Class Information

Instructor Name: Maribeth Schmidt         

Instructor Email: mrs.schmidt@hotmail.com       

Class Materials Fee: $15.00 per semester

Course Description for American Government Fall 2021

Required Textbook: Foundation for Freedom: A Study of the United States Constitution—Workbook by Lars R. Johnson

CHRISTIAN LIBERTY PRESS / 2014 / TRADE PAPERBACK

Each student needs their own copy of the textbook. It may be purchased at Christianbook.com.

Christianbook.com description of the textbook:

Foundation for Freedom: A Study of the United States Constitution features fifteen chapters that cover the colonial experience, American Revolution, formation of the nation, creation of the Constitution and government, and specific sections of the Constitution, finally ending with the fundamental principles of the Constitution. Written from a Christian perspective, this unique text also references the influence of Christianity as well as the link between biblical principles and law. An engaging reader, this full-color text integrates sidebars alongside archival photos of documents and artifacts as well as portraits of major colonial leaders. Each chapter ends with review exercises that include true/false, matching, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and essay questions.

Weekly Class Expectations

Each week, we will be discussing the basic content of the assigned chapter and working in groups of three or four to complete the Review Exercises at the end of each chapter. Please read the chapter ahead of time and be familiar with the content. Parents, please encourage your student to take notes as they read the text throughout the week. We will engage in discussion about current events as they are relevant to the later chapters in the text.

Supplies Needed

Students will be asked to take notes as they read and their note taking will be verified each week as attendance is taken. Class sessions will focus on developing a greater understanding of our government through a Christian worldview perspective, include weekly lectures, and anopportunity for students to discuss the assigned chapters.

They should also be able to articulate an understanding of the basic concepts necessary to becoming a knowledgeable and productive American citizen as well as communicate central ideas important to the development of our system of government.

Prerequisites: 

Students must have at least a 9th grade reading level and have well developed reading comprehension skills.  Students should be able to write one 3 to 5 page paper, be able to navigate the internet, and complete detailed answers of review questions for each chapter.

Teacher Provides: grades issued based on attendance, class participation, review question completion, assignments, and semester final

Student Provides:  Textbook, three-ring binder, pencils/pens/highlighters