Course Syllabus

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Civics and Economics

Mr. Jonathan Batts

Louisburg High School – Room #406

Fall 2021

E-mail: JonathanBatts@FCSchools.net

Course Webpage: www.JBattshistory.weebly.com

“Murum Aries Attigit”

“The ram has touched the wall”

-Julius Caesar

 

 

Course Description: Welcome!  Civics is truly a passion of mine, and I could not be more excited to have you in my class.  Civics and Economics is an important and challenging course that covers the founding of the United States and the political and economic systems that now run it. Throughout the course of this semester, we will be exploring the different types of government, foundations of our own government, ideals of citizenship, law, personal finance, and economics. 

 

My goal in this course is not simply to have you memorize names and dates, and definitions, but instead to have you become effective critical thinkers and most importantly - active citizens. This class will specifically encourage you to read and think analytically and broadly about events, trends, and changes over time, which have guided our nation for several hundred years. Our focus is to understand civics and economics of today and how both are important in your futures.

 

The Civics & Economics curriculum can be further explored on these sites:

North Carolina Civics & Economics Content Standards :

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/curriculum/socialstudies/scos/civics.pdf

Common Core State Standards for History/Social Studies:

http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/docs/curriculum/socialstudies/scos/civics.pdf

 

Materials:  You will need the following materials for this class:

 

  1. 3-subject COLLEGE ruled Spiral Notebook
  2. Pens and/or pencils.
  3. Cheap earbuds/headphones
  4. Notecards (need lots as well)
  5. Highlighters, (several)

 

 

 

We will be using textbooks at times in class, but you are not required to take one home with you.  If you would like to use one at home, you can speak with me about checking one out.  Be mindful that we must take good care of these books in class, as they cost $ to replace them.

 

Expectations:

 

Be Prepared: At the bell, students in their seats and quiet/working on bell ringer

Participate: Learning is most effective when we are engaged, heads up, eyes open

Follow Procedures: Help us to maximize time

 

*Get Respect & Show Respect: I will show you respect, I expect the same in return*

 

*A NOTE ON RESPECT

 

I respect you all as young adults and expect that you do the same thing for me. Remember, I am a person before I am a teacher, so I get it- life does not revolve around your Civics class. Keep me in the loop. I am not a mind-reader so come and speak with me directly regarding any issue that arises that affect your ability to be successful in my class (academic, personal, or otherwise).

 

Furthermore, this course will touch upon issues that are areas of concern for everybody in class—remember to be respectful of everybody else’s opinions and beliefs and to phrase your thoughts in a respectful manner.

 

If you are unclear about something we are doing in class- whether it be content you’re struggling with or in the realm of “why do we have to do this?” – I expect you to come to speak with me. I am available by appointment before and after school as my schedule allows. I am here to support you.

 

Lastly, have fun! This course is awesome. I hope to get to know all of you this semester and inspire you to learn more about Civics & Economics!

 

Classroom Norms:  The classroom should be a productive place for learning above all else. As such, the following norms shall be observed and enforced. 

 

  1. Be in class and seated when the bell rings; working on the Bell Ringer.
  2. Show respect – for yourself, your peers, and your teacher.
  3. Raise your hand, not your voice.
  4. Unless otherwise directed, cell phones should be in your bag, ON SILENT! Phones should NOT be seen.
  5. Use appropriate language and discuss topics that are school appropriate.
  6. Come ready to class with a positive attitude, ready to listen & learn!
  7. No Hats, Hoods, Bandanas, Head warmers, headphones

Arriving on Time:
Students will be in the classroom when the bell rings and beginning the entering the classroom procedure. If a student is tardy they will go through the tardy procedure for Louisburg HS; (I reserve the right to give quizzes at the beginning of class)

  • 1st & 2nd tardy: Warning
  • 3rd tardy: Phone call to parents; School policy enforced
  • 4+ : Conference with admin ; ISS time beyond 5

 

BATHROOM POLICY

Students cannot leave the room the first 15 or last 15 minutes of class. Students will be given 5 bathroom passes per quarter to use the restroom. A doctor’s note is required to waive this policy.

 

Absence Policy:  It is the responsibility of the student to make sure they have received and completed any makeup work.  Only when asked will I give you handouts that you missed.  Any other activity, like the notes taken for that day, should be received from a classmate.  Always check the course website in order to find out what you missed.

 

Homework: The majority of your homework will consist of completing activities that we begin in class that day.  You will rarely start and finish a new assignment for homework.  The majority of our projects will be completed in class.

 

Homework, Assignments, and Make up Work:
Students will complete all assignments on time. When absent students must check Mr. Batts’ website, get a copy of any notes from a classmate, and speak with Mr. Batts outside of class time. For students missing 1-3 days they will be given 1 day per day absent to complete makeup work. For students missing 4 or more consecutive days they will be given 2 days per day missed to complete makeup work.

Late Work

1st day late

2nd day late

3rd day late

4th+ day late

-10%

-20%

-30%

-40%

 

 

Students are responsible for picking up missed assignments from the class folder when they are absent.  They can also check the class website for daily assignments, important dates, and projects.  Students have two days make up assignments with 5 points being deducted each day it is late. Tests and Quizzes must be made up when scheduled.

 

 

Grading: Your grade will be divided into three general categories for different types of assignments.  The specific grade weight breakdown is as follows:


A – 100-90%
B – 89-80%
C – 79-70%
D – 69-60%
F – 59% and below
*I will do my best to keep up with your grades in PowerSchool so you can check them.

 

 

Grading

 

1st Quarter = 40%

2nd Quarter = 40%

NC Final Exam = 20%

 

Class Grading Breakdown

(Normal)                                             (Honors)

Tests: 30%                                           | Tests: 30%               

Quizzes: 20%                                       | Quizzes: 20%

Project/Essay:  30%                             | Project/Essay: 30%

Classwork/Homework: 20%                | Classwork/Homework: 20%

 

 

PowerSchool
Students will monitor PowerSchool. Grades are entered at least once per week. Students must hold onto any graded assignment until they check it in PowerSchool. Any irregularity in PowerSchool can only be corrected if the graded assignment is returned to class. This helps to prevent any issues at the end of the semester.

 

 

 

Availability:

I will always do what I can to help you succeed as a student.  I will be available in my classroom at these times:

  • In the morning from 7:45-8:10am
  • By appointment after school

 

Note to Parents

  • Please feel free to contact me, preferably through email, if you have any questions or concerns about your child. I can set up after school meetings to sort through what’s needed for your child’s success or even just shoot you a quick message on how they are doing in class or any other concerns you may have.
  • If you’re wondering what you can do to help, just having a conversation with your child and asking what they learned does wonders. Glance at their notebook, their assignments should be in there and you can always check to see how they’re doing or what they can do more.

 

Cheating and Plagiarism:
Students will do their best and maintain academic integrity at all times. This will include taking responsibility for their education and preparing accordingly for assignments.

Cheating: Cheating on assignments will result in a 0, for both the cheater and the person supplying aid.

 

Help: If you at ANY time have questions or are having difficulty with this course, please know that I am available after school and at various other times to work with you.  Please feel free to contact me whenever you need help, and we can schedule a time to meet.

 

 

 

 

The following page MUST be returned to me by Sept 1st, 2021

 

 

I have read and understand the Policies and Procedures for Mr. Batts’ Civics & Economics Class.  I also understand that I can contact her at any point with questions or concerns.

 

Student Name (Print): _____________________________________________                    Date: _________    

 

Student Signature_________________________________________________

 

 

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________                       Date: _________

 

 

Parent Comments/Questions:

Course Summary:

Date Details Due