Welcome to AP American Government and English Language Arts! On this website, you will find links to current events, video links, and excellent scholarly student work.
How often do you interact with your government? Sometimes we think of our government as a distant body that is out of touch with the American people. But consider all the rules, laws, and policies that affect your day-- what your school curriculum looks like, laws that tell you how and when you can drive, and the money you make (and is taxed) at your part time job. We interact with our government constantly. Most importantly, consider how well the government is doing its main job--- protecting your rights. In AP Government, we will explore our interactions with the government, and empower you to fully participate in and impact how the government affects you.
Traditionally, English Language Arts is taught by exploring literature and writing the boring 5 paragraph essay. Not in this class. You will learn to develop your voice, both in writing and speaking. We will explore and master non-fiction texts that relate to your AP government curriculum. You will read government documents in their original form, analyze their origin, and evaluate their relation to real life current events today. Reading and writing will dig deeply into discovering "who is the American?"
We look forward to a successful, productive, globally active year!
Shown above: Mrs. Berens with her husband and dog, Pete. Mrs. Berens is a graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor's degree in Adolescent and Young Adult Language Arts Education. She is a Cincinnati native, an avid Reds and Bengals fan. Mrs. Berens loves to travel, read, and participate in sports. @berens_lauren
Mr. Traubert currently teaches AP US Government. In his 15 years at Winton Woods, he has also taught World Affairs, Law & Civics, US History and World History. He is a graduate of Miami University (BS) and Xavier University (MEd). Mr. Traubert is a native West Virginian, but has found a home in Cincinnati with his family. @DavidTraubert