COURSE OUTLINE FOR
APS and Economics
Dr. Swanson, Room D-1
805-495-7491 x1301
kristerswanson@conejo.k12.ca.us
Welcome to American Political Systems and Economics! I’m looking
forward to this opportunity to explore our national and local
governments, as well as some of the principle aspects of
Economics. 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
- The desire and discipline to use class time efficiently
- The flexibility to handle a wide range of work situations and a
willingness to make your best individual effort in every activity and
situation
- The capacity to work in cooperation with a variety of people
HOMEWORK
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:
This site will extremely helpful to you throughout your time in this
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 home. 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.
GRADING POLICY
All grades will be computed on a points earned out of points possible
basis. As the importance of an assignment increases, so does the
assignment's point value. Missing assignments will be counted as zero
points. The student's total points earned are divided by the total
points possible to determine their percentage. The following scale is
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 the class website by ID
number at least once every two weeks. 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.
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.
- Students may not use the restroom during the first 15 minutes of
class time. Students wishing to go to the restroom during class
time must leave their cell phone with me while they are in the
restroom. Any student who does not ever carry a cell phone must
provide me with written communication from their parents to that
effect. This will exempt the student from this condition.
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,
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@conejo.k12.ca.us