2008 Syllabus for U.S. Government & Politics

July 28 - August 1, 2008

Institute Overview

This workshop is designed to help teachers develop course in AP Government and Politics US and to help enhance those who already teach the course. We will spend most of our time creating a working syllabus and developing assignments (and simulations) that teachers can use in their classrooms. We will also address how to make your courses more available to students with different ability levels. This is a great opportunity for anyone who would like a refresher and anyone new to the program. In addition to creating the course, we will spend a considerable amount of time working on how to prepare your students to successfully take the AP test.

Consultant Background

Clarissa Peterson received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Akron. She went on to receive a Master's and Ph. D from Emory University. She began as an instructor at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana in 1997, where she has consistently taught American Government. She became involved in the College Board's Advanced Placement program as a reader for AP Government and Politics US exams in 2001. Professor Peterson served four years on the Advanced Placement Government and Politics Course Design and Test Development committee (2003-2007). For two years, Dr. Peterson was a member of the steering committee for the AP Annual Conference. Over the years Professor Peterson has led numerous workshops for new and experienced teachers who teach AP Government and Politics US.

Institute Preparation

Teachers should bring any syllabus that they are working on with them. If they have already been teaching the course, they should bring their completed (or approved) syllabus to the workshop. They should also bring any assignments that they have used or assignments they are thinking about using. Please also bring a memory stick so that you can receive a copy of any notes and/or materials that will be used at the workshop.

Institute Schedule

Agenda

I. Monday

A. Meet and Greet
B. What does an AP US GOPO course look like? Structure, Content, and Requirements
C. Texts
D. Realities on structure, content, and requirements: How to fit it all in?
E. Strategies for teaching in your specific environment

II. Tuesday

A. Learning styles and diversity
B. How to address learning styles through assignments
C. Looking at successful assignments
D. Review and Begin to create assignments for teaching an entire unit

III. Wednesday

A. Work on Syllabus and assignments

IV. Thursday

A. Finish Syllabus and assignments (if necessary)
B. AP Test

VI. Friday

A. Any Unresolved Issues regarding test or course?

Graduate Credit Option

Participants may also earn three graduate education hours for any of the AP Summer Institutes from Washburn University for a reduced tuition rate of $85 per credit hour and the successful completion of an academic assignment. The academic assignment must be submitted to Dr. Sandy Tutwiler (sandy.tutwiler@washburn.edu) by August 15, 2008.

Additional Information

Timothy W. Peterson, Ph.D.
Dean of Continuing Education
Washburn University
1700 College Avenue
Topeka, KS 66621

tim.peterson@washburn.edu

Phone: (785) 670-1399
Fax: (785) 670-1028