Advanced Placement Human Geography Course Syllabus
Mr. Lynn Ewald,
Potomac Falls H.S., 2014-15
Methodology:
The information in this course will be presented in a variety of ways. There will be lectures, class projects,
guest speakers, computer labs and audio visual aids. Geography is a fascinating science and we will explore the
field through various methods.
AP Course Demands:
It should be understood at the outset that the expectations for this course are consistent with those of any
advanced placement course. Students should expect a workload similar to what they would have if they were to
complete this course at the college level. This includes extensive reading, active involvement in class
discussions, note taking, research and computer labs. Our goal of this course is to prepare sutdents to take the
AP Human Geography exam in May. The AP Human Geography exam is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2014
(morning). Students who receive a passing grade on the exam are eligible to receive credit for Human Geography on
their college transcript.
Overarching Themes: GLOBALIZATION and DEVELOPMENT (Why such disparity?)
Course Plan: (Time per unit is approximate and may change)
Unit 1: Geography: Its Nature and Perspectives
- 3 Weeks
Unit 2: Population: Population Growth and Migration
- 5 Weeks
Unit 3: Cultural Patterns and Processes: Fold and Popular Culture, Language, Religion, and Ethnicity
- 9 Weeks
Unit 4: Political Organization of Space: How Countries Created, Boarders, Political Disputes, Governments
- 3 Weeks
Unit 5: Agricultural and Rural Land Use
- 3 Weeks
Unit 6: Industrialization and Economic Development
- 4 Weeks
Unit 7 Cities and Urban Land Use
- 3 Weeks
AP Exam Review
Quarter Projects: A significant project will be assigned each quarter. These are designed to introduce you to
the various methods of research that are conducted in geography as well as to explore particular topics in depth.
Welcome to AP Human Geography –
Through this class you will see the interactions that people make between themselves and the world. One of the major
themes of this class is globalization. Globalization is the connections between people as a result of the availability of
communication. We will be looking at how interaction has shaped people throughout history, some of the positives as
well as some of the consequences of those interactions and questioning whether or not our “closeness” as people today is
for the better, worse or both.
Classroom Policies
Make-up Work:
Students are expected to attend all classes on time and are responsible for making up
assignments and class work due to excused absences in a timely manner. Make-up work for
a missed class session must be made up within two school days of the student’s return to
school and can be located on the class website. In the event of an absence of two or more
days, students are encouraged to consult with the instructor to set up a reasonable make-up
schedule.
Grading:
Formative Assessment (10%) – Formative Assessment is part of instruction, it provides
information needed to adjust teaching and learning while they are happening. It is used to
show both the teacher and student about student understanding at a point when adjustments
can be made. These adjustments help to ensure students achieve educational standards within
a certain time frame.
Summative Assessment (90%) – Summative Assessments are given to determine the level
of mastery achieved by the student at the end of a period of learning. Summative
Assessments include, but are not limited to tests, quizzes, projects, etc.
PriROARaties:
PriROARaties sessions are an extension of class time for review, individual study, makeup/retake testing, conferences, SSR, and other course-related work. No new work will be
introduced but students are expected to come prepared to do assigned work for the course.
Flexing out will be determined by the teacher
Classroom
Responsibilities:
I will take pride in working to the best of my ability;
I recognize that quality communication requires both listening and speaking;
I will get along with others through respect and cooperation;
I realize that the choices I make today will influence my future;
I recognize that in my home, school and community, some decisions are not mine to
make.
Materials:
Students should keep course materials in a 5-Subject Notebook and always bring their
Notebook, pens or pencils, a highlighter, and assigned work to class. In addition, students
are expected to have both glue sticks and post-it notes on a regular basis for class.
Academic
Integrity:
Students are expected to complete all written work independently. Assignments completed
both outside of class time and during class must be the student’s original work in order to
receive credit and be HANDWRITTEN. Turning in work that is not your own, original work
is a violation of the PFHS honor code and will be dealt with according to school policy.
Contact Information
The following contact information is provided for students and their parents. Please do not hesitate to seek help
and/or clarification from the instructor.
Phone: (571) 434-3200 (please ask for the social studies office or leave a message)
E-mail: lynn.ewald@lcps.org
Students and parents are also encouraged to visit the College Board’s web site to learn more about the AP
Program and test-related publications. The web address is collegeboard.com.