This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
This course is an introduction to the American government for middle school students. It is a continuation of Middle School Civics: Part One. However, Part One is not a prerequisite for taking this course. This course will explore the Bill of Rights, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments. Also, this class will introduce the “linkage institutions” that connect people to government, including elections, media, political parties, and special interest groups.
Total classes: 10
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th
Suggested credit: One full semester Civics, American Government, or Social Studies
Description
This course is an introduction to the American government for middle school students. It is a continuation of Middle School Civics: Part One. However, Part One is not a prerequisite for taking this course. This course will explore the Bill of Rights, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments. Also, this class will introduce the “linkage institutions” that connect people to government, including elections, media, political parties, and special interest groups.
Outline
Week One: Why the Bill of Rights?
Week Two: First Amendment – Freedom of Religion
Week Three: First Amendment – Freedom of Speech
Week Four: Second Amendment – The Right to Keep and Bear Arms
Weeks Five: Freedom from Unreasonable Searches and Seizures – Fourth Amendment
Week Six: Criminal Rights – Fifth and Sixth Amendments
Week Seven: The Eighth Amendment – Freedom from Cruel and Unusual Punishment / Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment – Due Process
Week Eight: Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments – Civil Rights
Week Nine: Elections
Week Ten: Review
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: All materials will be provided free by the instructor.
Homework: Homework will include weekly question and answers. Also, some videos will be assigned. Homework should take a student 1-2 hours a week to complete. There will also be a final project which the students will share with other students on Week 11.
