AP Human Geography
Strongsville High School
Mr. Sack and Mr. Phelps
“Geography is important, because it opens our eyes; a landscape is no longer a static feature, but a complex battleground of physical and human interactions. Local is no longer local, but a collision point for the interaction of many 'locals' drawn from a global stage. With technology increasingly drawing the world closer together, it is important that the role of Geography in helping the public in understanding this complex and unpredictable world is championed!” - Tony Cassidy
Welcome to the study of Human Geography, where peoples’ interactions with their environment and each other are our window into the future of human civilization. Throughout this course, we will cover a wide variety of topics, from physical geography and demographics to city development and the sustainability of a growing world population. And of course, a key part of our course will be preparation for your success on the AP Human Geography Exam in the second week in May. This year, our D Day, H Hour is Friday May 18th, 8 a.m.
Our Expectations:
- You are on time, every day, ready to work when the bell rings (preferably before)
- All assignments are completed on time. All assigned readings are done prior to due date and reading notes are brought to be used in class.
- Classroom behavior never impedes our ability to achieve learning objectives. We will have fun but always with learning as our primary concern.
- Cell phones and other electronic devices will not be tolerated unless explicitly sanctioned by your instructor.
- Phone calls home will be utilized to keep parents informed of any problems with the above expectations. This is an AP class. The expectation is these expectations will be met by all students.
Course Materials:
Supplied by the School:
●Malinowski, J.C., & Kaplan D.H. (2013). Human Geography. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
COVER THIS TEXT! THESE BOOKS MUST BE KEPT IN GOOD CONDITION!
●@scsmustangs.org Google Accounts. These will be used for submitting many assignments electronically, blogging, group projects, and other technological opportunities
●(2008) The Nystrom Desk Atlas. Indianapolis, IN: Nystrom.
●Nystrom Hands-on Globe Lab Set
Required to be purchased by each student:
●(2014) Green. Evanston, IL: National Geographic Learning and Cengage Learning.
We will be using this supplemental text throughout the course to highlight various course topics and their impact on the overall study of sustainability solutions
●2” Three Ring Binders with pockets. FOLDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. All handouts will be hole-punched for your convenience and organization.
●10 tabbed divider pages for organizing by unit, tests, etc.
●Loose-leaf paper for all of your notes (not a spiral notebook). This way, all notes can be filed by unit with handouts and submitted from time to time
●Pencils, Pens (Black/Blue). Additional colors recommended for note-takingto emphasize key points (red, green, etc.)
Teacher Materials
●Various AP Human Geography Exam Prep Books, including the Kaplan, McGraw Hill 500 for a 5, and Princeton Review books. These will be used to create warm up practices, unit and review tests, and help the teachers triangulate (via multiple sources) the content most critical in each unit for the AP Human Geography Exam.
●Friedman, T.L. (2007). The World Is Flat. New York, NY: Picador.
●Friedman, T.L. (2009). Hot, Flat, and Crowded. New York, NY: Picador.
●Kaplan, R.D. (2012). The Revenge of Geography. New York, NY: Random House Trade Paperbacks
●Teachers’ Edition: Textbook- Malinowski and Kaplan (2013). Human Geography, McGraw-Hill
●(2014) Green. Evanston, IL: National Geographic Learning and Cengage Learning.
Grading Policy
Grading will follow the ABCDR scale per Strongsville High School’s standards.
A: 100-89.5B: 89.4-79.5C: 79.4-69.5D: 69.4-59.5F: 59.4-0
Your Quarterly grades will break down approximately as follows:
45% Unit Assessments: Will include AP-style multiple-choice questions (from various AP Exam prep resources) and Free Response Questions (FRQs). Both sections will be timed per AP Exam expectations
15% Quizzes: quizzes may be made up of multiple choice and short answer questions. They will unannounced to make sure you are staying on top of the reading and reviewing as you go.
20% Unit Folders: At the end of each unit we will have you collect all your papers and notes from the unit to be assessed. You will receive back your unit materials for you to keep after we graded them.
