AP US Government and Politics (APGOPO) Syllabus for 2013-14 Deborah Linder Topics of study will include Underpinnings: o The

e Constitution o Federalism American Political Culture Linkage institutions o Political Parties o Elections o Interest Groups o Media Congress Executive Bureaucracy Judiciary Public Policy Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Texts: Wilson, James Q., and John J. DiIulio, Jr. American government: Institutions and Policies, Houghton Mifflin Company (Boston, 2004) (9th Edition) there will also be excerpted chapters from the 13th edition used as we consider purchasing the new text for the course. Woll, Peter, American Government: Readings and Cases, Pearson Longman, (New York, 2006) (16th Edition) Supplemental Readings: There will be many additional handouts with primary and secondary source readings. For current events, you must access current media resources. We will be using any of the following each week both in and out of class: The Boston Globe, Washington Post, New York Times, NPR, PBS News Hour, Newsweek, and other digital resources. While it is ideal that you have access to a newspaper each week, you may use the web to access articles for the course. Databases: You will access databases including oyez.org, findlaw.com, uscourts.gov Primary and Secondary Sources: Throughout the year, you will read and analyze primary sources including the Federalist Papers, scholarly reflection on government policy, legal decisions, and current legislation. You must have the following materials: 3 ring binder for handouts Pocketed folder for returned assignments College rule notebook (perforated) or loose leaf paper in a binder for class notes Writing utensil Flash Drive Exam: The exam is on Tuesday, May 14th at 8 am. All students are expected to take the exam. The fee for the exam is $89. Financial Aid is available for those who need it. More details about payment for the exam can be found at: http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/ap/about/fees E-Mail: Everyone must have their e-mail account on file with me and should check their account regularly. If I have to miss a class, I will send out an e-mail with instructions.

Homework and Attendance You are expected to come to class every day and be on time. Expect homework nightly and complete it on time. Assignment sheets will be handed out and made available at: deborahlinder.weebly.com. I can also be reached by e-mail djlinder@me.com. If you are absent for a class, it is your responsibility to get the assignments and class work that you missed and to make arrangements to turn in the work. If you do not make arrangements, then the work will not be accepted. Planned absences should be avoided if possible, but when not possible, you are expected to notify me before you miss the class to get any needed handouts and to take tests in advance of the absence. For each day an assignment is late, your grade is lowered 10%. You have five days to turn in any assignment late. After five days, you automatically receive a zero. Assignments and tests that are late because of an unexcused absence will not be accepted. If you have an excused absence due to illness, you may turn in assignments the day you return for full credit. If this is not possible, you must meet with me as soon as you return or contact me by email to make other arrangements. Remember that all returned assignments must be kept. Grading: A B C D F = = = = = 90%100% 80%89.9% 70%79.9% 60%69.9% below 60% - = 0.0 3.0 ++ + = = = = 100% 90% 80% 70% OK = 100% 75% 50% 3/4 OK = 1/2 OK =

+ = 7 9.9

Classroom Rules To provide you with an environment that is conducive to learning we must show respect to each other and the facilities that we use. Please show this respect by coming to class every day, on time and being prepared to learn. Make sure to do your own work unless otherwise assigned or suffer the consequences. Plagiarism will never be tolerated, nor will copying the work of your classmates. If you come each day with a positive attitude and a desire to learn, this will be a great year! After reading this, sign below along with your parents and show Mrs. Linder for credit. Keep this entire sheet with the signature in your binder. I have read and understand the preceding Classroom Rules. Signature of Parent

students name Signature of Student