Course+Overview+and+Information



= = =** Course Overview and Description **=

The Advanced Placement course in United States Government and Politics is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret United States politics and a detailed examination of the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up American politics. This course explores the political theory and everyday practices that direct the daily operation of our government and shape our public policies. Students will develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system, as well as their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The course is for all intents and purposes taught on a college level and requires a substantial amount of reading and preparation for every class. Preparation for the A.P. test will be an integral part of the course. This course is taught over two twelve-week trimesters.

** Course Readings **
There are two required texts for this course:
 * Edwards, George C., Martin P. Wattenberg, and Robert L. Lineberry. //Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy//. 14th ed. New York: Longman, 2009. Print.
 * Lasser, William. //Perspectives on American Politics.// 5th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2008. Print.

These readings will be supplemented with additional readings throughout the trimester. Additional readings will be taken from a variety of sources.


 * Current Events **

Students are responsible for keeping up with the daily events in the nation and the world. Students will need to skim the front page of a news publication such as //The New York Times// or //The Chicago Tribune//, (whether in print or online), watch a TV news station such as CNN, MSNBC, or FOXNews, or access a reliable online news source.


 * Student Assessment Activities **

Students are tested on their understanding of quantitative and visually presented information (maps and graphs) at regular intervals in quiz assignments.

Each of the seven unit tests include multiple choice questions, at least one free-response question, and at least one question that requires students to interpret a poll, map, graph, or chart.

=Syllabus=