Welcome to my web page.
My name is Mr. Gourlay. I will be teaching both Civics and Economics this year. Last year I taught Geometry and Chemistry in Livonia. I graduated from Wayne State University in 2007 with certifications to teach social studies, mathematics and science. I will gladly help you with any problems you may have in any of those subjects. I am looking forward to a very productive school year.
Civics/Economics
Civics is taught to insure that we know our rights and responsibilities as citizens. Democratic societies do not function without the participation of informed and responsible citizens.
Civic education, therefore, is one of public education’s central missions. The education of the next generation of citizens is essential to the well-being of American constitutional democracy.
To participate effectively, American citizens need intellectual and participatory skills, as well as knowledge about their government and society. Acquisition of civic knowledge and skills makes possible a reasoned commitment to those fundamental values and principles essential to the preservation and improvement of American constitutional democracy.
Economics is the social science that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services and with the theory and management of economies or economic systems.
Economics aims to explain how economies work and how economic agents interact. Economic analysis is applied throughout society, in business and finance but also in crime, education, the family, health, law, politics, religion, social institutions, and war.
Both Civics and Economics are required by the State mandated Core Curriculum (see link on the right) and students must pass each of these classes. Both topics are also tested on the Michigan Merit Exam (MME).
GRADING
CARD MARKING GRADING
Class Participation (weekly) 10%
Class Notes 20%
Projects 10%
Quizzes 15%
Tests 45%
FINAL GRADES
1st Card Marking 40%
2nd Card Marking 40%
Final Exam 20%