Pre-AP World Geography Syllabus

2016-2017
Ms. Erin Wolfe
Ewolfe1@houstonisd.org
N233
Resources:
Textbook: World Geography by McDougal Littell
Supplies
Three Ring Binder (at least 1 in)
Markers or Colored Pencils
with dividers (5)
Pen/Pencil (you must have something to
Notebook Paper
write with EVERY DAY)
Course Description
World Geography provides students the opportunity to study the interaction of people and their
physical environments in the major areas of the World. Content introduces the student to the
world of geographers, their unique vocabulary, tools, and methodologies. Students acquire an
understanding of the physical setting of the earth, locate and study different landforms and
regions of the world, learn how people and geography impact each other, and are introduced to
urban analysis. Content also offers the student the opportunity to put into practice the
geographical concepts and skill through critical thinking applications about the world. It also
builds upon what the student has accumulated through the social studies program beginning in
the elementary grades and in the Texas and United States History courses.
Course Breakdown:
First Semester
The World in Spatial Terms and
Places/Regions
Physical Systems
Environment and Society
Population and Migration
Social/Cultural Systems

Second Semester
Political Human Systems
Conflict and Cooperation
Economic Systems
Examining Economic Disparity
ESPN World Review
Researching Geographically

Classroom Expectations:
1. RESPECT: I hold this quality at the highest of expectations in my classroom. In order for this
classroom to be as successful as possible, we all must respect one another. I, as your
teacher, will show you the same respect I expect to be shown. Students will be expected to
be respectful to everyone and everything in my classroom. This is includes but is not limited
to: me, other students, themselves, school property, school rules, etc
2. Preparation: This includes being on time to class with your appropriate materials and
assigned work. I also expect students to come to class prepared to participate in the lesson.
3. Honesty and Integrity: I have a NO TOLERANCE policy on cheating or plagiarism. If a
student is caught cheating on any assignment, they will receive a zero on the assignment
and their parent will be notified of the situation via phone call. Remember, your integrity is
one of your most prized possessions and it is not worth compromising over a few extra points.
4. 100% Effort: As your teacher, I give 100% to teaching and preparing you in the classroom
to the best of my ability; therefore, I expect the same from you. Come to class prepared to
work and participate. I want an open, interactive classroom, where we can discuss and
investigate things together. Therefore, in order for this to be successful, you must do your
part. This includes completing assigned readings BEFORE class so that you can actively

participate in discussions and activities, as well as actively participating and contributing

during group work assignments.
Classroom Rules
1. Be on time and prepared for class. There is a school-wide tardy policy in effect
2. Raise your hand to speakdo not speak without permission!
3. All students must be in their seats when the bell rings AND before the class is dismissed.
4. 100% Participation!! Do your BEST!
5. NO PUT DOWNS! Everyones opinion in class matters. ESPECIALLY YOURS!
6. Be RESPECTFUL at all times.
7. All school-wide policies and procedures will be followed including the following:
School ID must be worn at all
School uniforms will be enforced
times

Grading Policy
Major Grades: 60% (Tests, Quizzes, Projects, etc)
Daily Grades: 40% (Daily Assignments, Homework, etc)

Retake Policy
Students may retake any Major Test or Quiz if they receive less than a 75. In order to
qualify for the retake, students must:
Attend a tutorial session to review material
Complete all related or missing assignments
Complete corrections to the test or quiz they are retaking

Late Work Policy: All late work must be submitted before the end of the grading
cycle. The end of the grading cycle is NOT the day before report card grades are due.
Therefore, late work will not be accepted one week before grades are due. Ten points
are deducted from the total points possible for a daily grade for each day it is late.

Policies and Procedures: All Westside High School policies and procedures
will be followed and enforced in the classroom.

1. Arrival: Arrive to class on time with all supplies everyday. Take care of all errands before
class begins, this includes using the restroom. Any student walking in after the bell will be
marked tardy and be subject to the WHS tardy policy. Restroom policy will be discussed
in class.

2. Class Time: Students will remain seated at their desks during instruction time unless given
permission by the teacher to do otherwise. This procedure applies to all of the following
incidents. Just use some common sense!
Throwing trash
Obtaining supplies for
Sharpening your
away
projects
pencil


3. Absences: If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make up all missed work.
Make-Up Folder: It is YOUR responsibility to make up any missing assignment after an
absence. You must get your assignments on the day you return and complete any missed
assignment within three school days. You are also responsible for any notes you
missed, you need to ask a classmate for the notes.
Missed Tests: All missed tests must be made up within one week of your return to
school. Make arrangements with me to take a make up tests before or after school or
during lunch. Failure to make up a test will result in a zero.

4. Tutoring: My official tutoring times are Mondays and Wednesdays during B lunch, but
tutoring is ALWAYS available by appointment. If you are ever confused or just need a
little extra help, please come and see me so we can schedule a time that is convenient to
meet. Please do not wait until the day of the test or the end of the six weeks to let me know
you need help!

5. Electronics: NO Cell Phones, IPODS, CD Players, Radios, etc in class. They will be
taken, and Westside policy will be followed.

Name: _________________________________
Period: ________

SYLLABUS SIGNATURE SHEET MUST BE RETURNED

FOR DAILY GRADE

I am really looking forward to a fun and successful year in this class. I am genuinely
excited to be teaching my FAVORITE subject and I feel strongly that a strong Social Studies
education is essential for everyone! This will be a group effort, meaning we will all work
together to learn and achieve in this classroom. I have very high expectations for each
and every one of you, which should be taken as a compliment! With that said, please
remember that your success is my primary goal this semester, so if you need anything or
have any questions ALWAYS ask. I look forward to a great year!

I have read and discussed syllabus with my parents/guardians, and understand all
policies, procedures, and the grading system of Ms. Wolfes classroom.
Date _____________________
Student Name (printed) _____________________________________________
Student Signature _________________________________________________

************************************************************************************
******
I have read and discussed syllabus with my student, and understand all policies,
procedures, and the grading system of Ms. Wolfes classroom. I also agree to

receive periodic updates via email &/or phone regarding the status of my child in
class.

Date _____________________
Parent Name (printed) ______________________________________________
Parent Signature __________________________________________________
Parent Email _____________________________________________________
Parent phone _____________________________________________________
Preferred communication: ( ) phone

( ) email

My child has internet access at home: ( ) Yes

( ) other ______________

( ) No

This form needs to be returned to Mr. Andrades class no later than

Monday, August 29, 2015.

Remember: This form is worth a daily grade for the first six
weeks!