THREE DEMOCRACIES 2011-2012

Three Democracies is a course that explores the question of what it means to be a citizen in a republic. We examine the stories revealed in the histories of two “democracies” of the past: Fifth Century BCE Athens, the Roman Republic, 509-44 BCE, and a third, the American Republic, 1789-present. The political questions raised by the peoples of the early democracies are ageless and have a relevance to a citizen of our republic. Readings are taken almost exclusively from ancient sources such as Herodotus, Aeschylus, Euripides, Thucydides, Plutarch and Xenophon on Athens, Livy, Polybius, Caesar, Cicero and Plutarch on Rome, and, in the case of contemporary America, essays, political speeches, party platforms and public policies.

The fundamental concepts from politics, economics, political philosophy and public speaking are introduced in the historical context of the Athenian democracy, the Roman and American Republics. This class focuses on the written and spoken word of public political discourse. Through reading, reflection, discussion and written responses, we consider the role of the individual in a democracy and what is required of each of us if the American Republic is to prosper and extend its original promise to all.

Three Democracies is a challenging course. You will succeed if you work hard and if you begin to work now. If you fall behind early in the semester, you will find it very difficult to catch up. Follow these guidelines:

1. __Read the text__. Our textbook is a collection of excerpts from the works of some of the greatest sources of Western history. They deserve to be read and reread. One of the best ways to read our texts is to read it aloud to yourself, a friend or a parent

2. __Be engaged in the class__. The texts are not the only source of information for our class and your understanding. Make use of your teacher and your fellow students by listening, asking questions and taking notes.

3. __Do your homework__. Homework is called "homework" because it is to be done at home. If you have in-school study hall time use it to review what you have done at home.

4. __Think and reflect on what you have learned__. Although you will study and are expected to know much geography and historical information, “Three Democracies” is about what it means to live in a republic such as ours. Think about and consider the insights of what you are studying and how they might relate to our public lives.

5 __Maintain a Notebook __You should keep a separate notebook for Three Democracies with the following sections:

Vocabulary Terms

Class Notes

Maps

Essays/Written Work

Tests/Quizzes

Grades will be based on the following:

 1. Class Dialogue/ Participation (15% of your grade.)

Be prepared for and engaged in class discussion through speaking, and through active listening as well.

 2. Written Demonstration of Learning (25% of your grade.) ALL WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED

   
    • "Free Writes" open responses to our reading and discussions

    • Formal Essays - usually 4-6 pages. You are expected to write well-structured, typed essays that include

          •An introductory thesis paragraph that addresses the question takes a position on the question

          •Supporting paragraphs each with a topic sentence that ties the topic to the thesis  and which contain supporting details and           examples from the text

          •A conclusion that establishes the significance of the evidence and answers the question,” So what?”

 3. Special Projects (20% of your grade.)

     •Demonstration of Learning by Speeches/Presentations/Projects written and delivered by you.

 3. Tests & Quizzes (25% of your grade.)

4. Homework (15% of your grade)

     •Homework is designed primarily to practice, analyze and/or reflect on material already discussed in class, or to prepare for the next day's class.            Depending on the assignment, homework may or may not be graded

5.Term Weights

Weighting of Exams and terms will be as follows:

Term        1st quarter        2nd quarter    Midterm              3rd quarter              4th quarter                  Final              Year

Weight        20%                      20%                10%                     20%                        20%                            10%             100%

PowerSchool

Grades will be posted on an on-going basis on PowerSchool. Be sure to check how you are doing or if you have any missing assignments!

 Three Democracies Homework Assignments 

Daily Assignment can be found online :

http://cadwellthreedemocracies.pbworks.com/--Three-Democracies-Home-work-Assignments

Homework is due at the assigned date at the beginning of class. Late assignments will be marked down 10% per day (even if they are handed in later on the same day). Students are encouraged to type all assignments if possible and to plan accordingly to avoid computer glitches. Computer glitches will not excuse a late assignment

Important Three Democracies Documents

Click here to  find important documents for each  Lesson of Three Democracies!

Classroom Expectations:

1)    No iphones, ipods,  mp3 players or earphones in class. This includes during test periods. Disconnect before you come!

2)    Water bottles are welcome and encourages- no sodas or  drinks other than water in class, please

3)     No food in class

Cost of Three Democracies texts

Three Democracies texts are readings from the greatest authors in the Ancient world- Herodotus, Thucydides, Plutarch, among them. We ask all students to purchase their texts so they underline and make notes in the texts, and so that they can keep them for future reference. The cost of each text is $10.00.  Students will be asked to pay for the Athens book by August 31 and the Rome book at the start of the second semester. If this cost of the text is a problem, please let me know and we can make arrangements

Conferences and Extra Help

I am happy to meet with students and parents at any convenient time that can be arranged, whether this is during our mutual free blocks during the day or after school. If you need assistance, clarification, or if you want to talk for any reason, not hesitate to contact me to set up a meeting. My e-mail is kcadwell@madriver.com

Please share this document with your parent/guardian and return this slip to me. along with your $10.00 payment for the text, by September 2, 2011.

 I have read the Three Democracies course description and  have discussed the  requirements and challenges of the class with my son/daughter.

________________________ ( name)               ________________ (date)