This course is the equivalent of a college-level introductory American Government course. Students will explore the key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. They will engage with source materials such as Supreme Court decisions and foundational documents, read and interpret data, and form arguments based on evidence. On successful completion of this course, students will be prepared to sit the AP United States Government and Politics exam.
Completion of this course requires regular access to a laptop or desktop computer with working microphone and webcam, as well as a reliable internet connection.
This Fixed-Paced course incorporates a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students and teacher meet live via zoom on a regular weekly schedule. In addition, students complete coursework including guided readings, interactive videos, text and video-based discussion threads, problem sets, individual and collaborative projects, and so on. While these activities are time-flexible, teachers sequence them with weekly deadlines to help students keep on track and encourage and support the development of productive time management skills.