American Government Course Syllabus
Spring 2008
Mr. Michael Clardy, San Mateo Middle College
 
Office: Building 11, Room 60
Office Hours: Daily 8:30-11:00 AM and by appointment
Office Phone: (650) 574-6114
Fax: (650) 574-6233
clardymichael@hotmail.com
 
Each election year approximately 18% of eligible voters ages 18-25 do not vote. There are currently 27 million people in your age cohort in the United States.  This means that during the last election approximately 19 million 18-24 year olds did not participate in the political process.  This is enough voters to decide any presidential elections (Bush beat Kerry in 2004 by 3 million votes!).  The policy implications of this lack of participation are enormous. Consequently, this class is designed to show you what you have at stake and how to actively assert yourself in the political process.  I hope that by the end of the semester you will have a clear understanding of how to create positive change in our society.
GENERAL COURSE OUTLINE

I. Becoming the Media Through Media Literacy

a. Examine the role and responsibilities of the press

b. Identify how the this role has evolved over time

c. Examine the filters through which all news stories pass

d. Establish connections between the media and specific policy outcomes

e. Identify specific methods for students to become the media

The skills acquired in this unit will be use throughout the semester. You will be asked to be critical readers and viewers of the various forms of media I bring into class. Therefore, you can expect some form of this unit to be part of every formal assessment.

 

II. Citizenship

a. What are the principles upon which this country was founded (were do they come from?)? (Constitution)

b. What are the limitations of your rights? (Constitution-Bill of Rights)

c. What are the responsibilities of citizens?

d. Naturalization and immigration

 

III. The State and Local Governments

a. Examine the various forms of local governments

b. Independent special districts

c. Structure of our state government

d. Direct democracy; ballot initiatives and recall

 

IV. The Federal Government

a. The Legislative branch (Article I)

i. Examine how a bill becomes a law

ii. Closely examine how legislative work is divided

iii. Identify how "special interest" impacts public policy

iv. Evaluate the significance of redistricting

b. The Judicial Branch (Article III)

i. Examine "judicial review" in the context of specific court cases

ii. Debate the issue of "judicial activism"

iii. Identify the significance of "landmark cases" on American society

c. The Executive Branch (Article II)

i. Powers and function

ii. Identify how the President creates public policies

iii. Presidential elections


V. How to become an "Activist"

a. Agents for change

b. Managing expectations

 

GRADES

YOU EARN YOUR GRADE. Take responsibility for this reality. The only circumstance under which I will change a grade is if the student can prove that I made a mistake. Therefore, it is extremely important that you keep retain all of your graded work. I am happy to discuss any aspect of your grade outside of class time.

Final grades in this class are based on a weighted system. Your grade will be comprised of the following percentages:

 1. Homework 40%
 2. Tests -- 40%
 3. Final Examination -- 20%

Extra Credit
You have the great fortune of taking this class during a presidential election year.  Therefore, there will be ample opportunity to earn extra credit.  You can do so by working on a campaign, promoting a specific policy, attend meetings of public agencies, etc.  Please see me before you begin to work in any of these areas so that we can agree to terms.


GRADING SCALE        
A    >90%
B    >80%
C    >70%
F    <70%
Please note that you cannot earn D’s in this class.  Therefore, anything less than a C is considered failing.

CLASS GUIDELINES
Please do the following while in class:
 Please do not do the following while in class:
• Be sure that your words and actions respect every member of the class- apologize if this does not happen
• Have a sense of humor
• Do the homework- this will make everything much easier (this is what the “real world” calls preparation)
• Get to class on time- I begin promptly at 1:10PM- you may miss a quiz!
• Actively participate in class discussions
• Stay on task during class time
• Keep all returned work as though they are receipts
• Actively seek help from Mr. Clardy if you feel yourself getting behind
• If in doubt, ask questions

 • Leave on your cell phone- I will remove you from class if it goes off (even silently)
• Be late- if you are, make no noise.  If this is a habit, we will need to discuss the issue in private
• Eat in class
• Use foul language

Final Note

I thoroughly enjoy working with students your age.  I appreciate your energy, your curiosity and the various challenges that you face.  Please know that I am committed to helping you succeed.  If I am hard on you it is because I have high expectations of the students in this program.  So long as you commit to putting forth honest effort, I will give you all the support I can.