AP Human Geography
J.L. Mann Academy
Syllabus: AP Human Geography
Instructor: Hunter Ballenger
School Phone: (864) 355-6379
Email Address: hballenger@greenville.k12.sc.us
Webpage Address: http://teachers.greenville.k12.sc.us/sites/hballenger
Tutoring Availability: Any time before or after school by appointment.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Course content is outlined by the College Board. It represents a typical college-level introductory course in human geography. The purpose of the AP Course in Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. (From AP Program Course Description “Human Geography”, College Board). AP Human Geography assesses Habits of Mind as well as content. All South Carolina State Geography Standards and National Geography Standards will be covered in the AP Human Geography course.
COURSE MATERIALS:
Human Geography – A Spatial Perspective - National Geographic, Cengage 2021
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance Policy:
More than five (5) absences during the school year will be grounds for denial of credit.
Classroom Policies and Expectations:
1. Students are expected to obey all school rules as listed in the student handbook.
2. All students are required to bring books, notebooks, and a pen or pencil to class each day.
3. Student will be expected to listen, take notes, and participate in classroom lessons. Failure to do so will be reflected in quiz and test scores.
5. Class time given to students to work on assignments is for that purpose only!
6. All students will have two class periods to make up work or tests missed during an excused absence. Zeroes will be given for work that is not made up.
7. Students are expected to maintain a proper learning environment and a clean classroom.
8. Students are expected to be “on time”. This means that students are to be in their seats when the bell rings and ready to work.
LATE WORK POLICY
For Major and Minor assignments:
Class period 1 = -15 points
Class period 2 = -10 points
No late work accepted after class period 2
GRADING POLICY
Minor Grades = 30% of grade and consists of quizzes, daily assignments, homework etc..
Major Grades = 70% of grade and consists of tests and also projects.
MAJOR ASSESSMENTS
1. Students will be expected to write often in an AP class. Most writing will come from weekly Free Response Questions.
2. Students should expect a formal multiple-choice test at the end of each unit of instruction. Tests will also utilize previously released FRQs
3. Vocabulary quizzes/tests will be utilized throughout the course to ensure that students are keeping up with the assigned readings and to check the student’s ability to read for content as opposed to reading for exposure.
INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY
A goal for my AP Human classes is for all students to gain confidence in their abilities; develop problem solving skills; make historical and geographical connections, and learn to correctly communicate (both in writing and verbally) within a social science context.
The learner will be able to:
· Use and think about maps and spatial data
· Understand and interpret the implications of associations among phenomena
· Recognize and interpret at different scales the relationships among patterns and processes
· Define regions and evaluate the regionalization process
· Characterize and analyze interconnections among places
· Employ the methods of geographers, especially observation, mapmaking, data gathering and reporting, and technical writing
· Develop a geography perspective with which to view the landscape and understand current events
COURSE CONCLUSION:
At the conclusion of the course, students will take the AP Exam. A score of 3, 4, or 5 (on a 1-5 scale) is accepted for credit at most colleges and universities. The exam is 2 hours 15 minutes in length – a multiple choice section (75 questions in 60 minutes) and a free response section (3 essays in 75 minutes).