Syllabus

AP Human Geography: Syllabus

Instructor: Nathan Peña

Email: nathan.pena@fwisd.org

Primary Course Textbook: Human Geography Preparing For The Advanced Placement Examination. By David Palmer.

COURSE OVERVIEW

AP Human Geography takes the Human and Environmental Interaction portion of the 5 Themes of Geography to a much more in-depth level. It introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and the environmental consequences. They will also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice.

Additionally, students gain an understanding of the cultural interaction in a global society and how the interaction affects the cultures and their use of the environment. By learning from history and understanding the world today, students will be better prepared to identify relevant questions and develop meaningful answers that will guide their future decisions.

PLEASE NOTE: Students in an AP course are expected to be highly motivated and dedicated. The students must be dedicated to learning the required material and mastering the methods necessary to pass an AP exam. There is absolutely NO ROOM OR TIME for poor scholarship, citizenship, or attitude. Students exhibiting any of these qualities may be asked to withdraw from the course entirely.

COURSE MATERIALS

Textbook: Human Geography Preparing For The Advanced Placement Examination. By David Palmer.

What skills will I learn?

  1. You will interpret maps and analyze geospatial data.

  2. You will understand and explain the implications of associations and networks among phenomena in places.

  3. You will recognize and interpret the relationships among patterns and processes at different scales of analysis.

  4. You will define regions and evaluate the regionalization process.

  5. You will characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places.

What do I need to bring to class?

This question has three answers.

First, all students must complete all assigned readings before class, and bring all homework in on the day it is due.

Second, all students must BRING SUPPLIES TO CLASS. For AP Human Geography this means a three ring binder just for our class; pencils; pens; colored pencils; and notebook paper (college ruled).

Third, all students must come with a GREAT ATTITUDE. Successful college students are always thinking about what is going on in class, trying to fit it into what they already understand and explore new questions. Great college students help each other to stay focused, and redirect attention to the topic. I know what this looks like, and very soon I will expect you to show me that you are living these ideals.

Academic Policies

In this section, we will be discussing various policies and how your grade will be calculated.

Grading categories

30% Unit and chapter tests, essays, major projects (DIFFICULT)

30% Worksheets and quizzes (NOT AS DIFFICULT)

30% Participation (Socratic Seminars)

10% Homework

Digital Absences During COVID-19 Remote Learning.

Per FWISD every student must check-in for each class regardless of if you have internet. This means that even if you cannot make it to class due to no access to technology you must still reach out to your teacher. For these students you must class me and leave a message on my google voice number at ‪(817) 381-2307‬ before 2:25pm.

Absences

Every day that you are gone because of an excused absence, you will have one extra class day to make up the assignment with no penalty. There are two really important EXCEPTIONS to this rule. First, in almost every case if you are absent the day before a test or quiz and you come back the day of the test, expect to take that test. Second, for most group projects I will not extend the deadline just because a group member is absent for a day; find a way to make the presentation work. Lastly, if you are absent then it is YOUR responsibility to talk to me about what assignments you have missed while you were gone. We are in high school now and you are expected to keep up with missed assignments on your own.

Late Work

Late work is an enemy to us both and should be avoided at all costs, however I do understand that sometimes events occur that are beyond your control. Students enrolled in all high school courses will receive a demerit for incomplete or lost homework. Assignments submitted one day late will receive a maximum grade of 70%. Assignments submitted two or more class periods late, will be scored a 0%. Please note that an assignment is counted as late directly after it has been asked for. If it is not in the classroom at the moment it is asked for then it is late.

Extra Credit

Most of the opportunities for extra credit will come in two forms. One is by going above and beyond on an assignment. This means that you not only did a fantastic job, but you also added an extra unrequired element to an assignment that I find worthy of reward. The second is by completing extra credit opportunities posted on my website. If an extra credit assignment is not currently posted then you are free to approach me with a pitch for a potential extra credit assignment. Keep in mind that that if I currently do not have an extra credit assignment available then my acceptance of your proposal will be based upon your attitude, class participation, and possible extenuating circumstances.

Academic Integrity

Cheating in any manner will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for the assignment, no matter the weight of the grade. YWLA Administration will be notified of all cheating incidents and can impose severe penalties for repeat offenders. Copying others’ reading summaries is considered cheating. Any use of electronic devices during quizzes and tests will be considered cheating. Cutting and pasting someone else’s work from a website is called plagiarism, and is possibly the most serious offence you can commit in my class. We will be discussing this at length later in the class.

Technology in the classroom

One of the ways my class is different is the amount of technology that I use. You are going to find that I want you to use technology, too: but there will be limits on how that works to make sure that we use it for learning. You will see me using my smartphone a lot in class, and there will be times when your own devices will be appropriate to help you learn. Being responsible about how you use your technology will ensure that we can continue to use it in class. Not being responsible is a very fast way to get your phone taken to the main office.

My availability to help you

I am VERY available to help you out, if you are willing to spend the time asking for it. I do tutoring before and after school Tuesday-Thursday by appointment. It is important for you to make sure to be at tutoring when you say that you will be. I can give you advice on reading, summarizing, assignments, projects, and studying habits that I think you will really benefit from.