COURSE OUTLINE FOR
AP US Government and AP Microeconomics
Dr. Swanson, Room D-1
805-495-7491 x1301
kristerswanson@conejousd.org

Welcome to AP Government and AP Microeconomics!  I’m looking forward to this opportunity to explore our national government and political systems, as well as some of the principle aspects of Microeconomics.  I take an approach to teaching that encourages each student to be an active participant in the educational process. With that thought in mind, it is extremely important that you understand that I expect the following:

• Writing that demonstrates clarity of thought and maturity of style

• An understanding of the appropriate behavior for the situation – you will behave like an adult and demonstrate the capacity to work in cooperation with a variety of people

• The desire and discipline to use class time efficiently - I will not load you up with a lot of unnecessary homework, you will honor our class time together
• The flexibility to handle a wide range of work situations and a willingness to make your best individual effort in every activity and situation
• You will stay current with the most recent postings on the class blog/edmodo group
• You will always have a good question ready regarding government and politics in the U.S., or economics
• You will take either the AP U.S. Government or AP Microeconomics exam in the spring, and you will make your best effort on the exam you take
  
  

HOMEWORK, CLASS WEBSITE, & EDMODO GROUP
Homework, including long-term assignments, is solely the responsibility of the student. Late work is not accepted; some assignments, especially long term projects, will not be accepted late even in cases of absence. Students are expected to take notes on each reading assignment, and to keep all lecture and reading notes through the year.  If you are unsure of the homework assignments, or need information regarding tests, projects, and other assignments please check the class web page at:

jkswanson.com/class/govt.html

In addition to the website, it will be very important for you to join our class edmodo group. All information posted on edmodo will be treated just like a handout that was distributed on paper in class.


TEXTBOOK AND OTHER MATERIALS
Each student is responsible their own textbook. Lost or damaged books must be replaced or paid for by the student. You should keep your copy of the text at school, so that you can bring it to class on the days required. You will keep a set of class notes over the course of the year.  These will not be graded, but will be critical to your success in the class.  Otherwise, you are expected to be prepared for class each day, with paper and writing utensils. Finally, you will expected to purchase a copy of the “5 Steps to a 5” book for the exam you plan to take. We’ll talk more about this over the first week of school.


GRADING POLICY
All grades will be computed on a points earned out of points possible basis, with a few selected assignments weighted more or less heavily depending on their importance and the amount of work involved. For example: regular classwork assignments are usually worth 10 points, but if an assignment is a little more involved than usual, I may tell Q to multiply the assignment by 1.2, or I may turn a 40 question test into a 50 point assignment by multiplying it by 1.25.  Missing assignments will be counted as zero points. The student's weighted total points earned are divided by the weighted total points possible to determine their percentage. The following scale is then used to determine each student's grade:

Letter Grade	Percentage	Letter Grade	Percentage
A	92.5-100.0%	C	72.5-77.4%
A-	90.0-92.4%	C-	70.0-72.4%
B+	87.5-89.9%	D+	67.5-69.9%
B	82.5-87.4%	D	62.5-67.4%
B-	80.0-82.4%	D-	60.0-62.4%
C+	77.5-79.9%	F	0.0-59.9%

Students have one week to make up tests or quizzes that they missed because of an excused absence. No make-up tests will be given to students who had an unexcused absence on the day of the test or quiz. The student will take the makeup test at lunch on the day designated by the teacher. Student grades will be posted on zangle and updated regularly. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of their academic standing and bring any questions they have about their grade to the attention of the teacher. Students have 10 days from the time of posting to address any issues that may arise regarding grades posted on Q (formerly known as Zangle).

A student who is within 0.5% of the next higher grade may receive a few extra credit points for participation if they have a strong record of participating and working to make the class a better place for everyone involved. A student who sits in class like a disinterested bump on a log will not receive any extra credit participation points.

Students who are unable to earn a grade of a B minus or better will either dropped from the class at the end of the fall semester, or placed on a performance contract for the spring semester.

ACADEMIC HONESTY
Any student involved in dishonesty on any work, from homework to projects to tests and quizzes, will receive zero credit for the assignment in question. Repeat offenders may be subject to a referral to the Assistant Principal, suspension from class, and/or a parent/teacher conference.


ATTENDANCE POLICY AND A COUPLE OF SPECIFIC CLASS RULES

• The school tardy and absence policies will be strictly enforced.
• You may eat and drink in class at appropriate times.  Failure to pick up after yourself may result in the loss of this privilege for the entire class.
• Students may not use any portable entertainment and/or communications device in class at any time, unless specifically directed otherwise.

The bottom line: you are very close to graduating from high school and becoming a full-fledged adult – I expect you to behave like one.  I should not need to tell you to be quiet when I am talking, be polite to your classmates when they are presenting, etc.  Your inability to behave appropriately projects a negative image and makes you a much less effective person.

COMMUNICATION
I am happy to provide answers and clarification for all of my students and their parents.  I can be contacted in the following ways:
Voicemail: (805) 495-7491 x1301            e-mail: kristerswanson@conejousd.org