AMERICAN GOVERNMENT syllabus - Sunny Hills High School

Materials
Textbook- American Government – Magruder
Suggested materials
Notebook with college ruled paper.
Black or blue pen and # 2 pencil.
3 x 5 cards
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
MR. DEL CROGNALE
Areas covered
Unit 1 Foundations of American Government Ch. 1, 3 & 4
Unit 2 Civil Liberties & Civil Rights Ch. 19-21
Unit 3 Legislative Branch Ch. 10-12
Unit 4 Executive & Judicial Branch Ch. 13-15 & 18
Unit 5 Democratic Politics Ch. 5, 7-9
Activities
Project – Issue presentations
Chapter questions
Notes
Discussions
Class readings
Political cartoons
Simulations
Journal writings
Grading Policy
Weighted grade
Assignments = 25%
Chapter Quiz = 15%
Chapter key terms quiz = 15%
Tests = 25%
Project = 10%
Participation = 10%
Participation points based on attendance, quality of questions & answers, and following class rules.
Attendance = 50 pts.
Every 3 excused absences = -5 pts.
Every unexcused absence = -5 pts.
Every tardy = -1 pt.
Quality of questions & answers, and class rules = 50 pts.
Missing materials = -5 pts.
Excessive talking = -3 pts.
Food & Drink = -3 pts.
Sleeping = -3 pts.
Outside work = -3 pts.

Grading Scale
90% = A
80% = B
70% = C
60% = D
It is your responsibility to keep track of your grade!!!!!!!!
Class Rules
Tardies – If you are late to class you must make sure that I mark you tardy and not
absent. Write name and time on tardy sheet. Failure to do so will result in a cut in the
class.
Food and drink – No food and drink will be allowed in class. Plastic bottles with caps
will be allowed.
Materials – You must bring your textbook, paper and writing instruments to class
everyday.
Sleeping – Sleeping in class is rude and will not be tolerated.
Del Dollars- Each student will receive 3 Del dollars to be used during the semester.
You may use these dollars for the restroom or anytime you need to leave the room (book
or supplies). A dollar can be used for an extra credit point on a quiz or a test. You may
earn extra $ periodically for class participation.
Attitude – Come to class with a good attitude and respect all students
Penalties – 1 st warning, 2 nd reduction in participation grade, 3 rd unsatisfactory on your
report card, 4 th referral
Academic honesty is a must and those that break the school policy will be punished to
the letter of the rule.
Electronic Devices – It is the policy of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District
that electronic devices NOT be brought to school.
Penalty
o This is your warning
o Device taken until the end of the period
I ______________________________ understand the rules and consequences in Mr. Del
Crognale’s class.
Signature______________________________
Make-ups
Late work will be accepted with a reduction in your score
No make-up quizzes will be given –Lowest quiz will be dropped and you can make up points by doing news articles
All make-up tests will take place after school – No exceptions!
Extra Credit
News articles 5pts. possible for each article – maximum of 4 articles
10pts. will be given to those students who are never tardy and never miss class