Civics is essentially Citizenship 101. The course goal is to turn students into  be knowledgeable, informed, and participating citizens of the United States of America. By the end of the year you will be capable of making rational decisions about important issues in this country. Decisions based on justice and fairness for all. Decisions made with a working knowledge about our living, working constitution . . .  our social contract.

But the ultimate goal is to turn you into responsible participants in our political system. You reside in a participatory democracy  - a system that demands citizen involvement to thrive, and even survive.

The course will consist of an in depth study of the following topics:

1. The Constitution

2. The Political Process

3. The Legislative Branch

4. The Executive Branch

5. The Judicial Branch

6. State and Local Government

7. Freedom of Expression

8. The Rights of the Accused

9. Civil rights

10. Economics

 Your grade will be based on day to day activities, homework, a current events journal, tests, quizzes, class discussions, and a variety of projects designed to help you develop a working knowledge of your government. There will be a final exam at the end of each semester.