(Fall 2023) Middle School Civics: Part One with Alison Stanley

Join this course to become knowledgeable about the U.S. government and learn how to be a proactive member of our democratic society.

How to get the most out of Middle School Civics: Part One with Alison Stanley:

  • First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

  • Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each live session.

  • Read assignments before class meetings

  • Watch that week’s recording if you need to revisit information from our live session.

  • Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week.

  • Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

This is Part One of a 2-part course. Students are encouraged to join Part Two for a complete course study.

Total Classes: 11

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Grade Level: 6th to 8th grade

Suggested Credit: One full semester Civics, American Government, or Social Studies

Class Instructor: Alison Stanley

Instructor Email: alistanley5@gmail.com

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the American government.  It will explore the history leading up to the U.S. Constitution and American core beliefs.  A close look at the U.S. Constitution will be undertaken including Articles I, II and III as well as the 10th,  12th and 22nd Amendments.  Students will become familiar with the concepts of separation of powers, checks and balances, popular sovereignty, and federalism.  Federalist Paper No. 10, McCulloch v. Maryland and Marbury v. Madison will also be introduced.

Course Outline:

Week One: Constitutional Ideals

Week Two: Federalism

Weeks Three and Four: The Legislative Branch

Weeks Five and Six: The Executive Branch

Weeks Seven and Eight: The Judicial Branch

Week Nine: Political Parties

Week Ten: Review

Week Eleven: Final project presentation

Course Materials: All materials will be provided free by the instructor.

Homework: Homework will include weekly question and answers. Also, some videos will be assigned.  Homework should take a student one to two hours a week to complete. There will also be a final project, which the students will share with other students on Week 11.