AP Human Geography

Welcome to AP Human Geography at Atascocita High School.  I am so excited that you are willing to accept the challenge of AP work.  As you are probably aware, AP Human Geography is a college-level course. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface.  Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and environmental consequences.  Students also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice.  Students will learn to think geographically and ask critical geographic questions.  Some topics discussed in class will be of a mature nature and are expected to be discussed respectfully.  Solid reading and writing skills, the willingness to engage in discussion with others, and the desire to spend considerable time on homework, reading, and study are essential for success in this class.

Course Goals: 

• Students will be prepared to enter the global community to become culturally literate global citizens.
• Students will interpret maps and analyze geospatial data.
• Students will recognize and interpret patterns and networks; assess the nature and significance of spatial relationships; analyze how cultural values, political policies, and economic forces collaborate to create landscapes.
• Students will recognize and interpret different scales of analysis of relationships between patterns and processes.
• Students will define regions and evaluate the regionalization process.

School Supplies:

• Pens and Pencils – black or dark blue (black for AP practice preferably)
• Colored Map Pencils
• Highlighters (variety pack)
• Spiral Notebook - For daily warm ups
• Binder or Folder - For class handouts and materials
• Paper
  

Class Conduct & Expectations:

• Be RESPECTFUL – of the teacher, of yourself, & of others.  
• Be RESPONSIBLE – for your work, your actions, & your words.  
• Be READY – for class, to learn, to participate, and to TRY.

Grading:

• 30% of 9 wks average: Daily work & Quizzes
• 70% of 9 wks average: Tests, FRQs & Projects
• Please check the parent home access center to check on your students’ progress in the class on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. 

Daily Work: 

All students are expected to participate and contribute to the class every day. Daily assignments are expected to be completed by the given due date, in a timely manner. A student may turn in work at any time prior to the due date for assistance or to be checked early.  Daily assignments will include homework, textbook reading, online quizzes, maps, and writing exercises.

Late Work:

One day or more past the due date will result in a loss of points on the assignment.  District guidelines for point deductions: 1 day late = -20, 2 days late = -40, 3 days late = -60, 4 days late = -80, 5 days late = 0.  

Parents and principals will be contacted in cases of repeated delay.

Makeups: 

All students are responsible for any missed assignments. Make-up times will be set up for students who miss a quiz or test. One make-up day is typically given for each day of an excused absence up to one week. Please speak to the teacher to schedule any quiz or test missed.