Human Geography is a survey course spanning from pre-history to the present-day. In the study of world geography, students should gain a deeper perspective about our planet and its world population in order to determine how they have influenced our planet and its various cultures. The course concentrates on a development of an understanding of cause and effect and an awareness of why things are the way they are. It is intended that this will lead students beyond the mere memorization of place names, locations and facts to a deeper understanding of overarching trends, movements, events, and a sense of how and why things are the way they are. Classroom lectures, discussions, activities, visual presentations, and outside readings will serve to augment and buttress the textbook. Reading is an integral component of this class and it is expected that the student should have the ability to read for content as opposed to mere exposure. The student is responsible for ALL of the reading material for testing. Students will also be expected to analyze and synthesize information in great depth, complete assignments such as writing persuasive and argumentative essays in which they must take a stand on an issue and support it with facts. Students will also read supplemental source material other than the textbook and analyze information from a variety of perspectives. The amount of time required for homework for this class will vary with your reading speed and comprehension. Assignments also vary in length and complexity (so plan ahead). Time management is an essential skill for this class, and the student must take responsibility for budgeting their own time (both in and outside of school). As you become accustomed to the format, pace and depth of the class, things will fall into place. It is important not to become discouraged early in the course (many have successfully trod this same path before you). The two most important success factors in this class are consistent effort and improvement.
This course provides a systematic study of world geography including the following topics: nature of and perspectives on geography, population, cultural patterns and processes, political organization of space, agricultural and rural land use, industrialization and economic development, and the use of land in cities and urban settings. The use of spatial concepts and landscape analysis will be employed to examine world organization of space. Spatial relationships will also be utilized at different scales ranging from the local to the global. The course will instruct students on how to use and interpret maps, data sets and geographic models (GIS, aerial photographs and satellite images, although not required, may also be used).
While it is not the primary focus of this class, mastery of the basics of physical and political geography is intrinsic in the comprehension and application of the concepts of world geography. As such, students will be tested on maps (physical and political) in conjunction with each unit of study.
**NOTE: The instructor has the right to update and change this syllabus and all guidelines and rules contained within at any time throughout the school year. Students will be informed when changes do occur.