7

th
Grade Civics
Mr. Brian Michie http://brianmichie.weebly.com michieb@seasideschool.net
The primary content for the course pertains to the principles, functions, and organization of government; the origins of the American
political system; the roles, rights, responsibilities of United States citizens; and methods of active participation in our political system.
The course is embedded with strong geographic and economic components to support civic education instruction.

Course instructional expectations include:
1. Reading assignments from longer text passages as well as shorter ones when text is extremely complex.
2. Making close reading and rereading of texts central to lessons.
3. Asking high-level, text-specific questions and requiring high-level, complex tasks and assignments.
4. Requiring students to support answers with evidence from the text.
5. Providing extensive text-based research and writing opportunities (claims and evidence).
Resources
Students will be using a variety of technology resources to access and interact with social studies content over the course of the
school year. Student accounts and passwords will be placed in school planner for reference.
Classroom Expectations
In addition to following all school district and school policies, students will be expected to conduct themselves appropriately in
pursuit of course objectives in class. Students are expected to behave as trained experts in their field of study, United States history.
Student historians will
Be Prepared
Good citizens bring all necessary tools, materials, and assignments to work every day.
Ask questions
Good citizens ask questions to ensure they understand, are learning, and are engaged.
Be Respectful
Respect the teacher, other students, classroom, and all of the materials that are used during class. Good citizens also
demonstrate a mutual respect for the thoughts, work, and input of others.
Follow Procedures
Good citizens always conduct themselves appropriately and respect the rules, guidelines, and procedures of their
institutions.
Act with Integrity
Good citizens strive to be objective, open, informed, and fair in their assessments of historical, political, and current events.
Students will strive to do the right things as they conduct themselves and explore content.

Cheating
There is a ZERO TOLERANCE towards cheating. Any student found cheating will receive a zero on that assignment/test and will be
referred to the office for further discipline.

Grading Scale Grade Weight
A=90%-100% 40% Tests
B= 80%-89% 20% Quizzes/Classwork Assignments/Journal
C=70%-79% 30% Projects
D=60%-69% 10% Homework
F=59%-Below
Students in Civics will take the Florida Civics End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment. This grade will comprise 30%
of students final grade. Civics students Fall and Spring semester grades will each compose 35% in addition
to the EOC.

Make up work is the responsibility of the student. Work is expected to be turned in on the due date that is assigned. Students have 1
day after the due date in which they may submit late excused work with penalty. Work without a valid excuse will be penalized after
1 day. After this 1 day period, late work will not be accepted and a grade of 0 will be entered into the gradebook. Extra help is always
available and must be scheduled in advance by student.
Course Overview (subject to change)
1st Nine Weeks
Class Orientation
EOC Overview and Introduction
Organizing Principle 1 Citizenship and Society
Organizing Principle 2 Civic Engagement and Influencing the Government
Organizing Principle 3 Elections
Organizing Principle 4- Federal Government
2nd Nine Weeks
Organizing Principle 4 Federal Government
Organizing Principle 5 State and Local Government
Organizing Principle 6 Foundations of American Government
Organizing Principle 7 Constitution
Semester Exam

3rd Nine Weeks
Organizing Principle 7 Constitution
Organizing Principle 8 Amendments to the Constitution
Organizing Principle 9 The Judicial System and Supreme Court Cases
Organizing Principle 10 Forms of Government

4
th
Nine Weeks
Organizing Principle 11 Foreign Relations and World Affairs
Organizing Principle 12 Geography
Organizing Principle 13 Economics

End of Course Exam