AP Human Geography Anita K. Perez-Studdard, PhD
Course Syllabus (770) 888-3470 Ext 331917
2013-2014
Course Introduction
This year-long, one credit elective course conforms to the College Board topics for the Advanced Placement Human Geography examination. It introduces students to the patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Topics covered include Basic Geography Concepts, Population, Cultural Processes, Cities and Urban Land Use, Industrialization and Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Land Use, and the Political Use of Space. Click on the following link to view the topic outline, as well as sample multiple choice and essay questions.
The course curriculum is organized around the themes that will allow students to:
- use and think about maps & spatial data.
- understand & interpret the implications of associations among phenomena in places.
- recognize and interpret at different scales the relationships among patterns and processes.
- define regions and evaluate the regionalization process.
- and characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places.
At the end of the 2011- 2012 school year, 86% of the students passed the AP Human Exam with a 3, 4, or 5, while 49% scored either a 4 or 5!
Students will take the College Board AP Human Geography exam upon the completion of this course on Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 at 12 Noon. The cost of one exam is $102.
Course Materials
Rubenstein, James M. An Introduction to Human Geography. 8th ed. UpperSaddleRiver,
New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. 2005.
Significant outside reading and assignments should be anticipated as part of the course.
Refer to the Angel site on a daily basis for additional information
Student Supplies
Large 3-ring binder 10 dividers with tabs for units and portfolio
Loose-leaf notebook paperBlue or black pen, #2 pencils
HighlightersPin, Thumb, Travel Drive
EXTRA CREDIT! Summer Assignment for 2012
Choose one of the followingprep books for your Summer Assignment & review:
Kaplan AP Human Geography 2014 Prep Book
Read, highlight, and complete all the activities found in:
Chapter 3: Geography: Its Nature and Perspectives
Chapter 4: Population Geography
Barron’s AP Human Geography 2011or 2012 Prep Book
Read, highlight, and complete all the activities found in:
Chapter 1: Geography, Its Nature and Perspectives
Chapter 2: Population Geography
(Do not simply go to the answers and copy the information as you want to have a clear idea of what you do not know and understand.)
This should be completed by the end of the 1st six weeks, thus allowing you to replace your lowest summative grade with a 100 for that grading period!
Course Organization
Students are to maintain, by unit, all assignments, handouts, notes, etc., in a notebook that must be brought to class every day.
Vocabulary is an important element of this course. Students are encouraged to create flashcards of vocabulary either by hand, using index cards, or virtually via a site, such as However, flashcards can be purchased online or at a bookstore.
Take advantage of the Student Companion site, a supplement to your text- , as well as other resources found on Angel.
Announced formative checkups will be given over sections of the Rubenstein text. Students may use their own constructed chapter outlines, as well as class notes, to assist them with these formative checkups as they are in the format of AP multiple choice questions.
Units will last from four to five weeks, and each unit will have its own specific test, typically including a 30– 50 AP-style Multiple Choice test and an essay. Tests are limited to one class period with no extra time given. Students will be given 25 minutes to complete an essay.
Some units may also include additional projects and assignments designed so that students can examine how the principles of Human Geography apply to their lives, and as references for specific historical examples of topics addressed in class.
Classroom Expectations
Have all materials needed for class.
Bottled water is permissible in the classroom.
Be on time. Unexcused tardies will result in lunch detention, ISS, and/or Friday afternoon school.
Keep track of assignments by referring to the Angel course room.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get your missed assignments.
Failure to complete any missed work will result in a zero after five calendar days.
If you are absent when an assignment was to be submitted, it is due the day you return.
Late Work
Some assignments may be accepted late, but only up to two days past the due date. This does not apply to assignments that were to be submitted on a day when you were absent.
If an assignment is submitted a day late, the grade will be reduced by 25%.
If the assignment is two days late, the grade will be reduced by 50%.
Grading
Please remember that this is a college-level course and will be both challenging and demanding.
Multipliers of items will differ (.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0) based on level of assignment/effort.
Nine-Week Grading Policy
Tests/Essays/Projects75%
Checkups/Selected Assignments 25%
Year Grading Policy:
100% based on average of Semester grades
Both the Midterm and Final Exams are weighted as two summatives
Additional Help
Tutoring will be offered Mondays and Wednesdays in the mornings from 7:45 to 8:15, and in the afternoon from 3:45 to 4:15. Students must sign up for tutorials at least 24 hours in advance.
AGREEMENT TO SYLLABUS CONDITIONS
By signing the document below, I acknowledge that I completely understand and fully support all of the provisions contained in the above course syllabus regarding attendance, grades, and course procedures. I also voluntarily agree to make the greatest effort in meeting the heightened requirements and expectations of the Advanced Placement Human Geography course at WestForsythHigh School.
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