7th Grade Civics Syllabus
This course is divided into three sections. The first section will focus on geography, examining both cultural and physical factors. The second section explores the foundation of our government and the many skills and activities we must experience in order to become a productive and active citizen. Our third and final focus will consist of comparing our government and lifestyles with other countries in the World.
We will examine several themes, including the history of our government, its structure, and the various responsibilities required of a citizen living in a successful democracy. A strong emphasis will be placed on critical thinking skills, inquiry based learning and problem solving techniques. The students are introduced to and offered numerous opportunities to develop research skills as well as experience cooperative learning.
Texts:
Civics: Participating in Government. Upper Saddle River. NJ: Prentice Hall. 2002.
Jacobs, Heidi Hayes. Latin America. Needham, MA: Prentice Hall, 2001.
“Physical / Political Maps.” Nystrom Desk Atlas. 2003.
Content Goals
Examine the basic principles of both physical and cultural world geography.
Enhance global literacy through games, maps and current events.
Explore the creation, development and application of the United States Constitution.
Investigate the similarities and differences between the United States’ government and the governments of the Western Hemisphere.
Skill Goals:
Develop the ability to make inferences and ask questions.
Heighten cooperative skills by frequent group work on projects as well as class work
Develop the ability to write essays with strong thesis statements and use a well -developed proper five-paragraph format
Demonstrate knowledge of proper study skills and techniques for reading chapters in history text, analyzing primary sources and related articles, note taking and outlining
Employ research techniques including the use of primary sources and successful completion of a bibliography
Develop the ability to deliver oral presentations and debate