The American Framework: Understanding AP Government & Politics
This 10-week course explores the history, institutions, and processes of American government. Gain insights into politics, develop analytical skills, and confidently navigate key issues and debates shaping the nation's political landscape.
What's included
20 live meetings
20 in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. Short essay responses, current events, Assigned readings, quick quizzes.Letter Grade
Grades will be given in letter form, and will be applied to weekly writing assignments, current events, class participation in discussions over required readings, and to end-of-unit assignments.Class Experience
US Grade 10 - 12
Intermediate Level
This 10-week course explores the history, institutions, and processes of American government. Dive into the roles of political parties, interest groups, and judicial precedents in shaping policy and governance. Gain insights into politics, develop analytical skills, and confidently navigate key issues and debates that define the nation's political landscape. The class will be lecture and discussion based, and will meet twice a week for 10 weeks. Each class meeting will be 1 hour, and will feature a lecture, class discussion, and a mix of quick quizzes, current events, and short answer responses. At the end of each unit, students will write a one-page response to an assigned essay prompt. The course will conclude with a final essay, where students will select a topic from the course and craft a position/argument to defend.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to analyze the philosophical foundations of American DemocracyStudents will be able to explain the checks, Balances, and interactions between the 3 branches of the Federal Government
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows College Board Advanced Placement CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Advanced Placement (AP) Standards20 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
Course Intro/American Political Ideology
Course Introduction, begin on the History and parlance of American Political Ideology 60 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Media, Bias, & Misinformation
Discuss American media, media Bias, ideological distribution of media, and Misinformation. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Political Socialization
Explore how Americans form political attitudes and opinions, and how they can change over time 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Political Ideology Q&A
Class discussion/Q&A on Ideology 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is going to feature lecture, discussion questions, Q&A, and short essay responses. Extra time or tutorials will be granted on a case by case basis.
Parental Guidance
There will be some discussion around political topics, such as abortion laws, gun laws, and crime. Explicit language and imagery will not be used, and content and discussion will be guided sensitively and objectively. Still, some difficult topics are unavoidable in a class such as this.
Pre-Requisites
Students need to have completed at least 1 US History Course (preferably covering 1877-Present) and 1 World History Course.
Supply List
There will be no purchases required, and no unusual supplies. Have a notebook and a working computer, and you're good to go!
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Class materials will include:
-The US Constitution
-The Federalist Papers
-Brutus I
-Common Sense
-Rousseau, Locke, & Montesquieu
-Selected articles from The Hill, Real Clear Politics, The New York Times, & Politico
-YouTube Clips of political debates and discussions
-Crash Course YouTube Channel
Joined December, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
2 Degrees
Master's Degree from Lincoln Christian University
Bachelor's Degree in Education from West Texas A&M University
I have over a decade of experience teaching in public schools in Texas, in various social studies areas, including World Geography, World History, AP Government & AP US History. In my teaching and coaching career I have taught in both large and small high schools, sometimes with classes of 35-40 students, and sometimes with classes as small as 8-10. I am extremely excited to extend my reach as an educator into this platform!Reviews
Live Group Course
$30
weekly or $300 for 20 classes2x per week, 10 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 16-18
8-15 learners per class
