NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

HONORS POLITICAL SCIENCE AND ECONOMICS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Honors Political Science and Economics (P.S.E.) Teacher: Mr. A. Bush
Text: Magruder’s American Government
Course Description
To prepare seniors for their place in society, P.S.E.’s objective involves students in the description, analysis, and explanation of the American system of government. Concentrations and topics include the theory and origin of government, the evolution, establishment, and interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, political behavior and voting, and the interrelationship of the three branches of our government.
Economics surveys the principles and problems of economics in our society. Concentrating on practical issues, students will participate in personal income tax filing practice. In addition, banking, credit, and insurance study will help students become informed consumers.
Course/Student Objectives
1. To comprehend theoretical concepts of governmental development. 2. To realize and appreciate the events leading to the formation of the United States Constitution.
3. To comprehend the Articles and Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. 4. To study the relationship among the powers and the duties of the Government’s three branches.
5. To appreciate the civil rights and liberties existing under the U.S. Constitution. 6. To be aware of American political behavior and the influences which affect that behavior.
7. To discover our capitalist system’s economic principles of supply and demand. 8. To receive an introduction to the requirements of becoming an informed consumer.
Course Topic Outline
I. Basic Concepts of Government IX. Civil Rights II. Origins of American Government X. State and Local Govt III. Political Behavior and the Electoral Process XI. Personal Economics IV. Federalism XII. Money and Banking V. National Legislature VI. Executive Branch VII. Judicial Branch VIII. Civil Liberties
Evaluation Methods
Tests, Quizzes, Homework, Projects. Tests and quizzes will be announced and scheduled. A quiz counts as one ¬half the value of a test. Homework assignments will be counted as a test grade solely on a quarterly basis. All homework must contain a student’s name, be properly labeled with Chapter/Section/Page, and be submitted neatly, legibly on a straight¬ edged paper for credit. Depending on depth, projects count as either a quiz or a test grade. Quarterly grade percentages will be determined by a combination of all grades earned throughout the marking period.

Grading Example
Test grades: 89 ¬88 97 (equal 274, doubled = 548) Quiz grades: 90¬ 100 (equal 190) Homework: 96 (doubled as test grade, 192) Totals: 548 + 190 + 192 = 930 Grade: 4 possible test grades @ 100 x 2 = 800; 2 quiz grades @ 100 = 200;
800 + 200= 1000. 930 earned divided by 1000 possible = quarter grade 93.
Cheating/Academic Dishonesty
Cheating shows disrespect for the school, the class, and for oneself. Any student cheating or assisting others to cheat cannot receive full credit for the material or activity involved. Parents will be notified. No student in this class should cause him or herself to be in this situation.
Class Requirements
Notre Dame discipline procedures, as detailed in the Student Handbook, will be enforced. Respect the school, the class, the teacher, and yourself through appropriate behavior.
CELL PHONE POLICY: Yondr in use. No cell phone use will be permitted without the expressed, particular, directed consent of the instructor or administration.
Maintain a separate P.S.E. notebook for notes and assignments. Use a P.S.E. folder to store any class papers or worksheets. Keep all papers and notes until completion of the comprehensive final exam. Write assignments and scheduled activities in Student Handbook/Agenda. For academic responsibility and success, students must read the textbook as assigned.
Come prepared for learning. Be respectful, be attentive, and be ready to participate.