Jefferson-Morgan Middle/High School

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Mr. Donald Cochran » Courses

Courses

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

 

 Full Year  Gr. 11  Prerequisite: U.S. History Honors 85% or above

The Advanced Placement course in United States Government and Politics is designed to provide students a critical perspective on politics and government.  This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U. S. politics and analysis of specific case studies.  It requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that make up the American political reality.  

Course Overview/Description

The express purpose of this year long course is to prepare students to take the AP Exam for U.S. Government and Politics.  It requires a substantial amount of reading and preparation for every class as it is taught as it would be in college.  The objectives of this course go beyond a basic analysis of how our government “works.”  The course is designed to give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States.   After developing a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system, students will be asked to reflect on their rights and responsibilities as citizens.  This course also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideals that constitute U.S. politics.  Students are responsible for keeping up with current events in the news.  Current events provide concrete connections for each lesson.  

 

American History I 1492 to 1900

 

This course is a study of the United States from the time of the Native Americans through reconstruction. We will explore social, political, economic and military changes and how they affected American Society.

 

Elements of Economics

 

Course surveys the analysis of demand, supply, and market equilibrium in reference to the market system, capitalism, money and banking, and international trade. This course evaluates economic literacy in both macro economics (business cycles, inflation, unemployment, etc.) and microeconomics (markets, competition, poverty, etc.).