Syllabus
Government/Economics
Course Syllabus
Instructor: Joe Byrd
Room: 203
School Phone: 422-4061
Course Description:
Students will study the purposes, principles, and practices of American government as established by the Constitution. Students will learn the structure and processes of the government of the state of Tennessee and local governments. Students will recognize their rights and responsibilities as citizens as well as how to exercise these rights and responsibilities at the local, state, and national level.
Students will examine the allocation of scarce resources and economic reasoning used by consumers, producers, savers, investors, workers, and voters. Students will explore the concepts of scarcity, supply and demand, market structures, the role of government, national economic performance, money and the role of financial institutions, economic stabilization, and trade. Finally, students will examine the key economic philosophies and economists who have and continue to influence economic decision-making.
Possible Units of Study:
- Principles of Govt./Origins of American Govt.
- The Constitution
- The Electoral Process
- Branches of Government
- State/Local Government
- Economics
- The evaluation of speeches, letters, documents, etc.
- Critical thinking and analysis
Necessary supplies: computer, charger, other necessary school supplies.
Texts: Macgruder’s American Government and Civics, Prentice Hall Economics, various news articles, historic documents, and primary source material. Textbooks remain in the classroom. A PDF version is available on Canvas by using the link below the calendar on the front page.
Grading: 50 % - tests, formal writing assignments, presentations, research projects
50 % - Daily work, participation, quizzes
Semester grade – 40 % first nine week average, 40 % second nine week average, 10 % midterm, 10 % final exam
Tennessee state law requires all graduates to successfully pass a U.S. Civics exam.
Tests/Assignments: Both formal and informal tests and quizzes will be given throughout the semester. Specifically, a midterm and final exam will be given according to Board Policy. ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE SEMESTER TEST. Students will also be assessed on various projects, debates, and written work.
Assignments on each day's Canvas calendar go live at 8 a.m.
Class Participation: Small group work and class discussion, as well as general daily class participation, are required at all times and necessary. These are part of your daily grade.
Absences/Missing Assignments: If you are absent, you are still required to make up all missing work. Each day's work is on Canvas, and when you return, you are expected to be on pace
Digital office hours: As needed/by appointment. Emails sent at reasonable hours will receive a response in a timely manner.
Tips:
- Do your work (reading, writing, thinking)
- Complete each assignment on time
- Come to class prepared
- Share ideas
- Never hesitate to ask questions
- Come to class with a POSITIVE ATTITUDE and willingness to learn
All rules covered in the West Greene High School Student Handbook will be strictly enforced.
Potential Consequences:
Verbal warning
Written warning and loss of classroom privileges
Lunch detention and parent contact
After school detention
In school suspension
Other measures as necessary
