AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
SPRING 2014
In AP Human Geography a variety of models and theories are used to explain key patterns, make informed decisions and
predict future behaviors. You will encounter these models and theories throughout our units of study and their
importance cannot be overstated. The AP Exam will have questions referring to these models and theories in both the
Multiple Choice section and the Free Response Questions section, often having you compare two or more models or
theories. To help you better understand them you will complete a Model and Theory Analysis Portfolio. You will be
required to complete a Model/Theory Analysis for each of the topics listed below. They are listed by unit and you will
turn in the completed analyses on the day of the corresponding Unit Test. Also, please note that all of these are “fair
game” for the AP test and are listed in the College Board standards, but may not be in your textbook. You will need to
use either Kuby or the internet to find them in that case.
UNIT II POPULATION
1. Demographic Transition Model
2. Epidemiologic Transition Model
3. Malthus Population Theory
UNIT IV POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF SPACE
1. Domino Theory
2. Heartland Theory
3. Rimland Theory
4. Rostow’s Stages of Growth
UNIT V AGRICULTURAL LAND USE
1. Von Thunen’s Agricultrual Model
2. Boserup’s Theory
UNIT VI INDUSTRY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
1. Central Place Theory
6. Dependency Theory
2. Core Periphery Model
7. Neocolonialism
3. Gravity Model
8. Rank Size Rule
4. Model of Industrial Location (Least-Cost Theory)
9. Urban Primacy
5. Modernization Theory
UNIT VII CITIES AND URBAN LAND USE
1. Borchet’s Epochs of transportation development
7. North African/Middle Eastern City Model
2. Bid-Rent Theory
8. Sub-Saharan African City Model
3. Concentric Model
9. East Asian City Model
4. Hoyt Sector Model
10. South Asian City Model
5. Multiple Nuclei Model
11. Galactic City Model
6. Latin American City Model
UNIT VIII RESOURCES
1. Sustainable Development Theory
The following is the format to be used for each model or theory analyzed.
Please note that some of these topics may have more than one “name”. Some are titled with the developers
name only, while others have the developers name and topic, while still others are just identified by topic.
EXAMPLE: Burgess’ Model of Land Use, also known as: Burgess’ Concentric Zone Model, Concentric Model,
Concentric Zone Model
You may EITHER keep these in a spiral with one model per page, format exactly as below OR you may
print the template that is on your teachers blog and fill that in each time. If you choose the template
option, they must be organized in a three ring binder.
1. Name of Model or Theory (all that apply) This needs to be highlighted and underlined at the top of the
page.
2. Identify the name of the human geography unit of study it applies to
3. Identify the person who developed the model or theory and a short biography of the person (if
applicable)
4. What does it explain?
5. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the model or theory?
6. Is it still effective or relevant today? Explain why.
7. What other models or theories is it related to or compared with (if any)?
8. List and define key vocabulary terms associated with the model or theory
9. Make your own creative device to remember the developer and the model or theory. (Can be
anything…example: Burgess is a cone head)
10. Make an illustration of the model or theory (if applicable)
Model/Theory Template for APHG
1. Name of Model or Theory
(all that apply)
2. unit of study it applies to
3. Identify the person who
developed the model or
theory and a short biography
of the person (if applicable)
4. What does it explain?
5. What are the strengths and
weaknesses of the model or
theory?
6. Is it still effective or
relevant today? Explain why
or why not.
7. What other models or
theories is it related to or
compared with (if any)?
8. List and define key
vocabulary terms associated
with the model or theory
9. Make your own creative
device to remember the
developer and the model or
theory. (Can be anything…example:
Burgess is a cone head)
10. Make an illustration of the
model or theory
(if applicable)