AP Human Geography Syllabus

2023 - 2024

Mr. Stanley

Bolsa Grande High School

9401 Westminster Ave.

Garden Grove, CA  92844

714-663-6424

 

Course Purpose:

This AP Human Geography course is designed to introduce students to the study of Geography as a social science by emphasizing the relevance of geographic concepts to human problems.  This is accomplished by applying a variety of methods and approaches: geography as a way to explain human behavior, the distribution of physical features, the topical approach, the regional approach, the descriptive method, and the systematic method.

 

Course Objectives:

1.  Students will understand the study of geography as a social science.

2.  Students will explore the tension between globalization and cultural diversity.

3.  Students will explain what basic concepts geographers use to describe the distribution of people and activities across the Earth.

4.  Students will examine the distribution and growth of the world’s population, as well as the movement of people from one place to another.

5.  Students will analyze the distribution of different cultural traits and beliefs and the problems that result from those spatial patterns.

6.  Students will examine how people earn a living via agriculture, manufacturing, and services.

7.  Students will study the issues related to the use of the earth’s natural resources.

8.  Students will be prepared to take the A.P. Exam.

 

Grading Policy

The course grade is calculated by a points system.  Students receive points for daily assignments, papers, tests, and other work.  Each is worth approximately the following percentage of the grade:

 

Formative assessments…………………….……….……...……………………………30%

Summative assessments...................................................................................................70%

 

The grade is determined by dividing the points earned by the points possible using a standard scale:

90% -- 100%  = A

80% -- 89%    = B

70% -- 79%    = C

60% -- 69%    = D

0%   -- 59%    = F

70% or more of the grade will consist of SUMMATIVE assignments (assignments that use accumulated knowledge) and 30% of the grade will consist of FORMATIVE assignments (assignments that help a student acquire knowledge).

 

 

Curriculum Guidelines:

1. This is a year-long course.  The semester grade is a percentage of total points earned.

2. Grades are determined on a point basis.  All assignments are given a point value and the points are added up and divided by the overall total points possible to determine the grade.

3. Any student who, at progress report or report card time, has less than a 79% will receive the comment “In danger of failing.” 

4. All assignments are due at the beginning of the period.  

5. In the case of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to check for missed work.  Absence does not excuse late work and only work handed in on time will receive full credit.  If it is known that there will be an absence the day an assignment is due, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure the assignment is handed in on time; otherwise, prior approval for late work must be arranged with the teacher.  Due to the pace of this class, late work is due the day after the student returns or ASAP.

6. There will be an exam for every chapter and the review for those tests will be held the day before the test.  All test dates will be given in advanced.  If a student misses the review, they will still be held responsible for the test on the day of the test.  Missed tests may be made up ONLY if the teacher is notified prior to the test.  The student or the parent may notify the teacher via email or by leaving a message with the front office.  Missed tests will not be given during any time the teacher has a class; they will be given either before or after school the day the student returns.  If the student does not make up their test, they will receive an “INC” or “0” for that test.

7. All students will be expected to take notes for each chapter and for any in class lectures.  

8. Students are encouraged to purchase the AP Exam Test Prep Book by Barron’s.  This book will be used in the spring during test prep session in conjunction with the textbook to help prepare the student for the AP Exam.  The  book is available in most bookstores and online at www.amazon.com. 

9. Every student is highly encouraged to take the AP Exam in May.  The AP exam is designed to show what the students have learned during the year.  By taking the AP exam and passing it with a 3 or better, the student has the opportunity to get college credit for this class. The cost of the AP Exam is approximately $95.  If there should be a problem or concerns about whether or not a student can afford the cost of the test, please see a counselor.

10. The AP Exam includes 75 multiple choice questions, which accounts for 50% of the score, and 3 free-response questions, which accounts for 50% of the score.  The multiple choice exam must be completed in 75 minutes and the free-response questions must be completed in 60 minutes.

 

Course Outline

All chapters and materials that are relevant to the AP Exam will be covered before the exam is administered in May.  Each chapter will be covered in approximately a two-week period, ending with the chapter test.  Review for the exam will begin approximately three-weeks before the exam date.

 

Chapter One: This is Geography

Chapter Two: Population and Health

Chapter Three: Migration

Chapter Four: Culture and Social Media

Chapter Five: Languages

Chapter Six: Religions

Chapter Seven: Ethnicities  

Chapter Eight: Political Geography

Chapter Nine: Food and Agriculture

Chapter Ten: Development

Chapter Eleven: Industry and Energy

Chapter Twelve: Services and Settlements

Chapter Thirteen: Urban Patterns