explores general concepts and specific case
studies, providing a more thorough understanding of the
institutions, groups, and beliefs that make up the nation's
political reality.
The curriculum includes the study of the constitutional basis
of the U. S. government, major political theories and actions,
the role of political parties, the interaction of the three
major branches of national government and the development of
civil rights and liberties. In the latter part of the final
quarter, the students study the structures and politics of local
government including the state of Connecticut and the town of
Greenwich. An evening trip to an RTM, BET, or Town Planning &
Zoning Board meeting, etc., will complement in-class instruction
on the many aspects of local governmental functions.
Because this is an Advanced Placement course, the material is
meant to be challenging in order to prepare the student for the
annual A.P. Examination in May. Likewise, the types of
exercises and assignments given are meant to enhance their
test-taking skills, enabling the student to approach the exam
with both confidence and a high degree of competence. |
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Summer:
Berkin, Carol A
Brilliant Solution: Inventing the American Constitution
School
Year:
Serow, Anne G. and Everett C. Ladd The
Lanahan Readings in American Polity (4th
Edition).
Wilson, James Q. American Government: The Essentials
(10th Edition).
Greenwich Time
(provided free in the spring)
Other readings will be given as handouts and/or posted on the
department’s web page at:
http://www.wicknet.org/history/ |
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The quarter grade will be based on the average of the following:
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Tests & Major Writing Assignments/Projects 60%
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HW Quizzes and Minor Written Exercises
20%
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Class Participation (quality not just quantity!) 20%
Students are expected to come to class with all reading
completed. Pop quizzes are used to help the students in this
regard. Reading notes are highly recommended and
can be used on
ALL pop quizzes but make sure those notes are separate from the
actual readings/handouts. Students should keep a binder or
large folder for all papers and readings and a separate notebook
to take reading and/or in-class notes. All
late assignments will be penalized five points for each day
overdue.
It
is the responsibility of the student to make up all work missed
due to an absence, including tests and book and film-related
essays.
Other issues
of academic integrity are covered in the department’s
Guidelines Regarding Academic Integrity, which are posted on
the department’s web site.
If
a student needs extra help, he/she should stay after class to
plan out a convenient time for both student and teacher.
Students
should feel free to call me at home (531-5385) until 9 p.m. any
night.
An email to
John_Booth@brunswickschool.org
may also work from around
9pm-12am.
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