AP Human Geography
2017- 2018
Lindsey Bone Denise Hartley
(770) 888-3470 Ext 331912(770) 888-3470 Ext 331914
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.
- characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places.
Students will take the College Board AP Human Geography exam upon the completion of this course on Friday, May 18, 2018at 8 AM. The cost of one exam is $93.Most colleges will give a 1-semester credit or 3 credit hours for a 3 or 4, whereas a 5 may gain two semesters credit or 6 credit hours in Geography.
Course Materials
Rubenstein, James M. An Introduction to Human Geography. 10th ed. UpperSaddleRiver,
New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. 2011.
This book will be provided to youon the first day of class. However, please note that there will be significant outside reading and assignments as part of the course. Students are expected to refer to itslearningon a daily basis for these additional readings and assignments.
Student Study Guide and Supplies
We will be supplementing our textbook throughout the course, particularly for our vocabulary. Students can obtain a copy through the publishers Perfection Learning
Palmer, David: Human Geography: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination. Amsco Publications 2017.
You will also need:
Large 3-ring binder 10 dividers with tabs
Loose-leaf notebook paperBlue or black pen, #2 pencils
HighlightersComposition Book
Summer Assignment for 2017
This is an invaluable way of introducing you to human geography! This assignment is due August 25, 2017, and is based on the study guide detailed above:
- Read unit 1, pages 1 to 28.
- Summarize these pages in note form: these notes will be graded for accuracy and completion.
- Define the Key Terms on page 29.
- Answer all questions on pages 30 to 33.
Course Organization
Students are to maintain, by unit, all assignments, handouts, notes, etc., in a binder 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.
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 three to five weeks, and each unit will have its own specific test, typically including a 50 AP-style Multiple Choice test and two free response questions (FRQs). Tests are limited to one class period with no extra time given. Students will be given 25 minutes to complete each FRQ.
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 wateronlyis permissible in the classroom.
Be on time. Unexcused tardies will result in lunch detention andISS.
Keep track of assignments by referring to itslearning on a daily basis.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get your missed assignments.
Failure to complete missed work will result in a zero after five calendar days without prior consent.
If you are absent when an assignment was to be submitted, it is due the day you return.
Cell phones, laptops, and iPads are allowed only if permission is granted by the instructor. However, a BYOT form must be completed before such devices can be used in class.
Misuse of Technology Consequences: 1st: Warning; 2nd- Email/phone call home and teacher will keep cell phone until end of class, and 3rd- Discipline referral for insubordination.
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/Free Response Questions/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
Help sessions are available onTuesdays from 7:45am to 8:15am, and on Thursday afternoon from 3:45pm to 4:15pm.
Agreement to Syllabus Conditions
Please print and complete the following agreement and bring it to school during the first week.
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.
Print Student Name ______
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Student SignatureDate
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