Course Syllabus
Honors Civics and Economics
Course Syllabus and Procedures
Teacher: John Nelson
E-mail: john.nelson@cravenk12.org
Planning Period: 1st Period 9:25-10:40
Course Information
Civics and Economics has been developed as a course that provides a framework for understanding the basic tenets of American democracy, practices of American government as established by the United States Constitution, basic concepts of American politics and citizenship and concepts in macro and micro economics and personal finance.
The essential standards of this course are organized under three strands- Civics and Government, Personal Financial Literacy, and Economics. The Civics and Government strand is framed to develop students’ increased understanding of the institutions of constitutional democracy and the fundamental principles and values upon which they are founded, the skills necessary to participate as effective and responsible citizens and the knowledge of how to use democratic procedures for making decisions and managing conflict.
The Economic and Personal Financial Literacy strands are framed to provide students with an understanding of the role economic factors play in making economic decisions, the ability to reason logically about key and mic issues the knowledge and skills needed to manage personal financial resources effectively for lifetime financial security.
Taken together, these three strands should help to prepare students to become responsible and effective citizens in an interdependent world.
North Carolina Essential Standards
Civics and Economics: https://files.nc.gov/dpi/documents/curriculum/socialstudies/scos/civics.pdf (Links to an external site.)
Required Materials
The course will rely primarily upon online textbooks, websites and primary source documents. Other source materials may be used throughout the semester as determined by the teacher. Students will have regular assigned readings and are expected to be prepared for class on a daily basis.
Required Materials for Students to Bring to Class and Remote Learning Supplies:
- 3 Ring Binder (1-inch)
- College Ruled Loose Leaf Paper
- Markers and/or Colored Pencils
- Highlighters
Grading Policies
The following percentages will be used to determine each student’s grade:
- Tests & Projects: 40%
- Classwork: 30%
- Homework: 30%
Assignments: All assignments will be posted and submitted through Canvas. All assignments are due before class on the date that it is due. Late assignments or assignments not submitted through Canvas will receive scores above zero at my discretion. In the event of an absence, the student must receive an excused note in order to make up missed assignment for full credit. For excused absences, students will have a total of five days to submit missing work. Assignments completed in Canvas after the beginning of class will be considered late. Assignments without a first and last name and date will result in an automatic five point deduction, even assignments submitted online.
- Graded Assignments: This includes both classwork and homework assignments that are graded. These assignments may be made up within five days of an absence if the absence was excused.
- Major Assessments: Students will take several tests throughout the semester, each coming at the end of a unit of study. All tests will be taken in class. You will be provided with study materials and know the date of the assignment at the start of a unit. It is the student’s responsibility to come and schedule a time with me to make up missed tests. If you have an excused absence, you will have five days to submit your assignment upon your return to class.
Integrity: I mostly value INTEGRITY AND HONESTY. Students are bound by the academic integrity policy established by Craven County Schools as stated in the Student Code of Conduct. I expect students to complete their own assignments. Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, will not be tolerated. This includes sharing answers with other students or copying information from a source such as the textbook or Internet. You may not “work together” on assignments, including homework, unless the assignment is a group activity. If I catch you copying or cheating on any assignment, it is an automatic zero for all involved and disciplinary action will be taken.
Learning Expectations
- Daily assignments will be posted in Canvas and should be submitted back to Canvas. Assignments will be due on an assigned date before class begins. Assignments will be graded. Failure to complete an assignment will result in a 0 and will negatively impact a student’s grade.
- Students should expect a full school day of work in addition to any independent practice that may include reading, written assignments, and studying that may exceed a normal school day’s time.
- Communication is crucial. All teachers and students are expected to respond to email and messages within 24 hours at the greatest extent possible.
Classroom Policies and Procedures
- Make sure that you are in your assigned seat with your materials out and working on the bellringer when class is supposed to begin. Excessive tardies will result in disciplinary action.
- Be respectful of yourself, your peers, your teacher, and your school. In order to receive respect you must give respect. I will NOT tolerate disrespect.
- Speak politely (no vulgar or profane language) and respectfully (no insulting others).
- Restroom breaks will be given on a limited basis, unless you have a doctor’s note.
- Do not pack up or leave the classroom until I instruct you to do so. Before anyone leaves the classroom, it must be neat and tidy. Be respectful to my classroom and me by keeping it neat and clean.
- No food, gum, or drink is allowed in class, except for plain bottled water. There will be no headphones and no music in class unless given permission and you are watching instructional videos provided.
Units of Study: The following outlines the key concepts and topics that will be addressed this semester. It is designed to be flexible. Exact days per unit have not been set.
Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy
Unit 2: Structure of the Federal Government
Unit 3: North Carolina State and Local Government
Unit 4: Citizenship and Elections
Unit 5: The American Legal System
Unit 6: Economic Fundamentals
Unit 7: The Role of the Government in the Economy
Unit 8: Personal Financial Literacy
NC Final Exam
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|