Course Syllabus

 

Honors Civic Literacy

Class Syllabus

Angelo Joaquin

Fall 2022

Angelo.Joaquin@UCPS.K12.NC.US

704-292-7662 Ext. 7110

 

The standards and objectives in the Founding Principles of the United States of America and North Carolina: Civic Literacy course will provide students the opportunity to engage in intensive application of the skills, concepts, processes, and knowledge gained in previous social studies courses and prepare them to be college, career, and civic ready. Despite there being a different overall focus for each subsequent course, students will explore the content through the following lenses: inquiry; behavioral sciences; civics and government; economics; geography; and history. As students develop cognitively, these lenses become more focused based on the grade-level content and disciplinary thinking skills.

This course has been legislated by N.C. Session Law 2019-82, House Bill 924. Because the civics and government strand is an integral part of the vertical learning progression of each course, kindergarten through high school, students are expected to enter this course with a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of government and civic responsibility. This course provides students the opportunity for a deeper study of the governmental and political systems of the N.C. and the U.S. and will build upon the application of the Founding Principles as identified by N.C. Session Law 2019-82, House Bill 924. This course will allow students to examine the ways in which power and responsibility are both shared and limited by the U.S. Constitution and how the judicial, legal, and political systems of North Carolina and the United States embody the founding principles of government. Students in this course will analyze and evaluate the extent to which the American system of government guarantees, protects, and upholds the rights of citizens. Through the integration of inquiry-based learning, students will also investigate how the American system of government has evolved over time while learning how to analyze topics, issues, and claims in order to communicate ideas and take action to effect change and inform others. When opportunities can be provided, this course can be augmented by related learning experiences, both in and out of school, that enable students to apply their knowledge and understanding of how to participate in their own community and governance. Mastery of the standards and objectives of this course will inform and nurture responsible, participatory citizens who are competent and committed to the core values and founding principles of American democracy and the United States Constitution. A more in-depth look at the course standards can be found here: https://www.dpi.nc.gov/founding-principles-united-states-america-and-north-carolina-civic-literacy-standards-fall-2021

 

Schedule:

First Six Weeks

Introduction: Citizenship & Civic Responsibility (CL.C&G.3, G.1)

Unit 1 – Foundations of Government (CL.B.1, CL.C&G.1, CL.C&G.2, CL.C&G.4, CL.H.1)

  • Colonial America
  • Constitution

Unit 2 – Politics Parties and Beliefs, Political Participation (CL.B.1. CL.C&G.1, CL.C&G.3)

Unit 3 Federal Government in Action

 Legislative Branch (CL.C&G.2, CL.B.1)

Second Six Weeks

 Executive Branch (CL.C&G.2, CL.B.1)

Judicial Branch (CL.C&G.4)

Unit 4 State & Local Government in Action (CL.C&G.2, CL.C&G.4)

Third Six Weeks

Unit 5 Public Policy (CL.E.1, CL.G.1, E.1)

Unit 6 Civil Liberties & Civil Rights (CL.B.1, CL.C&G.3, CL.C&G.4, CL.H.1, H.1.6        

Materials Needed:

  • Pens (no red ink)/Pencils
  • Colored pencils/markers/crayons (if available)
  • Computer ( provided by Porter Ridge High School )

Honors:

(Civic Literacy) HN is an honors level course. This course is also available in the Program of Studies at the College Preparatory level. Students earning credit for an Honors level course receive an elevated number of Quality Points for their Grade Point Average. Students choosing the Honors level course should be aware that this Honors level course will include:

  • Required extension opportunities that are directly related to the Standard Course of Study. This includes additional content beyond that covered in the College Preparatory level.
  • More challenging coursework and assessments. Students will be expected to demonstrate higher levels of understanding for grades.
  • Projects and presentations will be more in-depth.
  • Students will have to focus and study regularly to master the content.
  • The expectation that students can move through the coursework at an accelerated pace and students experiencing difficulty should quickly seek guidance from their teacher on how they can be more successful.

 

Examples of Honors Differentiation in this Course”

 

Below is a sample of how the Honors level objectives may differ from those in the College Preparatory level: HONORS level objective

COLLEGE PREP level objective

Bio. Example Bio.1.2.3 Analyze how specific cell adaptations help cells survive in particular environments (focus on unicellular organisms and specific cell types in multicellular organisms).

Bio. Example.1.2.3 Explain how specific cell adaptations help cells survive in particular environments (focus on unicellular organisms).

Am. History Example AH1.H.2.2 Evaluate key turning points from colonization through Reconstruction in terms of their lasting impact (e.g., conflicts, legislation, elections, innovations, leadership, movements, Supreme Court decisions, etc.), project how these issues may influence current or future events.

Am. History Example AH1.H.2.2 Evaluate key turning points from colonization through Reconstruction in terms of their lasting impact (e.g., conflicts, legislation, elections, innovations, leadership, movements, Supreme Court decisions, etc.).

 

Grading:

Expectations

  • Complete reading assignments in a timely and thoughtful manner.
  • Participate in class discussions.
  • Pay attention to what I say. I’ve taught this class much longer than you’ve been in it and I actually know what I am doing.
  • Stay POSITIVE! This class is taught at a college level; however, Porter Ridge High School students have done well above the national average in this course.  

 

There's no great mystery to doing well in this course.  Read, listen, take notes, try your best, and you will receive a good grade in return and do well on the Final exam.

