AP Human Geography Syllabus 2016-2017

Instructor Trish Pearson

Email: trishpearson@woodstock.ac.in
Course Description
Human Geography is a multi-disciplinary course covering pretty much all topics relating to human
activity. We will study the contemporary world, current trends and issues covering basically all
human activity. Throughout the course, we will be examining spatial patterns in the ways human
interact both with the environment and other people. We will go far beyond looking at the
physical aspects of geography and the location of places, and focus on analyzing patterns and
relationships among various groups of people throughout the world. The units of study include
population and migration, culture, political geography, economic geography, agriculture and food
production, and urban patterns. This course will provide you with new ways to look at, and
understand the world.
Expectations
Be present in class, both physically and mentally.
Have all relevant materials required for class.
Complete all readings and assignments on time.
Respect others at all times
Participate in class.
Maintain and open mind and a positive attitude.
Course Goals
This course is both content and skill driven. By the end of the course you should have developed
the skills to:
Use and think about maps and spatial data. Maps are the core tool of geographers,
and you should be able to understand the different kinds of maps, their purposes, and
analyze and interpret them.
Understand and analyze the implications of associations among phenomena in
different places. You should be able to analyze the spatial relationships among people
and places, and make predictions about those relationships as they change over time and
circumstances.
Recognize and interpret patterns and relationships at different scales. You should
be able to understand the significance of scale, and be able to compare and contrast
processes at multiple scales.
Define regions and evaluate the processes of globalization and regionalization.
Regions are an essential component of geographical analysis. You should understand the
development of regions, as well as the continuing process of globalization in the
contemporary world.
Characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places. You should
understand and be able to analyze the relationships of interconnectedness among places,
how space affects those relationships and the causes and effects of how those
relationships change over time.
Grade Component Information
The majority of the grades in this class will be from quizzes and tests. All tests and quizzes will be
timed, and students must finish in the allotted time for each assignment. This will help to prepare
you for the timed AP Exam in May.
Quizzes Quizzes will be given weekly. Quiz formats may include multiple choice, short answer,
essay, or a combination of these formats. There will be at least one vocabulary quiz per chapter,
and one reading quiz per chapter. Additionally, there will be occasional quizzes over political and
physical geography. Quizzes will generally be announced in advance, and tentative dates appear
on the class calendar. Students should make every effort not to miss these quizzes. Excused
absences from quizzes will not be penalized. Unexcused absences will result in a zero in the
gradebook. Make up quizzes will differ substantially from the original quiz, and typically be short
answer.

Tests Tests will generally be given once a unit. Students should expect material from previous
units to appear on tests, due to the nature of the course and the relationships among the topics.
Testing will consist of both multiple choice and free response questions.
Key Terms Understanding vocabulary and geographic concepts is critical for success in this
course. For each unit, you will be given a list of key terms. You must complete notecards for each
one of these terms. Instructions for this assignment will be given during the first full week of
class. Some of the terms will not be in your textbook. You will need to use various resources to
complete the notecard assignments. The notecards are designed to promote deep processing of
the terms, so memorizing someone elses definition will not be adequate. These notecards will
require significant time and effort, so do not wait until they day before they are due to start
working on them.
Reading/Class Notes There is no substitute for reading in this class. Hand-written notes are
required for most chapters. During the first trimester, your notes will be graded. Hand-written
notes are required, no computer-generated notes will be accepted. Devices will not be allowed in
the classroom for note-taking purposes. All research demonstrates the superiority of hand-written
notes in memory and learning.
Participation Consistent and meaningful participation is required for success in the course.
This class is primarily discussion-based, and everyone benefits from full participation of each
student in the class. Effective participation requires you to be prepared, attentive, open-minded
and an effective listener.
Late Work Policy/Make Up Work Policy In accordance with Woodstocks policy, late work will
be penalized 10% per day. This course moves at a rapid pace, and you cannot afford to get
behind. If you are absent on a due date, you have 1 day for each day you are absent to complete
the work. Communication with the instructor is essential if and when you are absent. If your
absence is school-related, you must make arrangements in advance with the instructor. If your
assignment is to be typed or requires on-line research, be sure to plan ahead. Technical issues
with computers and printers are not an acceptable excuse for turning in an assignment late.
Students should minimize absences from the class, as there is no way to re-create the classroom
experience. While you are encouraged to get notes from a reliable peer when you miss class, this
is no substitute for being present and participating in class.
Extra Credit Policy Extra credit is not given in this course. Because of the amount of content
and the pace of the course, and because of my own philosophical standpoint, I do not offer extra
credit. Instead of extra credit, students should use assignments and assessments to determine
your level of mastery in the class, and consult with the instructor to improve your performance.
Academic Integrity Any type of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Academic
dishonesty includes giving or receiving answers or assignments that are assigned as individual
assignments, plagiarism, and providing or accepting information about the contents of
assessments to others. Any type of academic dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment, a
referral to the Honor Council or Academic Coordinator, and a frank assessment of the behavior in
your comments for the grading period. In addition, I will write negative recommendations for
National Honor Society or colleges/universities for any student who displays academic dishonesty.
If you have any questions about what constitutes academic dishonesty, you should consult with
me immediately.
Supplemental Study Book There are several study books available, and each of them as its
own strengths and weaknesses, therefore I do not recommend one over any of the others. You
should research the options, and choose one that fits your needs.