Why do we study Geography?

We study geography to understand the human and cultural features of the earth. We will examine the effect that human beings have on their environment, as well as how the environment has shaped the actions and fates of civilizations. This course deals with environmental, cultural, economic, and political issues affecting the major world regions.

I.    Goals and Objectives
•    To explore the ongoing changes and roles that physical, cultural, and economic geography play in the development of our world
•    To introduce students to new cultures different from their own
•    To read, evaluate, and create documents, maps, charts, and other representations of data
•    To identify geographical features, countries, locations, and major landmarks
•    To develop research, writing, and communication skills
II. HOW WILL I BE GRADED?

A.  Academic Requirements
Your academic grade will be based on the total number of points earned during the semester.  It's completely up to you how much or how little you achieve in this class.  I will help as much as I can, but the bottom line is that, in the end, it is up to you.

The following is an explanation of all items you will be graded on throughout the semester:

•     Class assignments - Includes points earned as part of individual assignments, cooperative learning activities and group or individual projects.
Be in class!  Class assignments will make up a significant amount of the academic grade.  Many assignments are completed in class only and cannot be made up if you are absent.  Excessive absences will lower your grade and could result in a failing grade for the course. 
•     Homework - In order to establish the foundation of, as well as reinforce, the information
      discussed in class, homework will be required on a daily basis.  Examples of homework include:  readings from the textbook or newspaper, answering questions about the readings, and research for various class projects.
    a.  Homework must be turned in on the day it is due in order to receive credit.
    b.  Exceptions will be made for students with excused absences, but your homework               must be turned in the first day back in order to receive credit on the assignment.

•    Participation - I encourage all students to get involved in classroom activities.  It is my belief that those who become involved in the subject matter will ultimately develop better critical thinking skills and gain more subject knowledge.

•     Extra Credit - Periodically throughout the semester, extra credit assignments will be offered.

•     Tests - At the end of each unit, students will be required to take a test.  The tests will
         consist of matching, multiple choice, true/false, fill-in, short answer, and essay questions.

         a.  All make-up tests will be administered outside of regular class time.
                b.   Missed tests must be made up within one week of return (in the case of an
extended, excused absence, you will be allowed as many days as you were absent to make up the test).

Warning:      1.  If you fail to make up a test in one week it will be recorded as a zero!
              2.  Those absent due to a period truancy may not make-up the test and will
              receive a zero.

No excuses!  It is your responsibility to contact me if you miss an assignment or test.  This must be done on your own time, not during class time.  The excuse, "I did not know" is not acceptable.

B.  Academic Grading Scale
     Letter grades are based on the percentages indicated in the chart below:

97% to 100% = A+                 83% to 85%   = B+              75% to 78%   = C+                  61% to 67%   = D
    91% to 96%   = A                 80% to 82%   = B            71% to 74%   = C        below to 60% = F
    86% to 90%   = A-                 79% to 81%   = B-           68% to 70%   = C-               
C.    Attendance
•    Many assignments are completed in class only and cannot be made up if you are absent.  BE IN CLASS!  Excessive absences will affect your grade.
•    If absent, you are responsible for finding out what you missed on your own time, not during class!
D.  Classroom Expectations
1.  Tardiness—Please be prompt as class begins when the bell rings. Tardiness is disruptive and will not be tolerated
2.  Preparedness—Students are expected to come to class prepared every day. Students are expected to bring a writing instrument, notebooks, handouts/readings, planner to class each day. Students are required to bring a set of colored pencils with them daily.
3.  Respect—Respect is not only reserved for the teacher. Students should respect one another. Students should listen to others with an open mind and not judge others based on their beliefs. Students should not talk poorly about other students, teachers, or members of the administration—this is not tolerated in my classroom, nor is it an appropriate use of time.
4.  Academic Integrity—Students are expected to maintain academic integrity at all times. Cheating and plagiarizing will not be tolerated.
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.  All students will begin a grading period with an
"S" grade in conduct and progress accordingly.  Grades will be based on your cooperation with the teacher and with classmates.
Consequences

1.  Verbal Warning                    3.  2nd Referral (Parent Contact)   
2.  1st Referral (Parent Contact)                4.  3rd Referral (Drop From Class)