1. Howard Phifer Middle School
Civics and Economics Syllabus
Mr. Chad Pierce
Required Materials
In the 8th grade, students will study the relationship between governments and the people. This includes the rights and responsibilities of citizens, how our opinions are formed, and the roles and duties of government. Students will also learn about how the United States economic system functions. This includes personal finance and governments role in the economic system.
You will be given a textbook to take home for your own use. You will also be given a sign-on for access to the digital online textbook.
The instructor reserves the right to deal with specific late work and make-up work issues on a case by case basis. The general rules that will apply are as follows:
If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to get the work from the teacher or download the work from Google Classroom..
You have 2 days to make up the work or else it will be considered late.
Late work will follow guidelines set forth by district policy
A composition notebook will be provided to each student. They should be brought to every class.
We will watch multiple videos & clips that fit into the material that will be covered. The video ratings range from G-PG13 and may contain re-enactments of historically sensitive subjects. If you do not feel comfortable having your child view these types of images, please let me know.
Internet access will be a must for certain homework assignments. You will also have access to chromebooks after school.
Be sure to sign up for Google Classroom in order to stay up-to-date with all classroom announcements and assignments.
I will update my teacher webpage periodically.
You can me at anytime.
Stay connect with Genesis Parent/Student portal
If you have a smartphone or tablet please download these apps.
Grading Policy
Homework
Classwork A B C D
59 or less F
10%
10%
40%
Benchmarks/ Tests
Projects/ Other Assessments
20%
Classcraft
20%
Quizzes

2. PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN
Civics and Economics Syllabus
Continued…
STUDENT SKILL
Welcome to Civics and Economics Class! Throughout the year, we will begin to develop the tools necessary to become citizens of this country. The students will be asked to read, analyze, question, critically think, and problem solve how and why our government and economic system works today. We will learn how to investigate analyze various materials (such as written sources, artifacts, photographs, political cartoons, maps, and charts). Students will use these skills frequently and with a purpose and be challenged with the task of developing the core literacy skills of reading, writing, and speaking.
To increase critical thinking skills.
To develop skills in taking part in class discussions.
To learn how to analyze and evaluate information from different sources.
To gain skills in finding the main ideas from all forms: lectures, presentations, textbooks, articles and videos.
To develop a comfort level with reading, writing, and speaking skills associated with Social Studies.
Develop the necessary tools to assume the role of a citizen in the United States.
Students will be working together to create a set of classroom rules and expectations. Students will be expected to present themselves in a manner that is appropriate for the classroom and adds to the learning environment. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary actions that may include.
Lunch or after school detention.
Loss of classroom privileges.
Additional assignments.
Phone call home.
Under NO circumstances will plagiarism be tolerated in our academic community. Those who are found to have plagiarized will face a 0 on the assignment and a referral to the principal.
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN
I have reviewed the materials in the syllabus, grading policy, goals, expectations, and all other details.
Student Name (please print): ____________________________________________________________
Student Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:_______________
Parent / Guardian Signature:______________________________________ Date:_______________
Parent / Guardian Contact Information:
Best phone number to reach you: __________________________________
Address (Please print clearly): ____________________________________________________
Do you have internet access at home? Y / N (Circle One))