Course Syllabus

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AP Human Geography

Teacher: Mr. Dail              E-mail: Brian.Dail@sausdlearns.net

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Course Description:

AP Human Geography at our school is a year-long course designed to meet or exceed the experience of an introductory college human geography course. The course is structured according to the course outline found in the most recent AP Human Geography Course Description published by the College Board. The content of this course allows us to use geographic processes to systematically study and understand spatial patterns that are evident in the world in which we live by focusing on the distribution, processes, and effects of human populations on the planet. Units of study include population, migration, culture, political geography, economic development, industry, agriculture, and urban geography. We focus on geographic models and their applications. We will also use several case studies to compare the themes both globally and locally. 

 

Learning Objectives:

    • The units of study will emphasize geographic models and their applications. Case studies from around the globe are compared to the situation in both the United States and locally in California.
    • To develop a geographic understanding of historical and current events.
    • To introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use and alteration of Earth’s surface, the use of spatial concepts and landscape analysis will be used to examine human organization of space.
    • Students will learn about and employ the methods of geographers, especially including observation, map-making, data gathering and reporting, and technical writing by using and interpreting maps, data sets, and geographic models. GIS, aerial photographs, and satellite
      images, may also be used.
    • Spatial concepts, geographic vocabulary, and landscape interpretation to a variety of locations and situations around the globe and in local areas will be investigated so that students will learn spatial relationships at different scales.
    • Students will develop a geographic perspective with which to view the landscape and understand current events. 

 

Course Materials:

Canvas Course, Google Classroom, Zoom, and a Textbook: Rubenstein, James M. The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography. 12th Edition. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 2008. 

 

Resources

Course Requirements:

Quizzes
In each unit, there will be a non-cumulative quizzes covering both the accompanying textbook modules and online resources. There will be material in the textbook that will not be covered during the lecture, as well as topics addressed during the lecture that do not appear in the textbook. You will be responsible for the information from all sources.

Quiz questions will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, and (very) short answer. 


Conferences
For each module, student will need to complete a check-list that details the resources used, videos watched, worksheets completed, textbook/reading used, notes taken, and lectures attended. Every other Thursday/Friday, class will be broken down into 2 minute conferences with each student. In this meeting, student and teacher will discuss the checklist, answer any questions, and plan for ways to improve one's grade. These conferences are mandatory and the largest portion of an individual's grade---if there is any reason why a student cannot make their assigned time, it is up to that student to reschedule the conference before the end of the day. Any questions or concerns, email me at Brian.Dail@sausdlearns.net and I will be there to assist you.

 

Participation: 5%
This class thrives on student participation! The more involved you are in the class, the more interesting it will be for everyone---yourself included. 

 

Grading:

Final letter grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: Below 60%

If you become concerned about (or would simply like to improve) your performance in the class at any point, please reach out as soon as you can. There is absolutely no shame in needing or seeking help, but remember that this assistance will be the most beneficial for you, grade-wise, if you are able to put my tips and tricks into practice as early in the course as possible.

 

Statement on Accessibility and Accommodations:

As an instructor, I strive to create an environment in which every student is given an equal opportunity to excel. If you are in need of certain accommodations (e.g., extra time on assessments, adaptive technology, class note-taker, etc.), please let me know as soon as possible. Remember that any information you share regarding accommodations is confidential and will not be shared with other students.

Of course, if there is anything that I can do to make my teaching more accessible and inclusive, please do not hesitate to let me know at any time.

 

*Syllabus adapted from Leslie Bernsten, Ph. D. by Jacob Larsen

 

Approved College Board AP Human Geography Syllabus:

AP-Human-Geo-Sample-Syllabus-1.pdf

Course Summary:

Date Details Due