PRE-AP WORLD GEOGRAPHY
COURSE SYLLABUS
JOHN H. REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL
HOUSTON, TEXAS
TEACHER: Ms. Rebecca Ozuna
ROOM: M223
EMAIL: rozuna@houstonisd.org
CONFERENCE PERIOD: 4th period (11:30-12:55)
Course Overview
According to the Texas Education Agency, in World Geography Studies, students are to acquire knowledge
of people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international levels from the spatial
and ecological perspectives of geography. Students will acquire knowledge of the influence of geography
on events of the past and present. A significant portion of the course centers on the various physical
processes that shape patterns in the physical environment, and the characteristics of major land forms,
climates, and ecosystems and their interrelationships. We will also examine the political, economic, and
social processes that shape cultural patterns of regions; types and patterns of settlement; the distribution
and movement of world population; relationships among people, places, and environments; and the
concept of region. Students will analyze how location affects economic activities in different economic
systems worldwide. Students will also identify the processes that influence political divisions of the planet
and analyze how different points of view affect the development of public policies. Finally, students will
compare how components of culture shape the characteristics of regions and analyze the impact of
technology and human modifications on the physical environment. Students will use problem-solving and
decision-making skills to ask and answer geographic questions.
General Expectations
* Students are expected to respect the teacher, fellow classmates, and school property.
* Students should be committed to learning.
* Students are expected to acknowledge and adhere to the Mission of Reagan High School and the Policies
of HISD (Read the Student Handbook, especially the section on Dress Code).
Required Materials
A color folder with pockets and brads with notebook paper for any paper resources/assignments from
class. This folder can be kept with the student or in class but must be present every day.
Students should also come to class with a pencil and a pen for class.
Students are also required to have their PowerUp Laptop with them, CHARGED AND READY, to use in
class.
Course Requirements
A textbook is not needed for this course since supplemental materials are used from various online
resources.
Class Procedures
Students are required to come prepared to class with their class folder and something to write with.
Students must be attentive and participate in class.
MAKE-UP WORK/LATE WORK:
If a student misses class, they must get their make-up work upon their return from the teacher. The
teacher will assign a due date for this make-up work. If a student misses an exam, the exam must be
made up within one week after the test is originally given. All make-up tests will be given at the teacher’s
discretion and at a time and date of their choosing.
Late work is accepted at the discretion of the teacher and will have points deducted automatically for the
amount of days late (Amount of points deducted will be decided by the teacher upon receipt of late
work).
Grading Criteria
Daily Assignments (Total of 40%)
In-class Assignments… 30%
Homework… 10%
Assessments (Total of 60%)
Tests/Projects… 40%
Quizzes… 15%
Exit Tickets… 5%
Course Outline
The course is divided up into 7 different units over 2 semesters. There will be at least 2 assessments per
grading cycle (i.e., a project and a unit exam).
Below is the order of the course units will be taught in:
Fall Semester
 Geography: Its Nature and Perspectives
 Population and Migration
 Cultural Patterns and Processes
Spring Semester
 Agriculture, Food Production, and Rural Land Use
 Industrialization and Economic Development
 Cities and Urban Land Use
 Political Organization of Space
Class Period:
Student Contact Sheet
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