World Geography Pre-AP
Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School
Mrs. Wellman –
A terrace nine stories high
Rises from a handful of earth;
A journey of a thousand miles
Starts from beneath one’s feet.
-Lao-Tzu
Course Description:
This course will study the geography, history, culture, economic issues, and government systems of the world’s countries. As a class, we will explore these themes through maps, readings, photographs, and other materials. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, complete individual work, cooperate with group work, and complete projects intended to deepen their understanding and knowledge of the world.
We will study the five themes of geography:
-Location – Where is it?
-Place – What is it like?
-Region – How are places similar or different?
-Movement – How do people, goods, and ideas move from one location to another?
-Human-Environment Interaction – How do people relate to the physical world?
Course Goals:
- Develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for world cultures
- Gain a better understanding of the world around us
Required Materials:
Blue or black pen (classwork & homework)3 subject notebook – college ruled
Pencil (map work)Dividers (4)
College ruled notebook paperColored pencils or markers
Post-it notesEraser
2 HighlightersIndex Cards (100 count)
2 Glue SticksBox of Kleenex (for classroom use)
Textbook:
McDougal Littell World Geography. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2008.
Other readings will come from various sources and be provided
Grading Criteria:There will be various group and individual projects and individual writing assignments during the year to supplement our knowledge of topics. I will supply a rubric for all projects to outline how I will grade each portion appropriately. There will be a three-week and six-week test every grading period with quizzes to assess ongoing knowledge.
All late work receives a 20 point deduction unless otherwise noted.
Grading Scale:
Daily work/Homework – 40%Projects – 20%
Tests – 25%Six Weeks Test Grade – 15%
Tutoring Hours: Monday through Thursday 4:00-4:30pm or by appointment
Mandatory tutoring may be required
To be successful in class:
–Be on time
–Bring your brain to class
–Complete all assignments to the best of your ability
–Participate in class
–Do not cheat*
–When in doubt – ASK
*Academic Integrity Statement – I will use my own thoughts, my own words and do my own work to support my own learning. This means:
NO CHEATING
NO COPYING
NO STEALING
NO PLAGIARISM
NO REPRESENTING SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK AS YOUR OWN
If there are any questions regarding the class itself, rules, or procedures, I will gladly clarify anything. You can reach me by email at or by phone at 214.860.3680, where you can leave a message and I will gladly return your call.
I am really excited that you are in my class and I look forward to having a great year!
-Mrs.Wellman
Class Policies
Note from the Instructor
I will lead a respectful and disciplined classroom. To achieve this, I have established a few simple policies. As a student, it is your responsibility to comply with these policies. If you decide not to comply, there will be logical consequences. By enforcing these policies, I promise to you fairness and order in our classroom.
Class Rules
Be Respectful – Students will exhibit courtesy and respect toward all other students and adults at all times. Hateful comments concerning race, gender, sexuality, political views, appearance, or of any other type will not be tolerated; this applies to serious as well as "joking" comments. Refrain from using offensive language – including any words that are derogatory concerning race, gender, or sexuality. Physical contact of any kind is not permitted – keep your hands to yourself.
No Food Allowed in Class – Students may not eat in the classroom. This includes candy. If you need to get a drink of water, raise your hand and ask for permission to leave the classroom. Refer to the classroom procedures handout. If there are extenuating circumstances, speak with me before or after class.
Stay in Your Seat - Do not get up to throw away items or sharpen your pencil during the lecture or class discussion. If you need to get up to throw an object away, wait until the independent practice activity begins and I finish addressing the class.
Obey ALL School Rules – Students will obey all school rules that are listed in the student handbook. This includes no electronics in class, following Trinidad “Trini” Garza Early College High School’s dresscode, and wearing your student ID badge at all times on campus and in the classroom.
Class Procedures
Note from the Instructor
Good days and great learning relies on an efficient and smooth running classroom. To achieve this, I have established a few simple procedures. As a student, it is your responsibility to learn and perform these procedures. Through these procedures, I promise to you a more organized and effective learning experience.
Most Common Procedures
Entering the Classroom
You are to enter the classroom without screaming, running or otherwise causing a ruckus. Students who do not do this will be asked to leave the room and reenter as expected. It is expected that as soon as you enter you get anything you need around the room (pencil sharpening, tissue, etc.). Once seated, check the board for any assignments or reminders and update your school planner. Copy the day’s objective and Question of the Day into your spiral.
Coming to Attention
When I need to quiet the class, I will say the following: “If you can hear my voice, clap once. If you can hear my voice, clap twice.” When you hear this, you are expected to stop your conversation, look at me, and clap your hands once for the first time and twice for the second. This procedure is only complete when all eyes are on me and the class is quiet.
Arriving Late
Class starts promptly on time. When you enter the room late (with or without a pass) you need not disturb the class. You are absent if you come to class 20 minutes after the start of class. If you must speak with me, go to your seat and raise your hand when it is appropriate to do so.
Leaving the Classroom
I dismiss the class. Do not leave your seats until I dismiss the class. "People who pack fast shall leave last."
