Pre Ap Geography/Government

PRE AP GEOGRAPHY/GOVERNMENT

Teacher: Mrs. Melissa Marr

Email:

Welcome!

Welcome to WarrenEastHigh School. I am pleased that you have accepted the challenge of Pre-Advanced Placement work. Our Pre-AP World Geography/Government class will be an interesting, relevant journey around the world with a strong emphasis on world-wide current events. I have high expectations for you and all of your classmates. Together we will survey the Earth, its environments, and the interactions of humans with the geography of the earth and with each other plus investigate our political system in America and other countries.

The purpose of this Pre-AP course is to prepare our highly motivated students for challenging Advanced Placement classes and get them college-ready. Therefore, the Pre-AP student is expected to show a high level of commitment to learning, do a significant amount of reading and preparation outside the classroom, and keep abreast of current events.

Course Description:

The scope of the first semester of this course will include physical, economic, environmental, and cultural geography. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the impact that environment has on the social, cultural, and economic life of a region. The second semester will introduce the fundamentals of American government and politics, particularly the major institutions and processes. Further, it aims to develop skills and abilities in analyzing and evaluating issues and public policies in American politics. On the other hand, this course hopes to develop critical (that is, analytical) citizens, so that each of us will have examined reasons for the choices we make as we act in the public interest for the common good.

Our methods of study will include critical thinking, problem solving, essay writing, and analytical reading of primary and secondary source documents. Students will be expected to work in collaborative groups, participate in class presentations, and conduct outside research to develop communication and higher-level thinking skills. It is the responsibility of the student to come in for tutoring if he or she needs assistance meeting the demands of the course.

Course Policies

Every day when you enter my classroom, I will be ready to teach you interesting and engaging lessons. If you approach this class with a positive attitude, respect for your classmates, and a sense of responsibility, you will be successful! My expectations for you are listed below. Make sure you review these expectations carefully and know that I will hold you to these standards of behavior.

Respect: Every person in this class will be given an equal opportunity to express himself or herself in class discussions, group work, writings, etc. Individuals may dress differently, have different beliefs, or communicate in different ways, but I expect you to treat each classmate with respect. In a discussion, a variety of opinions often surface. While you will not be asked to change your way of thinking, you will be expected to listen to others with respect and to express your personal opinions in a respectful manner. If you disagree with someone’s viewpoint, you are free to challenge them. However, please take time to consider your classmates’ opinions. The ability to weigh different perspectives and a willingness to change one’s ideas based on the presentation of new evidence are essential skills in today’s information age.

Behavior: I expect all students to:

Be in class on time.
Come prepared for class with required materials.
Respect your teacher and classmates.
Limit unnecessary trips out of the classroom.
Turn off and do not use cell phones and electronic devices during class unless you have permission
Turn work in on time.
Be a benefit to a group, not a hindrance.
Actively participate in class discussions.
Accept an academic challenge.

School Policies: Any rule stated in the Student Handbook is, of course, a rule in this classroom as well. Please be very familiar with all school rules and policies.

Absences: You are encouraged to be in class on a regular basis. School policy will be followed dealing with absences.

Late Work: For excused absences (i.e. illnesses, emergencies, appointments, school activities, parental notes), there will be no penalty for late work as long as the work is completed within one or two days of your return. For more extended absences due to illness (documented by a doctor’s note), late work must be completed within one week of your return. For unexcused absences (skipping, no note from parents) or for work not completed on time, your score will be automatically reduced.

Plagiarism/Cheating: I begin the year with complete trust in each of you. Please do not abuse that trust by being dishonest. Learning cooperatively is great, and I encourage students to get together to brainstorm and discuss assignments. When you sit down to complete an individual assignment, however, let the work be yours alone. Penalties for cheating and plagiarism are stiff. If two papers resemble each other too closely, I will split the points. If a paper is obviously copied, whether from a classmate’s work, a book, or an online source, it will receive no credit.

GRADING POLICY

The cumulative point system will be used. The student should try to accumulate as many points as possible. The student’s points will be averaged according to the 10 point grading scale. The student will receive points for the following assignments.

Daily Work – usually consists of vocabulary, test reviews, puzzles or other worksheets

Quizzes – review of material learned

Exams – usually encompass one chapter and is worth 100 points

Final Exam – comprehensive exam

Students are reminded to bring a pencil to class on days that a quiz or test is scheduled.

Required Materials:

Pack of Colored Pencils

3 ring binder with paper

At least three Highlighters (3 different colors)

Writing utensil

HallPass Use

10/10 Rule – No student will be allowed to leave the classroom with a hall pass for the first and last 10 minutes of class. If students are out in the hall for any reason, they could be swept to the office by any faculty or staff member.

No student will be allowed to leave the room more than once or twice a semester!

How can you contact me?

Email address -

Phone # - (270) 781-1277 ext. 3123

The best time to reach me is my planning (2:00-3:00)

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Please return within the first 5 days of school.

Student’s Name:

Email address of parent/guardian:

I understand all that is required in World Geography/Government and will work to the best of my ability to meet the expectations described in this syllabus and by Mrs. Marr

Student Signature ______

Parent Signature ______