Current Events Course Syllabus

Mr. Marley
Classroom 211
e-mail: dmarley@bfcsmail.com
Weebly site: www.bfcsmarley.weebly.com
Course Description
This class is designed to provide students with the opportunity to discuss, analyze, understand
and explore various issues and events at a local, national, international level and ultimately learn
how these issues impact us. Through video and radio programs, readings, discussions, and
debates students will learn how to develop well-reasoned opinions grounded by factual
information. This course will help students better understand and participate as educated voters
in a democratic society.
Course Objectives / Goals
1. Develop well-reasoned opinions grounded by factual information.
2. Differentiate between fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect
relationships.
3. Evaluate the groups and individuals play in the development of the world.
4. Critique and/or defend political figures, media, personal opinions, etc.
5. Develop a knowledge of the history behind conflicts that are continuing today.
6. Examine conflicts in society and evaluate how governments have successfully, or
unsuccessfully, attempted to solve them.
7. Evaluate critical issues in various world governments.
8. Learn to respectfully discuss and debate various opinions.
9. Work independently and cooperatively within groups to accomplish goals.
Textbooks/Resources/Topics
There are no textbooks for this class. Materials for discussion will come from a wide variety of
sources. Topics may include: The Presidential Elections, War on Terror, local elections,
proposed laws, Supreme Court decisions etc.
Required Materials:
3 ring binder (suggested) or Folder (acceptable)
Pencils, pens, paper
Access to newspaper, magazines, internet
Inquisitive mind (mandatory)
Attentive ear (mandatory)

Class Expectations: Because of the nature of this class, I will be presenting differing viewpoints
on controversial subjects. The goal of this class is to learn to analyze different viewpoints to

develop our own educated beliefs. Many in the class may passionately hold differing opinions. It
is therefore imperative that we learn to be tolerant of viewpoint that maybe opposed to our
deepest held beliefs. To that end the following expectations must be followed:
Arrive prepared for class by the tardy bell
Arrive with any assignment due that day completed.
Have supplies and needed materials.
Respect the teacher and one another.
o We may attack ideas NOT PEOPLE.
o Allow others the time to formulate their ideas.
o No profanity or insults.
Adhere to ALL school policies and guidelines.
No food, drink and/or gum allowed in class.(without teacher permission)
Restroom pass
o No passes out during the first 15 minutes of class and/or the last 15 minutes of
class
Remember this class is an elective. Being enrolled in this class is a privilege; if you
cannot behave in the proper manner or habitually do not complete the required
assignments, you may be removed from this class. In a small class like ours, one students
bad behavior can ruin the class for everyone else.
Grading: Your grade is base on:
30% Participation ( you begin the class with a participation grade of 75%. It may be
raised or lowered based on your behavior.)
25% Homework
25% Unit tests
20% Quizzes
Participation:
Class work- Students may be given assignments that are to be completed during that class period.
This is in class work and will not be allowed to be completed at home. Students must turn in the
work at the end of the class period.
Board Work - At the begging of each class students will be responsible for completing the daily
writing prompt.
Discussion- This is the most important aspect of participation. Students are required to
participate in class discussion in a thoughtful, intelligent, and respectful manner.

Homework: Homework assignments will be written on the board at the beginning of class.
Students are responsible for copying the assignment into their planner and/or notebook.

Homework will be given Monday-Thursday and is due the next day. Occasionally, students may
have homework over the weekend.

Unit Tests: Unit tests will be given at the end of each unit. The tests will cover material
presented in class and homework assignments. The test will be given as a combination of essay,
short answer, fill in the blank, matching, true/false, and multiple choice.

Quizzes: Quizzes may be given every day. Quizzes will vary from 1 question 10 questions.
Quizzes will be given as essays, short answer, fill in the blank, matching, true/false, and multiple
choice. These quizzes are open note and students can use THEIR OWN notes to answer
questions.

Final Exam: The final exam will be cumulative at the end of each semester. The test will be
given as a combination of essay, short answer, fill in the blank, matching, true/false, and multiple
choice.

Make-up and Late Work

Absences:
You are responsible for make up work. If you are absent one day, you will have two days to
make up the work that you missed. Any assignment will be posted on my Weebly Site . All tests
and quizzes must be made up before or after school, or by appointment only. It is your
responsibility to schedule a make up test or quiz, within the given time frame. All projects are
due on the assigned date, and expected even if absent.

Late Work:
You will turn in every assignment given in class on the day it is due. Late work is never
accepted, EVER!

Weebly Site - Lesson plans, notes, and other useful information can be found at
www.bfcsmarley.weebly.com

Sincerely,
Mr. Marley