Honors World Geography

Teacher: Ms. Misty Leach Room 821

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The Course:

The World Geography course provides students with an introduction to both physical and cultural geography. After an introduction to geography, students study each major region of the world. For each region, students learn about the importance of the physical geography and its impact on the region’s development. Students study cultural aspects of each region and examine the influence of geography on the cultural development of each region.

The Standards:

OBJECTIVES/GPS STANDARDS/OUTLINE OF THE YEAR:

Students must show mastery in the following areas they will answer the essential question (EQ): How has physical geography created the unique and diverse cultures of the world?

Unit 1: Culture, population and religion of North America

Unit 2: South America

Unit 3: Europe, Russia and Eurasia

Unit 4: Sub-Saharan Africa

Unit 5: East Asia (China, Mongolia, Taiwan)

Unit 6: South Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives)

Unit 7: Southwest Asia (Middle East) and North Africa

Unit 8: Southeast Asia, Oceania, Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica

ABSTRACT ASSINGMENTS:

Each student will write an abstract from a newspaper, magazine or internet website (from a major media outlet—CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, newspaper websites, etc.) The article MUST be directly related to geography and may be related to weather fronts, earthquakes, volcanoes, pollution, desertification, culture, etc.

The abstract must include the following:

  1. MLA or APA entry
  2. Identification of the thesis statement
  3. A summary of the article (What happened)
  4. A description of the event’s significance (Why is it important)
  5. Your opinion about the issue (What do you think about it? Did the author prove their thesis?)

Choice Board:

For each unit you we be given a choice board. You are to complete four items from the choice board. This is to be done in a tic-ta-toe fashion. This will count as assessments and is completed outside of the class. The choice board is an excellent way to show creativity and boost your test grade.

Grading Policy:

1. Assessments/ Essays/projects: 45%

2. Daily Work (homework, classwork, quizzes, vocabulary, notebook checks): 40%

3. Semester Exam: 15% of semester grade

4. Late work, for each day an assignment is late a letter grade will be deducted. One day late means the highest grade possible is an 89. After a week, the highest possible score is 50.

Rules and Procedures for Technology:

  • Electronic Devices
  • Students may bring electronic devices to class (such as iPads, laptops, etc.) once they have returned the Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) form to the school that gives permission for the device to be used in class.
  • Students may take notes on their devices or look up research information; however, students will be required to print out their notes and put them in a notebook.

Students may not use their electronic devices to: text, play games, watch videos, look at pictures or any other non-school related activity. If students use their device inappropriately three times in a semester, students will not be allowed to use their device any more in class for any reason.

Student Behavioral Expections:

  1. Use the time between classes wisely.
  2. Be seated and ready to work when the bell rings. (The bell work question should be written down immediately upon the students’ arrival to class.)
  3. Come prepared for class by bringing your mind, assignments, text, notebook, paper, pen and pencil.
  4. Respect others property, space and opinion.
  5. Know and follow the rules in the Henry County student handbook

Pre/Post SLO:

This is not an EOC course; however, you are required to take a pre and post SLO. The goal of the SLO is to show growth in the content area. The SLO will count as your final exam grade.

Parents/ Guardians:

Please return this page indicating that you and your student have both looked over this syllabus. In doing this you are indicating your understanding/agreement. This page may be also emailed. If emailing, simply copy the form in to a new word document and fill out the information. The email will count as parent and student acknowledgment / signature.

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