Teen Politics 101: Understanding Government and Civics
This engaging 9-week course covers government structures, political ideologies, civic duties, and global events through interactive activities and projects.
Teacher Jade's Writing Academy
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(1,586)
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What's included
9 pre-recorded lessons
9 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
2-4 hours per week. 3-6 throughout the classAssessment
All submitted work will receive feedback.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
This course aims to not only educate but also inspire young minds to become informed and active citizens, understanding the importance of their role in shaping the world. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭? This course is designed to empower young learners with a comprehensive understanding of world governments and civics. Students will learn about the structure and functions of various types of governments, the role of citizens, political ideologies, and the importance of civic engagement. They will explore how current political events shape and are shaped by these systems. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝? The class is structured into weekly lessons, each focusing on a specific aspect of civics and government. Each week includes a combination of instructional videos, interactive activities, worksheets, quizzes, and readings. Students will also complete a final project to demonstrate their understanding of the course material. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐈 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡? The course will be delivered through pre-recorded videos, ensuring a self-paced learning experience. Each lesson includes: - Video Lectures: 7-15 minute videos introducing and explaining key concepts. - Interactive Activities: Worksheets, mini-activities, and case studies to engage students and apply their knowledge. - Quizzes: Multiple-choice quizzes to assess understanding and retention. - Readings: Handouts to provide deeper insights into each topic. - Final Project: A comprehensive project where students research, analyze, and present on a political topic of their choice. 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞: My teaching style is engaging and interactive, aimed at making civics and government relatable and interesting for young learners. I use a variety of teaching methods, including storytelling, real-world examples, and multimedia resources, to cater to different learning preferences. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, analysis, and discussion to foster a deeper understanding of the material.
Learning Goals
Students will learn the different types of government (e.g., democracy, monarchy, dictatorship) and their structures, functions, and roles in society.Students will gain knowledge of their own country’s constitution, rights, and responsibilities as citizens.
Syllabus
9 Lessons
over 9 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Government and Types of Government
This lesson introduces students to the concept of government, its role in society, and the various types of government systems. We'll explore the basic functions of government, including maintaining order, providing public services, and ensuring national security. The primary focus will be on different forms of government such as democracies, monarchies, dictatorships, and republics. Students will compare and contrast these systems, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. 1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Political Ideologies and Political Spectrum
Students will learn about political ideologies and the political spectrum. Students will learn about various ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and libertarianism. They will learn how these ideologies shape political beliefs and policy-making. The week will also cover the political spectrum, exploring how ideologies range from left to right and how they influence political parties and movements to identify their own political beliefs. 1 assignment
Lesson 3:
The Constitution and Bill of Rights
Students will study the historical context and key principles of the Constitution, including the separation of powers and checks and balances. We’ll also examine the Bill of Rights and its significance in protecting individual freedoms. Through case studies and analysis, students will learn how these documents influence American law and government. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the foundational principles of American democracy and their relevance in contemporary issues. Lesson 4:
Legislative Branch and Law-Making Process
Students will explore the roles of Congress, including the House of Representatives and the Senate, and understand the law-making process from proposal to enactment. We’ll examine how bills become law, the role of committees, and the importance of debate and negotiation. By analyzing real-world examples, students will gain insight into how legislation is crafted and the influence of various stakeholders in the process. 1 assignment
Other Details
Learning Needs
Please communicate with the instructor if accommodations or modifications are needed. Academy teachers are trained and educated on how to meet unique learning needs and classes can be adjusted as needed.
Pre-Requisites
Students should be comfortable reading and comprehending texts at their grade level.
An ability to think critically about information, analyze different perspectives, and form their own opinions.
Supply List
All material for this class will be provided by the instructor.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The Constitution of the United States: The original text is available from various sources including:
U.S. National Archives
Congress.gov
Optional:
"The Politics Book" by DK: This book provides an accessible overview of political concepts, history, and figures. You can find it on:
DK's Official Website
Major book retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
"The Federalist Papers" by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay: These are essential for understanding the founding principles of the U.S. Constitution. Available from Project Gutenberg and many other sources.
Joined November, 2017
4.9
1586reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Education from University of Minnesota
2 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from University of Tennessee Knoxville
Bachelor's Degree in History from University of Minnesota
Here's how you might present your qualifications and experience:
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I began my teaching journey in college through volunteering with AmeriCorps, where I developed a deep passion for education and community service. After earning my M.Ed. and obtaining my teaching license, I taught in traditional public schools but soon realized that this environment was not the best fit for me or my child. This led me to transition to homeschooling and online teaching, where I have truly found my calling.
In addition to my M.Ed., I hold a BA in History and have experience teaching government courses at the college level. I have also taught adult basic education courses for citizenship, where politics and civics were key components. These experiences have given me a comprehensive understanding of political systems and civic education, which I bring to my teaching practice.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$13
weekly9 pre-recorded lessons
9 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 10 learners
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Ages: 13-18
