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    Participation in Government Syllabus

    Mr. Hallock

    Spring 2020

    daniel.hallock@henhudschools.org

    914-257-5800

    This is a half-year course 2/3/2020 – 6/16/2020

    Course objective: To understand the responsibilities of good citizenship. Examples are voting, political activism, current events, an understanding of governmental operations, social justice, constitutional application and theory and political, environmental issues from the community level to the federal government.

    Class environment: It is expected that each student be able to discuss assignments/current events beginning on and thereafter the day they are due. Informed and intelligent participation is required for this course. Late work is penalized at 10 points the 1st day & increases exponentially. Shut off ALL CELL PHONES and place them out of sight during class. I am available for extra help after school.

    Plagiarism: defined as using, copying, purchasing other people’s words, ideas and work. If you plagiarize, a grade of ZERO will result. Do not use Wikipedia, The Onion and no anonymous sources. All grades are out of 100 points, yet the HH district uses a total points system.

    Textbook American Government Holt, 1999, NY; will be used as a class instructional supplement.                                                       

    First marking period:  2/3-4/17/2020.

     

    A. What are 1 OR 2 challenges facing Congress OR the Albany, NY State Legislature?  This a well thought out topic that society needs to learn about from your perspective. You will create a power point (PP) presentation of at least  20 slides & present your views to our class for 10-15 minutes. There are 2 parts:

    1. 1st - A hand written topic statement due on 2/13/2020. Write it down on your class topic sheet located by the classroom door located on the bulletin board.

            2nd - You will email to me your Power Point no later than 2/28/2020. All power points are due on 2/28/2020 10 points per day will be taken off for late work. Presentations begin on 2/28/2020. Refusal to present your PP results in 20 points off the 1st time -a zero the 2nd No exceptions.  Make sure your nama and period # are on your PP.                                              

    B. Response Essays /Class activities: All typed work is graded on the following criteria. A clear thesis statement including introduction that indicates your position on the topic. Thematic flow, appropriate grammar, clarity and a strong conclusion. 2 full pages PLUS a cover sheet no more no less. You will have 2 of these each marking period. These are usually given after a class discussion, lesson, current event, and or a reading or from a video documentary assignment. Do not start a sentence with a conjunction or with a quote! My writing rubric is on my website. Read it and follow it.

    C. Class Activities: Group work, debates and “politicking.”

    Group Work: 2020 - Create a political party in class. You will participate in a group, create a political party of your choice, and present your 30 Planks.

    D. Quizzes: from our-class discussions, formal lessons and/or assignments. There will be 4-6 quizzes per marking period.

                                          Second marking period:  4/18/2020 - 6/16/2020A. 

    A. Response Essays/Class activities: All typed work is graded on the following criteria. A clear thesis statement including introduction that indicates your position on the topic. Thematic flow, appropriate grammar, clarity and a strong conclusion. 2 full pages PLUS a cover sheet. You will have 2 of these each marking period. These are usually given after a class discussion, lesson, current event, and or a reading or from a documentary assignment. Do not start a sentence with a conjunction or with a quote! My writing rubric is on my website. Read it and follow it.

    A. Quizzes from our-class discussions, formal lessons and/or assignments. There will be 4-6 quizzes per marking period.

    B. Class Activities: Group work, debates and “politicking.”

    Final Project:  Power point -- You have severl choices that you have singed up fore. Here are a few new ones if you are stuck on a topic. Clear any new topic with me. 

    1. 1. Issues facing our environment: Coal mining, Wind farms, Tidal surge power generation, Global warming on any species such as Polar bear populations, Beluga whales, Narwhale populations, Krill die offs, phytoplankton die offs coral bleaching, invasive species in Florida, Canadian Geese issues OR Mute Swans and their impact on the environment and or Human Health. Fish and or shrimp farms, Insects as a food alternative.

     

    1. 2. Our farms and consumer food issues, Organic v. non-organic, Is Veganism a good alternative? Vegetarianism and its impact on farming and consumers, Federal beef grazing leases. The issue of factory farms regarding fruits and or vegetables and or Livestock and or GMO’s and their impact. The American Lynching museum, 20th –C Lynching’s, The Laramie Project, LGBTQ issues. Human trafficking.

     

    1. Women’s History Issues: Choose to create a biography of a woman who was active in promoting equality for women or was an inventor, or famous in a manner that made America a better places.

     

    1. Issues facing Native Americans. Lack of equity on Reservation homes, education, medial services, Treaty violations, Theft of Archaeological artifacts from graves, returning remains from museums to Tribes, use of NA symbols = Atlanta Braves, Washington Red skins , Chicago Black hawks.

    3b. Special topic:  The frightening rate of missing NA women. What is happening and what must be done to stop this tragedy. For missing women there can be 2 students working together from each class using a minimum of 25-30 slides for their PP. Do your research early. We will need to make sure there is 1 topic per student in each class. Email me your PP no later than 4/16/2020. 10 points per day will be taken off for late work.  Be ready to present beginning 5/6/2020. Refusal to present results in 20 points off the 1st time and a zero the 2nd time. No exceptions. Make sure your name and period # are on your PP

     

     
     
     
     

     

    3 choices: 1. Issues facing our environment. 2. Our farms and consumer food issues. 3. Issues facing Native Americans. 3b. Special topic:  The frightening rate of missing NA women. What is happening and what must be done to stop this tragedy. For missing women there can be 2 students working together from each class using a minimum of 25-30 slides for their PP. Do your research early. We will need to make sure there is 1 topic per student in each class. Email me your PP no later than 4/16/2020. 10 points per day will be taken off for late work.  Be ready to present beginning 5/6/2020. Refusal to present results in 20 points off the 1st time and a zero the 2nd time. No exceptions. Make sure your name and period # are on your PP

    As the student, you understand and agree to do the following as outlined here and in A-F below: Comply with and follow all the rules stated in the student handbook for Hendrick Hudson High School. It is expected that you arrive to class on time, prepared and ready to work for the entire period. Respect of each other & their opinions is a requirement. Below are several bullets regarding our classroom experience.

    1. I understand that my opinion and contributions are important to the class and in order to gain the respect of my fellow students I must also respect them and their ideas
    1. I will only use language that is appropriate for class. Any inappropriate language & behavior will not be tolerated and will be handled accordingly.
    2. I will prepare to the best of my ability for class examinations, which include quizzes. If I find myself struggling with a particular topic, it is my responsibility to ask Mr. Hallock. A PIG class website will have PP lessons and info regarding homework and quizzes. Use it.
    3. I understand that class participation is critical and includes being present, positively and actively participating, and being prepared for class.
    4. When working with a partner or a group, I will stay on task and complete the assignment. I understand that any joking around or failure to stay on task will result in points being taken away from the class participation portion of my grade.
    5. Cell phones must be turned off during class time and out of reach and sight.

     

    Teacher Responsibilities:

    1. I will come to class prepared, with lessons that will engage all students.
    2. I will set up a classroom environment that is conducive for learning, where all students will feel comfortable and have the ability to succeed.
    3. I will make myself available for any student who is struggling in class, during a free period or after school.
    1. As your teacher, I will have open lines of communication via email and phone for students as well as parents. Email Daniel.hallock@henhudschools.org.

     

     

    By signing this confirmation, I acknowledge that I have read the attached course outline, expectations and grade structure for Mr. Hallock’s Participation-in-Government class for the spring 2020 marking period.  Please know that this course may contain film clips or passionate political views from students that may elicit debate and opinion which may vary from one’s own.  Respect for each other’s views is important in a healthy learning environment and democracy.

     

    Student Signature______________________________

     

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