 

Grading               

Union County Grading Scale:      A= 90-100            B= 89-80      C= 79-70      D= 69-60      F= 59 and Below                     

Grades will be weighted into the following categories.  Assignments within each category could vary by different amounts.

  1. Tests 60%
  2.  Classwork 10%
  3.  Projects 30%

 

The final grade for the semester will comprise of the following four items

  1. First Six weeks final average – 25%
  2. Second Six weeks final average – 25%
  3. Third Six weeks final average – 25%
  4. Exam- 25%

 

 Online Learning Platform: Canvas.  The majority of assignments not completed on paper will be submitted on our learning platform, Canvas. Assignments can be submitted a variety of ways including, uploading files, typing into text boxes, and sharing Google documents/presentations. Students will be shown how to submit assignments on Canvas as needed. Individual assignments will indicate which method of submission on Canvas is expected. If students need a refresher or have questions, they can access the Canvas Student Guide for specific instructions. It is the student's responsibility to ensure assignments are submitted on time and to contact the instructor if there is a problem. Please note that student activity is logged while in Canvas so instructors will be able to see if the student opened the assignment, if there was any activity including a log of student activities during on-line tests and quizzes. Students are not allowed to leave the testing window during assessments. Doing so is considered cheating and will be handled as set forth in the Porter Ridge HS handbook.

NOTICE: Although many assignments are submitted and graded in our learning platform, Canvas, the "final" grades shown may not be properly weighted and do not contain assignments that were not graded in Canvas. For the student's official grades, please continue to access the parent portal through Powerschool. Login information should be the same as last year. If you need assistance accessing the parent portal, please contact the school.”

 

Tests will be done via canvas: Each test will consist of 3 parts:

Part 1: Worth 50% (Students may take the test an unlimited amount of times within the designated time frame until they get the grade they desire)

Part 2: Worth 40% (Students will take the test one time on the test day)

Part 3: Worth 10% (Optional Study Guide)

If students do not turn in the Study Guide the max grade that can be received is a 90%. In order to receive a max grade of 100% the study guide must be turned in on the assigned date

Resources: Students and Parents can access EmpowerED Family Portal at the following link https://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/domain/2917. EmpowerED provides students and parents with useful links and apps that may help them in this and other courses here in Union County

 

*** This is a subject REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION. We will be moving through the units at a very fast pace. Testing for this course will occur every 1.5 -2 weeks. It is imperative that we study daily and keep up with class work. Bring all materials to class and come prepared ready to learn every day! If we fall behind, it is crucial to our success so we can catch up.***

Make-ups

You are expected to follow the class calendar and submit all assignments through Canvas when they are due. If you are absent for an exam or an essay, be prepared to make it up the day you return to class during that class period. Any other arrangements can be made, however  Remember—it is your responsibility to contact the teacher regarding make-up work.  Class notes need to be copied from a classmate.

Late Assignments

Only official school-documented absences are exempt from this course's late work policy. Any excused absence work can be submitted without penalty per PRHS School Guidelines.

For unexcused absences, Late work can be submitted with a 20 percent penalty up until the end of the Unit Exam. I will not accept any late submissions after that.  If you have a problem with a due date, speak with me in advance as we can usually work something out.

Content

Some subject matter will be covered in reading assignments, some in class, and some in both.  You are responsible for knowing the material in all three cases. 

 

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

  1. Mutual respect, appropriate language, and appropriate behavior are required at all times. Follow all Porter Ridge High School and Union County policies while in this classroom.
  2. Attendance and Tardy Policy: Be on time for class and be in your seat when the bell rings.  Follow Porter Ridge High School and Union County Schools policies.  Please remain in your seat until the bell rings.
  3. Electronics: Do not use any electronics during class time without permission. 
  4. Honor Code—Please abide by an honor code

All students can turn in the late assignment until the end of the unit. After the end of the Unit the grade will be made to a permanent zero (0). Due to the nature of our learning environment and to be as accommodating and flexible as possible full credit for any late work will be given for extenuating circumstances handled on a case by case basis.

Tutoring/Extra Credit

Office Hours:  Monday- Thursday 7:00am-7:45am or by appointment

Extra credit is not given in this class, I do not believe in it. I believe that you can earn a satisfactory grade the first time without extra credit. There is no penalty for not completing the study guide. But based on my experience, those students who complete the study guide do better in this course.

 

Absences: Attendance will be taken daily for ALL students and will follow school attendance guidelines

 

If a student is absent for 3 consecutive days, I will reach out to the student and parent/guardian to set up a meeting (phone call/virtual) to ensure that all is well and to come up with a plan to make up the work.

 Classroom Management:

In Person: To be reviewed in class and posted on a PowerPoint in Canvas.

Virtual if applicable: This is a broad set of guidelines that can be added to as needed.

  • Students are expected to have their camera’s on during class, however, I recognize that students may be reluctant to do this. These instances will be discussed on a case by case basis.
  • Dress appropriately.
  •  Set up an intentional space where the class is going to happen.
  •  Be aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of what is in your camera’s view.  Make sure no personal information is visible and that you are in an area with good lighting.

 Let your family members know that you are on a “live call”. It is important that you let everyone know so that they are aware that their voice/image might appear or be recorded.

  •  Make sure you are muted when not talking. Muting when you are not speaking allows other to hear more clearly without distraction.
  •  Think before you write a response.
  •   Be yourself. Be kind and respect others.
  •   Ask clarifying questions.

 

*** In response to changing needs, I reserve the right to change any policies/procedures as needed throughout the semester***

Yours in Social Studies,

Mr. Joaquin

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due