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GEOGRAPHY IS EVERYTHING

 

 

“Geography is everything, everything is geography.” 

 

 

Course Description and Objectives: 

Advanced Placement Human Geography (APHG) is a two semester course that systematically studies the relationship between people and space. AP Human Geography is a college level course and the workload and expectations will reflect this rigor. It is imperative that students stay on top of their assignments since this course moves at a rapid pace. Students should expect significant reading with Cornell Notes, daily assignments, quizzes, projects, and unit assessments. Because we must cover so much material in this course, attendance, preparation, and punctuality are essential. Although much will be expected of students enrolled in this course, students will be rewarded through gain a deeper appreciation of the world in which we live.  

The study of geography matters today because we live in a globalized society in which total isolation is nearly impossible. Students will leave APHG with a greater understanding that we are all connected and a deeper appreciation of global diversity and the processes that define our world. Ultimately, geography matters because this is our world.  

 

 

AP EXAM: 

The AP Human Geography exam is scheduled for THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022. The rigorous exam will be comprised of two sections:  a 60 minute, 60 multiple-choice section and a 75 minute constructed response section. Those receiving a score of 3 or better (depending on selected college) often receive college credit for their performance. This exam is free for all WFHS students. All students enrolled in AP Human Geography are expected to take the AP Exam.  

Class Expectations: 

  • Be in our seat, on time, working on the Bellringerr before the tardy bell. If you are not in your assigned seat when the bell rings, you will be marked “tardy”. 

  • Bring all materials to class with you. You will not be permitted to retrieve personal items from another class or from your locker during class time. The key to your success is preparation so we can maximize class time. 

  • DO all required assignments. There will be several quizzes throughout the year to check comprehension of assigned materials. 

  • DO NOT ask to leave the room unless it is an EMERGENCY. It must become a collective effort to maximize class time together with limited distractions.  

  • Actively participate in class through listening, discussions, and assignments.  

  • Remain positive. If you being to feel frustrated, please communicate that with me. I will be available DURING LUNCH  and AFTER SCHOOL for tutoring or extra help.  

 

BIG IDEAS are the the foundation of the course and enable students to create meaningful connections among the course concepts.  

 

  1. PATTERNS AND SPATIAL ORGANIZATION (PSO)  

Spatial patterns and organization of human society are arranged according to political,, historical, cultural, and economic factors. 

  1. IMPACTS AND INTERACTIONS (IMP) 

Complex relationships of cause and effect exist among people, their environments, and historical and contemporary actions. 

  1. SPATIAL PROCESS AND SOCIETAL CHANGE (SPS) 
    A spatial perspective allows for a focus on the ways phenomena are related to one another in particular places, which in turn allows for the examination of human organization and its environmental consequences. 

 

There are seven units of study in APHG. However, binders will need to be divided into NINE SECTIONS. Use BINDER DIVIDERS and WRITE THE TITLE ON EACH TAB. Binders need to be organized ASAP. 

    Section One: APHG RESOURCES AND REVIEW MATERIAL

    Section Two: Unit 1: Thinking Geographically

    Section Three: Unit 2: Population and Migration Patterns and Processe

    Section Four: Unit 3: Cultural Patterns and Processes

    Section Five: Political Patterns and Processes

    Section Six:Agriculture and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes 

    Section Seven:Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes

    Section Eight: Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes 

 

Materials Needed: 

  1. $5 fee (Checks can be made out to West Feliciana High School.  Turn in  $ to front office).  

  1. 1 box of Kleenex  

  1. Folder with 3-prongs and interior pockets (Write your FIRST and LAST name on the front of the folder and your CLASS PERIOD) (YOU WILL SUBMIT THIS TO ME!!) 

  1. Binder and 9 Binder Dividers (You are responsible for setting up your binder!) 

  1. Markers, crayons, or colored pencils (1 pack) 

  1. Highlighters 

 

The following materials MUST be brought to class EVERY DAY:  

  1. Pencils and Pens (BLUE and BLACK ink only) 

  1. Binder with looseleaf for notes and handouts (You must have a binder solely for APHG.  Organization is crucial for success in this class, so it is IMPERATIVE that you use a separate binder designated only for this class). Label each assignment with your FIRST/LAST Name, UNIT # and Name, and Date.  

 

Textbook: Each student will have access to a class set of books throughout the course and will be issued a textbook to take home. Students will be responsible for payment if books are lost. 

 

 

GRADING SCALE: The Louisiana State Grading Scale will apply (See WFHS Handout for details).  

  1. 100-93 

  1. 92-85 

  1. 84-75 

  1. 74-67 

  1. 66-0 

 

Instructional Strategies:

Throughout the course, students will be expected to participate in a variety of instructional strategies: lectures, Socratic seminars, projects, mapping exercises, and essay writing. All activities are designed to maximize success on the AP Exam.  

Assignments: 

All assignments completed in class should be done in legible handwriting. Since this course is quite rigorous and fast-paced it is essential that students remain current with all reading assignments. Lessons are devised with the assumption that students have completed the required assignments prior to class so they can actively participate in discussions and class activities.  

 

Quizzes and Tests: 

Each unit test will comprise of multiple choice questions and 1-2 free-response questions (FRQs) which are designed to reflect the format of the AP Exam. Portions of the test will be timed. On all UNIT TESTS students will have the opportunity to submit corrections for questions missed and earn back a percentage of the points lost. Designated times will be announced after each unit test. Additionally, students will be periodically quizzed on vocabulary terms and concepts during each unit of study. Quizzes will be announced and unannounced, so it is   essential to keep up with assignments in order to do well on assessments.  

 

Make-Up Procedures 

Students are expected to turn in all assignments on time. Late work will be penalized -10 if it is one day late. Any assignment turned in afterwards (within a reasonable time frame) will be scored for half-credit. Each assignment is intended to help you better understand the course content, so you are expected to turn in the assignment. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student, NOT THE TEACHER!! Stacks of work submitted at the end of the quarter or semester will not be scored.  

 

All make-up work is found in the black trays located next to the door. Each tray is labeled by class period, and your missed work will have your name on it. You must complete all required work. If you were absent on the day an assignment was due that was assigned when you were present, you will be expected to turn in the assignment upon your return. It is the responsibility of the student to acquire all make up work and schedule make-up tests, quizzes, etc. If an absence is planned ahead of time (i.e. field trip) students must collect work prior to departure. NO EXCEPTIONS!! 

 

Optional Activities

Throughout the year, students may be given optional activities to complete. The purpose of these activities to help increase grades, but it will not replace low scores. If a student chooses to complete the optional activity, it must be turned in on time. If a student does not submit on time, they will not earn credit. However, these activities are OPTIONAL, so if a student does not complete the assignment, it will not count against them. These activities are enrichment activities intended to increase student understanding.

 

Extra Credit 

Throughout out the duration of the year, there will be some opportunities for extra credit which will be announced throughout the year. My philosophy on extra credit is that students are encouraged to use assignments as a performance gauge, to complete all required readings, to ask questions in class, and to seek extra help.  

 

Academic Integrity 

Any type of academic dishonesty is unacceptable. Academic dishonesty includes giving or receiving answers on assignments that are assigned as individual assignments, plagiarism, and providing information about the content of assessments to other students. Academic dishonesty will result in a “0” on the assignment, a parent conference, and a disciplinary referral. If students or parents have any doubt about what constitutes academic dishonesty please schedule a conference with me immediately.   

 If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Additionally, my doors are open during lunch for any student who wants to work on AP assignments or needs extra help. As we move closer to the AP Exam, I will be available for after school tutoring sessions.  

 

I look forward to a great year! 

  

Nicole Means