Geography Syllabus
Geography
Course Syllabus
2011-2012 School Year
Teacher: Matthew Kienbaum
Room: 206
Tutorials: Wednesday after school and by appointment.
Phone: 254-898-3857 Room 206
254-898-3869 Theatre
E-Mail: Kienma@grisd.net (School)
E-mail: Matt_Kienbaum@hotmail.com (Weekends and Holidays)
Web Page: http://Sites.google.com/site/kienbaummatthew
Description
In this class students will study how geography affects history, government, and civics. We will examine the earth’s physical and human effect on the global environment. The student will develop a greater understanding of culture, economics, education, global resources, and cartography.
Organization
This is a teacher led class focused on student ownership of the subject. The class will include research, lectures, discussions, debates, projects, daily work, homework, writing assignments, quizzes, and tests. All assignments should be completed fully and turned in by the due date. Any portion of an assignment not finished will be counted wrong. Missing work will receive a zero.
Course Objectives
To improve students understanding of history, government, and citizenship
To increase students’ knowledge of the earth’s physical and human patterns
To grant the student greater knowledge of peoples, places, and environments
To develop student understanding of culture
To expand student understanding of economics and it’s relation to resources and technology
Course Topics
The Earth
The United States
Latin America
Europe
Russia
North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia
Africa South of the Sahara
South Asia
East Asia
South East Asia
Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica
Required Supplies
Blue or black pen
Pencil
Colored Pencils
3 ring folder/ binder with pockets.
Optional supplies to be shared with the classroom
1 box of tissues (For student use: when they’re gone, they’re gone.)
Grading plan
The grade book will be updated weekly.
All late work will have a maximum grade of 70. It is the students’ responsibility to get their work after missing class. For each day missed, students will be given one day to complete missing work without penalty.
Course work will be weighted as follows:
Daily work, homework, quizzes and minor projects 50% (Expect 6 to 12 a 6wks)
Test and Major Projects 50% (Expect 2 to 4 a 6wks)
1st Semester
1st -3rd 6wks 25% each
Semester test 25%
2nd Semester
4th -6th 6wks 25% each
Semester test 25%
Year final (final determination has yet to be made)
1st Semester 42.5%
2nd Semester 42.5%
EOC test 15%
Daily Work, Homework:
Daily work and homework will include worksheets, writing assignments, maps, drawings, and other work that is completed in class or at home with open resources.
Quizzes:
Quizzes are assignments that must be completed in class without use of resources. Quizzes are often timed and will NOT generally be announced beforehand.
Minor projects:
Minor projects vary greatly but generally will only last two to three days and may include PowerPoint presentations, research papers, active board projects, poster board projects, and skits, music, food or any other medium assigned or approved on a project by project basis. All projects will have clearly defined criteria and deadlines.
Major Projects:
Major projects vary greatly but generally will last five or more days and may include PowerPoint presentations, research papers, active board projects, poster board projects or any other medium assigned or approved on a project by project basis. All projects will have clearly defined criteria and deadlines.
Tests:
Tests are assignments that must be completed in class without use of resources. Tests are often timed and WILL always be announced beforehand.
Classroom Rules of Conduct
1. Respect yourself, others, and the school.
2. Take no action that will impede the learning process for yourself or others.
3. Be prepared for class every day.
4. Do Not Cheat. This includes copying others’ homework.
5. Follow all other campus rules.
No food or drink in the classroom
Meet dress code
Be on time
Etc.
Wisdom from the Teacher
Check the web page often.
If you don’t know, ask.
Be polite and friendly; you will catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
People are judged by the friends they keep; choose wisely.
Honesty is always easier in the end.
Take responsibility for yourself. In the end you’re the only one who can.
The better part of wisdom is choosing to be smart.
We are all actors; one does not act the same at court as he or she does at a theme park. Be sure
you are putting on the right show at the right time.