Using the Bathroom or Going to the Nurse
Take care of all of your personal business before class starts or after class. I have a 10/10 policy: no students will be allowed outside of the classroom during the first 10 minutes of class or the last 10 minutes of class. A pass is needed for leaving the classroom. Do not ask to use the washroom or to see another teacher before class begins; just go before you get to class. Anyone late for any reason is late.
Asking Questions
Raise hands to ask a question – any questions will not be acknowledged if a hand is not raised and you are not called on beforehand.
Presenters
Listen to all presenters with your eyes and ears – this includes the teacher, substitutes, guests, and other students.
Attendance
If a student has an absence from class, he or she is responsible for the assignments/homework missed. It is up to the student to inquire about missed work and tests. It is your responsibility to come to me after school or beforeschool to get the makeup work – I will not hand out makeup work during the class period. You have an equal amount of days to make up missed work as your absences. (Ex: If you have a MWF class and you are absent on Monday, see me Tuesday to pick up work and it is due on Wednesday. If you have a TR class and you are absent on Thursday, see me Friday and the work is due the following Monday). Zeros will be given if a student fails to make up work within an acceptable time frame.
Make-up Tests
Students who are absent from class when a test or quiz is given will make up the test or quiz during my scheduled tutoring time. Other arrangements must be made with me if the student cannot attend tutoring. If the student fails to come to tutoring or the arranged time to make up the test or quiz, the student will receive a zero for the assignment.
- The teacher may change or add to the procedures as necessary.
Weekly Topics
1st Six Weeks – The Earth & People
8/26-8/30: Geo-literacy Introduction
9/3-9/6: Parts of the Earth
~Lithosphere & Hydrosphere
~Atmosphere & Climate
9/9-9/13: Biosphere
Where People Settle
3 Weeks Test
9/16-9/20: Elements of Culture
9/23-9/27: Political Systems
6 Weeks Test
2nd Six Weeks – North America & Latin America
9/30-10/4: Physical Features
10/7-10/18: History (2 Weeks)
3 Weeks Test
~Columbian Exchange
-Effects & Significance
~Migration & Push/Pull Factors
~Technology & Urbanization
10/21-10/25: Economic Systems
10/28-11/1: Economics
~NAFTA
~Land Use
11/4-11/8: Current Events
~United Nations
~Terrorism
6 Weeks Test
3rd Six Weeks – Europe & Russia
11/11-11/15: Physical Features
11/18-11/29: History (2 weeks)
~Cultural Convergence &
Divergence
~Pandemics
~War
- World Wars
- Cold War
3 Weeks Test
12/2-12/6: Politics & Economics
~European Union
~Russia’s Struggle
12/9-12/13: 6 Weeks Test
ACP Review
12/16-12/20: Fall ACPs
4th Six Weeks – Africa & Southwest Asia
1/7-1/10: Physical Features
1/13-1/24: History & Culture (2 Weeks)
3 Weeks Test
~Early settlements
~Religions
-Christianity, Judaism, & Islam
~European Imperialism
1/27-1/31: Economics
~Effects of imperialism
~Land use
~Green Revolution
2/3-2/14 (2 weeks): Current Events
~Israel/Iran/US
~Gender issues & theocracies
2/18-2/21: OPEC
6 Weeks Test
5th Six Weeks – Asia
2/24-2/28: Physical Features
3/3-3/21: History & Culture (2 Weeks)
3 Weeks Test
~Early settlements
~Religions
-Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism
3/10-3/14: SPRING BREAK
3/24-3/28: Economics
~China’s shifting economy
~Land use
3/31-4/4: Economics
~Globalization
~Outsourcing
4/7-4/11: Current Events
~Overpopulation
4/14-4/18: 6 Weeks Test
6th Six Weeks – Australia & Oceania
4/21-4/25: Physical Features
4/28-5/2: History
End of Course Project
5/5-5/9: End of Course Project
5/12-5/16: End of Course Project
Presentations
5/19-5/23: Presentations
5/27-5/30: 6 Weeks Test
ACP Review
6/2-6/5: Spring ACPs
Student Name:______ID#:______
Class Period: _____
Email address I can use to contact you:______
For the student:
___ I read and understand Mrs. Wellman’s syllabus, class policies, and procedures
___ I placed my copy of Mrs. Wellman’s syllabus, class policies, and procedures in my binder under “References”
By signing this sheet, I promise to follow Mrs. Wellman’s class policies and procedures and understand that if I do not, the consequences as set forth will apply.
______
Student SignatureDate
For the parent/guardian:
Please provide the following information
Name: ______
Relationship to student:______
Best contact #:______(please circle one: cellhome work)
Email address I can use to contact you:______
By signing this sheet, I have read Mrs. Wellman’s syllabus, class policies, and procedures and will help my student succeed by discussing the class expectations and my own expectations with my student.
______
Parent/Guardian SignatureDate
If this sheet is not returned by 8/30/2013, Mrs. Wellman will contact the student’s parent/guardian.