15% Class Blog: Twice a quarter you will be submitting a post to our class blog on the journeys of your “Flat Stanley.” For the places he visits you will gather geographic, demographic, etc. data to report with pictures.
5% Participation: might include specific review sheets, active participation in class debates, discussions, etc.
Absences: When you are absent, make sure that you check with someone in the class for any notes/information that you missed. Please check the “Welcome Back!” Box in Room 821 for handouts, etc. See me after that if you still have questions or concerns. I recommend you find a buddy in your class who you can go to for class notes on the days you are absent.
If you are absent the day of a test/quiz, you will make up it up the day you return. X number of absences prior to a test will not grant you x number of additional days to make up that test. If you are absent the day a paper/project/homework is due, you must turn it in the day you return if you want to have a chance at full credit. ALL ONLINE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT HAVE DUE DATES EXTENDED FOR ABSENCES. See us for any planned absences so I can give you upcoming assignments, etc.
Late Assignments: Handouts and other smaller assignments will be half off if handed in 24 hours after the due date that we collect them from the class. After 24 hours late assignments will not be accepted. Parents will be notified when a student has several missing assignments. For larger assignments (projects, essays, etc.), the penalty will be made clear on the project’s assignment page.
Open Door Policy: We will be available before school from approx. 7:00 AM and after school until around 3:00 PM at our desk on the mezzanine. This is your first AP Social Studies course and I want it to be a successful and rewarding experience for you!
Academic Dishonesty: any assignment in which you use someone else’s work and fail to properly acknowledge your source is considered plagiarized. Plagiarism will count as an automatic zero (0) on the assignment. Parents/guardians will be notified, as will your grade level administrator. Your status as an AP student in this class will be called into question with our recommendation that you be required to drop the course. In short, don’t do it. Ask us for a guide for plagiarism if you are unsure.
Any cheating related to any assignment for this course (especially but not limited to exams and quizzes) will also result in a zero and the above penalties.
We are looking forward to this exciting adventure this year! We only expect and accept the same from you as we do from ourselves- the very best. Here’s to a great semester of learning!
Mr. Sack and Mr. Phelps
A.P. Human Geography Pacing Outline
Unit Title / Unit Understandings / Duration (Semester)Unit 1:
Introduction to Human Geography
Textbook Chapters 1 & 2 / Maps, spatial data, geographic tools and technologies are essential for interpreting human geography trends and realities.
Students will understand the basic principles associated with the study of Human Geography as well as the modern benefits the discipline has for society. / 2 weeks
Unit 2:
Population
Textbook Chapters 3 & 5 / Population patterns, distribution, and population movement (migrations) / 2 weeks
Unit 3:
Cultural Patterns and Processes
Textbook Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9 / Cultural definitions, traits, diffusion, and diversity. / 4 weeks
Unit 4:
Political Geography
Textbook Chapters 10 & 11 / Governments are instituted and function in response to geographic realities. / 2 weeks
Unit 5:
Economic Systems and Patterns
Textbook Chapters 15, 16, 17, & 18 / Economic structure, land use, settlement patterns, industrialization and the global economy. / 4 weeks
Unit 6: Urban Geography
Textbook Chapters 13 & 14 / Evolution and patterns of urban development / 2 weeks
Unit 7: Sustainability
Textbook Chapter 12 / Options and obstacles in stretching the earth’s resources for a growing population / 2 weeks (after AP Exam)
A.P. Human Geography
Unit #1: Introduction to Human Geography
Enduring Understanding: Maps, spatial data, geographic tools and technologies are essential for interpreting human geography trends and realities.
Essential Questions: How are contemporary human geography trends measured?
Why is important to measure and assess human geography trends and realities?
Unit Goal: Students will understand basic principles associated with the study of Human Geography and the modern benefits the discipline has for society.
Duration of Unit: 2 Weeks
Ohio Standards- Geo- 1/2/3/4/5
Topics / Content, Themes, Concepts, and Skills / Instructional Resources and Materials / Teaching Strategies / Assessment Strategies1.What is human geography and what does it teach?
