As a parent, I understand what it is like to have unknowns when it comes to my student's classes. Therefore, I will do my utmost to ensure that you are up-to-date with what is planned to happen this year. AP Government covers a wide range of topics. The classes are college freshmen level which means the materials are geared toward that level. As such, your student may want to discuss those topics with you at some point. So here are some possible topics that will be covered in class, the required readings, or suggested videos associated with the subject. 

Possible Topics Discussed in APUG:

• Evolution of hereditary traits (skin and eye colors)
• Colonization and spread of diseases
• Native Americans and how Europeans treated them and impacts today
• slaves and the implementation of the slave trade system and impacts today
• religion and its part in the formation of colonies/states and America as well as how it affects politics today
• Founding fathers
• Bill of Rights
• immigration 
• Civil Rights: Jim Crow, lynching, universal suffrage (voting)
• Supreme Court Cases: some topics include judicial review, segregation, defendant's court rights, same-sex marriage, abortion, and gay rights
• Current events and news articles

Here is a quick overview of class procedures and rules:

• Student's grade is based on 70% test/projects, 20% homework/opportunities, and 10% final
• Late work is unacceptable. So, any late assignments will be able to earn 50% after the due date in the first week but given a zero (0) after that week.
• There are no test retakes for APUG with the exception of two tests: U.S. and Missouri Constitution. These 2 tests are required to graduate high school per Missouri law. A grade of 65% or higher is considered passing for these two tests. If a student earns less than that, they will be allowed to retake the test once. The parent/guardian and the student will be notified and next steps will be discussed. 
• It is the student's responsibility to check with Mrs. Harkins regarding any absences and/or missed work.
• This is a college course with college-level expectations, and work will be held to a college-level standard.