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Advanced Placement US Government and Politics

Thomas Quinn

Central High School 

2010-2011

Room 206 – Tutoring 3:10-4:00

Email: taquinn@philasd.org

Website: www.centralhigh.net

School Phone: (215) 276-5262 ext. 2060

The AP US Government and Politics course combines a study of government with current events and civic action.Throughout the year, students will research local and global issues. Students will learn ways to make their 

voices heard through the media and take action to affect the world around them in positive ways. Reading,

writing, technology, and debate skills are a major part of the course in order to prepare students with college

and work skills for the 21st Century. The Government Alive! curriculum provides unique and exciting waysfor students to actively engage with politics through simulations, act-it-outs, debates, and cooperative

 problem-solving. Students will be given regular tests and essays to prepare for the AP exam. In addition,

students will complete a multidisciplinary “senior project” as a separate graduation requirement.

Textbooks and Resources:

Hart, Diane et al. Government Alive! Power, Politics, and You. Palo Alto: Teachers’ Curriculum Institute, 2009.

Print.

Wilson, James Q., and John J. DiIulio. American Government: Institutions and Policies. Boston: HoughtonMifflin, 2006. Print.

Youth Leadership Initiative http://youthleadership.net 

Units in Brief 

Unit 1: Power, Authority, and GovernmentUnit 2: Foundations of American Government

Unit 3: Political Participation

Unit 4: The Legislative Branch

Unit 5: The Executive Branch

    Unit6: The Judicial Branch

    Unit7:TheUnitedStatesandtheWorld

Unit 8: Public Policy

Multidisciplinary Project and Community Service Graduation Requirements: Students will choose a relevant

social, economic, or political issue to research globally and get involved in locally. They will work withcommunity-based organizations that address their issue and forward their community service requirement at thesame time. They will use computer technology to create and publish a presentation for an authentic audience that

can make an impact on the issue. Presentation media can include video, podcast, websites, and desktop

 publishing.

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Grading: “A’s” are earned for exceptional work that goes beyond the scope of the assignment in analysis and quality.

“B’s” are earned for complete and correct work. Lower grades are earned for late or incomplete work, or for less

than expected effort and thought. Students will be graded in the following areas:

Class Work/Oral Participation/Collaboration: Students will be assigned seats in different groups to

facilitate a variety of interactive and cooperative learning activities. In order to complete class work,

students must work individually and collaborate with others. Critical discussion and debate are importantskills and will be encouraged when appropriate. People clarify their positions through argument and

argument prepares students for a democratic society. Missed class participation cannot be made up.

Writing & Presentations: Writing is the key skill for understanding and processing ideas in academia.

Students are expected to express thought in writing. Students will choose topics to research and present to

class during each semester.

Exams will be multiple choice and open-ended response at the end of each unit. A midterm and final

exam will be given. Quizzes may be both in class and online and may not be announced in advance.Questions will be similar to those found on the AP exam. It is suggested that students purchase an AP

Government and Politics Review Guide to get acquainted with the type of questions asked. ALLSTUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE THE AP EXAM AT THE END OF THE YEAR!

Homework/Notebook: There will be homework assignments due daily or weekly depending on the scope

of the assignments. Some work will be assigned and completed online.

Interactive Student Notebook or Binder: Students need to purchase and keep an 8 1/2 by 11-inch, college-ruled

spiral bound notebook or a binder for notes, class work, and writing. The majority of homework will be done inthe notebook. The notebooks will be collected and graded periodically.

Late Policy: Late work will be deducted 20-40% and may not be turned in during the final week of the term. If students are absent on a due date, the assignment must be emailed or delivered by a friend. An absence

excuse does not mean assignments will be accepted late without penalty.

Study Partner: Please exchange information with two people in class that you can call in case you miss anassignment or need someone to study with and to prepare for the AP exam.

Attendance: Good attendance will affect your participation grade and be awarded extra credit. Attendance isrequired during 4th marking period regardless of your cumulative average. Missed class participation cannot be

made up.  Report card scores below 50% will be given to students who earn them. 

Academic Integrity: Plagiarism, defined as any use of another person’s words, images, sounds, or ideas without proper citation, will result in a zero for the assignment. If a student copies another student’s work, both will

receive a zero. If a student paraphrases a secondary source in lieu of proper research and writing they will receive

a zero. Plagiarized assignments may not be made up. Students are required to use www.TurnItIn.com to self-check written assignments before submission. I encourage students to talk to me if they are unsure of fair use or 

 proper citation.

 

Advanced Placement US Government and Politics

7/31/2019 AP Gov Syllabus 2010_2011

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Thomas Quinn

Central High School 

2010-2011

Room 206 - Tutoring 3:10-4:00

Email: taquinn@philasd.org

Website: www.centralhigh.net

School Phone: (215) 276-5262 ext. 2060

Dear parents and guardians,

Please read the attached AP Government course syllabus with your son or daughter. You may contact me

if you have any questions about the class, assignments or grades. I am looking forward to a successful year!

Sincerely,

Thomas Quinn

(Parents keep top half)

Please read the attached syllabus, sign below, and return to the teacher.

 I have read and understand the expectations and requirements of the AP Government course.

Student Signature _________________________________________ Period___ Date ___________________ 

Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________________________ Date ___________________ 

Home Phone # ____________________________ Parent’s Work or Cell Phone # _______________________ 

Parent’s Email _____________________________ Student’s Email __________________________________ 

Questions or Comments:____________________________________________________________________ 

 _________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 __________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 _________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 __________________________________________________________________________________________