2. Historical development of the discipline
3. Defining Human Geography
4. Basic concepts of geography
5. Methods and skills of geography
5. Thinking geographically / Students will identify and understand the following terms in a variety of contexts: GPS, GIS, Cartography,
Concentrations, Regional Studies
Students will explain the role of human geographers in the modern era.
Students will describe modern tools human geographers use to assess trends.
Students will list and describe key figures in the early study of human geography. / Text: Malinowski, John, Kaplan, David. Human Geography. Read Sections 1A- 1H Major Geographic Concepts and Geography Through the Ages, Sections 2A- 2H.
Green reader: “Fresh Water” (pg 5-9) by Barbara Kingsolver
Nystrom Globes and Atlases … Methods and skills exercise using actual globe set and matching atlases.
GIS activity in conjunction with Cuyahoga River National Parks System / Cooperative learning groups analyzing unique technologies used by human geographers and cartographers.
‘Geographic Tools’ study and presentation. How human geographers analyze.
Lecture/Discussion with daily reflection questions.
Map-skills in relation to proper terminology and identification of key global concepts.
Graph and chart skills essential to understanding fundamental and core principles of human geography.
Career assessment activities and guest speakers…What is Human Geography and what career paths does it offer?
Hands-on applications of modern GPS systems. / Objective assessments to measure mastery of terminology essential to understanding human geography.
AP style test identifying major terms, concepts, and theories in human geography.
Essays dealing with particular tools and technologies.
Multi-media presentations dealing with the benefits that proper understanding of human geography can have in contemporary society.
Hands-on presentations dealing with GPS technology and the role it is playing in the 21st century.
A.P. Human Geography
Unit #2: Populations, Migrations, and Settlements
Enduring Understanding: Human societies grow and change politically, socially, and culturally in response to geographic variables.
Essential Questions: How do political and social changes affect the course of human geography?
How do governments dictate major changes in human geographic patterns?
How have historical events shaped, and continue to shape, trends in human geography?
How has agriculture influenced human civilization and human geography throughout time, as well as currently?
How has religion influenced human civilization and human geography throughout time, as well as currently?
Unit Goal: Students will understand that the human, historical and political geography of the world undergoes unique changes due to both natural and man-made conditions.
Duration of Unit:3 Weeks
Ohio Standards: Geo 15/16/17/18/19
Topics / Content, Themes, Concepts, and Skills / Instructional Resources and Materials / Teaching Strategies / Assessment Strategies1. Population Patterns-
-Factors of growth
-Historical patterns of growth
-Contemporary patterns and regional variations...fertility, mortality, and health
-Demographic transition model
-Population policies- role of women
2. Population Distribution
-Spatial patterns-global, regional, local
-Demographic Trends
-Spatial variations in factors of growth
3.Population Movements
- Push and pull factors of migration
-Major voluntary and involuntary migrations
-Contemporary migrations
-Local migrations and activity space
-Migration to and within the U.S. / Students will identify various world regions and their unique and unifying characteristics.
Students will identify and analyze various historical instances that resulted in shifts in migration trends and overall settlement patterns.
Students will identify and understand the following terms in a variety of contexts: Agricultural Revolution,
Crude Birth Rate, Crude Death Rate, Density, Demographic Transition, Infant Mortality Rate
Ecumenist, Natural Increase Rate, Total Fertility Rate, Zero Population Growth
Students will evaluate the impact of the Industrial Revolution. / Text: Malinowski, John, Kaplan, David. Human Geography. Read Sections 3A-3J Population, 5A-5G Migration Flows
Green reader: “Water Pressure” (pg 35-47)by Fen Montaigne, “Drying of the West” (pg 51-59)by Robert Kunzig, “The Big Melt” (pg 63-71)by Brook Larmer
Nystrom Globes and Atlases with emphasis on population geography, and historical and contemporary migration exercises.
Applied activity..”Newton’s First law of Migration: The Gravity Model” / Cooperative learning groups for analysis of various population regions around the globe.
