This course provides the student with an overview of American Civics and Social Studies. Content areas covered include government structures and functions, citizenship, economics, psychology and sociology. In addition, the student is introduced to such skills as data collection, map, chart and graph reading. Critical thinking skills are emphasized.

Length of course: Two semesters Credit: 1.0

Grade Weight: 1.2

Remarks: Semester 1 meets the State requirement for Consumer Education.

This handout will introduce you to the requirements, procedures, grading system and general information for your success in this course.

I. Materials

Students will be expected to bring the following to class each day:

(a) Textbook; (b) Blue/Black ink pen; (c) #2 pencil; (d) Three ring binder notebook; (e) Loose-leaf paper; (f) Assigned readings/study guides/homework; (g) Joliet Township High Schools Academic Planner.

II. Grading

A. Grading Scale is as follows:

100-99=A+ 92-90=B+ 85-83=C+ 76-74=D+ 67-0=F

98-96=A 89-88=B 82-80=C 73-71=D

95-93=A- 87-86=B- 79-77=C- 70-68=D-

Each quarter grade is worth 50% of the semester grade.

B. Grades will be determined on the basis of points accumulated by the student. Point totals may vary from quarter to quarter.

C. Assignments vary in point value according to complexity and difficulty. In this class, points will be awarded to homework, maps, readings, journals, quizzes, tests, and participation. Assignments are to be recorded in the Joliet Township High Schools Academic Planner which will be checked periodically throughout the school year.

D. Class participation will be an important part of the grade. There are two forms of participation, positive and negative. I like to focus on the positive!

1. Positive participation includes answering questions, reading aloud, volunteering, and making intelligent contributions to class discussions. Results = Points Earned!

2. Negative participation includes any type of misbehavior that disrupts the class including failure to prepare for classroom discussions. Result = Points Not Earned!

E. Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating is defined as either giving or receiving answers on any assignment. Unless otherwise directed, students must do their own work. Failure to comply will result in the following:

1. First Offense. Zero on assignment, parental contact counselor referral.

2. Second Offense. "F" for quarter, discipline referral.

1. Third Offense. "F" for the semester.

III. Absences and Make-up Work

A. Class schedules will be posted on a weekly and daily basis. Due dates will be included. This information must be recorded in the Joliet Township High Schools Academic Planner.

B. Late assignments will not be accepted. Assignments are due at the beginning of the period unless otherwise directed.

C. Passes to lockers will not be issued once class has begun.

D. Make-up work, due to absences, will be completed outside of the classroom. It is the students responsibility to contact the teacher for make-up work. Students will have one day to make-up the assignments for each day absent plus one additional day. (See Academic Planner)

IV. General Class Rules

A. Unexcused Tardy. Students who are not in the room when the bell sounds will receive a tardy. (See Academic Planner)

B. Food, candy, and/or drinks will not be allowed in the classroom.