Individual-based, current events research, presentations and discussions addressing migration trends in regions across the globe.
Lecture/Discussion coupled with daily reflection questions. / Objective assessment identifying various issues around the globe in which fundamental principles of human geography are essential to understanding their roots.
AP style, multiple choice test identifying major terms, figures, organizations, and political structures in various regions of study.
Paper: Addressing an historical population event, period, or crisis that had an impact on human migration or settlement patterns.
Research assignment and paper: Investigate the birth and rise of a modern nations’ government. Assess human geography factors that led to the rise of the nation and its early growth.
A.P. Human Geography
Unit # 3: Cultural Patterns and Processes
Enduring Understanding: Language and ethnicity develop in conjunction with settlement patterns and other geographic variables.
Essential Question: How are language, ethnicity, and geography interconnected?
Unit Goal: Students will be able to assess the role language and ethnicity plays in human geography around the globe.
Duration of Unit: 3 weeks
Ohio Standards: Geo-13/14/8/9/10
Topics / Content, Themes, Concepts, and Skills / Instructional Resources and Materials / Teaching Strategies / Assessment Strategies1. Culture and Cultural Traits
-Defining culture: material, non material, traits, complexes
-Cultural diffusion and change
-Cultural diversity
-Major cultural regions and realms
2. Cultural Diversity
-Language
-Religions
-Ethnicity
-Pop culture and folk culture
-Perceptions of natural hazards
3. Cultural Landscapes
-Culture and the environment
-Culture and group identity-values and preferences
-Culture and conflict
-Sense of place / Students will identify and understand the following terms in a variety of contexts: Dialect, Standard Language, Isogloss, Language Group, Creolized Language, Ideograms, Apartheid, Self-determination, Ethnic Cleansing
Students will describe the role that language plays in human societies and throughout human history.
Students will be able to evaluate the synthesize information relative to religion, gender, language and ethnicity and apply it to the world today relative to preferences, customs, and diffusion.
Students will be able to evaluate and use appropriate technology to research current events and contemporary issues. / Text: Malinowski, John, Kaplan, David. Human Geography. Read Sections 6A-6G. Culture and Cultural Landscapes. Read Sections 7A- 7G The Geography of Language, 8A-8H The Geography of Religion and 9A - 9G Race, Ethnicity and Gender.
Green reader: “The Last of the Amazon” (pg 13-23) by Scott Wallace
Kaplan, Robert , The Revenge of Geography- selected readings
Nystrom Globes and Atlases for religion, language and health issues IE. AIDS Epidemic
Religion Project.. Compare and Contrast the World’s largest religions
Geo caching walking tour ...cultural travel guide...students will map, observe, record and analyze cultural landscape with regards to churches, schools, retail outlets etc.
Appropriate Scenes from the Following Films: Hotel Rwanda (2004)
Frontline: Ghosts of Rwanda (2004) / Lecture/Discussion coupled with daily reflection questions.
Cooperative learning projects and presentations on relevant topics.
Individually based, current events research, portfolio construction, and presentations/discussions on current ethnic crises around the globe.
Creating and using graphic organizer to demonstrate relevant data.
Creating multi-media presentations on relevant topics…(Religion) / Graphic organizer quiz on various languages from around the globe and how they developed.
AP style objective test identifying major terms and concepts dealing with language, ethnicity, and geography.
Open ended writing regarding ethnic crises around the globe at various points in time.
Create review games using appropriate technology.
Develop research thesis on the ethnic crisis in Rwanda and Bosnia in the 1990’s.
Cumulative mutli-media presentations on historical examples of ethnic crisis and cleansing.
Creating a docudrama in cooperative groups.
A.P. Human Geography
Unit # 4: Political Geography
Enduring Understanding: Governments are instituted and function in response to geographic realities.
Essential Questions: How do political and social changes affect the course of human geography?
How do governments dictate major changes in human geographic patterns?
How have historical events shaped, and continue to shape, trends in human geography?
How has agriculture influenced human civilization and human geography throughout time, as well as currently?