Course Syllabus
9th Grade Cultural Geography
Teacher: Mrs.Tara Batey
School: Monclova Christian Academy, Room 202
Email: tara.batey@monclovabaptist.org
Telephone: (419) 866-7630
Classroom Website: mrsbatey.weebly.com
Class Schedule: (F Block)
Primary Textbook(s):
1. Cultural Geography (third edition): BJU Press, 2008
This course builds on students’ understanding of geography and spatial
thinking. Contemporary issues are explored through the lens of geography.
In addition to understanding where physical and cultural features are located
and why those features are located as they are, students examine the
implications of these spatial arrangements. The students will learn how
physical geography affects the political and economic features of countries
and the way of life of their peoples. Students should appreciate the
wonders of God’s creation and the responsibilities of the mandate that God
has given.
In addition to uncovering the events of geography, students will awaken and
develop their complex thinking skills by organizing, analyzing and evaluating the
information studied. They will demonstrate this in various ways:
 Writing critical/analytical essays and papers
 Creating outlines, time lines, cause and effect charts, and other organizers
through the use of technology
 Taking objective and subjective quizzes, tests, and exams
 Contributing appropriately and thoughtfully during class discussions
Course Objectives
1. Spatial Thinking and Skills
2. Environment and Society
3. Movement
4. Region
5. Human Settlement
6. Globalization
UNIT ONE: The World As God Made It
Chapter 1: Geography: Finding Our Place In The World
Chapter 2: The Earth’s Surface and Climate
UNIT TWO: The World As Man Subdues It
Chapter 3: Industry: Man’s Use Of God’s Resources
Chapter 4: Society: The Interactions of Mankind
UNIT THREE: Europe And Russia
Chapter 5: Western Europe
Chapter 6: Eastern Europe
Chapter 7: Russia
UNIT FOUR: North America
Chapter 8: Canada
Chapter 9: The Landscape And People Of The United States
Chapter 10: The Regions Of The United States
UNIT FIVE: Latin America
Chapter 11: Middle America
Chapter 12: South America
UNIT SIX: Africa
Chapter 13: Southern And Eastern Africa
Chapter 14: Central And Western Africa
Chapter 15: Northern Africa
UNIT SEVEN: Southwest Asia
Chapter 16: Eastern Mediterranean
Chapter 17: The Persian Gulf
Chapter 18: The Caucasus and Central Asia
UNIT EIGHT: Asia
Chapter 19: South Asia
Chapter 20: East Asia
Chapter 21: Southeast Asia
UNIT NINE: The Australian and Pacific Realms
Chapter 22: Australia and New Zealand
Chapter 23: Oceania: The Pacific Islands
Chapter 24: The Last Frontiers
Homework is an essential part of the learning process. It provides students an
opportunity to practice and review newly learned skills as well as reinforce
accumulated material to date Homework and classwork will be graded on a points
system.
Absences: It is your responsibility to obtain the work you missed. If you would like
to show initiative before asking me please check both gradelink and my website.
Quizzes will usually be given once during a chapter and will cover a reading
assignment, notes, or definitions given during the week or as homework. These
quizzes are usually announced, but could possibly be unannounced. Quizzes will be
graded on a points system.
Tests are given after a unit of study has been completed and will occur about every
two weeks. Students will be told well in advance of these tests since they are
generally comprehensive and period long tests. A study sheet will be provided for
most tests and students will be encouraged to ask for help in preparing for a test.
Tests will be graded on a points system.
Projects will usually be given once or twice during a quarter and will be related to
whatever unit the students are studying. Specific directions will be given for the
projects but students are encouraged to be creative. Students will be given time in
school to work on their projects, but some work will be required at home. Plenty of
time will be given for the project’s completion. Projects will be graded on a points
system.
Extra Credit is available at the teacher’s discretion. That means there might not
be any extra credit the entire year.
Late Work: No Late Work will be accepted.
School Cancellations: If school or class is cancelled for any reason on the day that
an assignment is due, that assignment will be due the next school day that our class
meets.
Grading Rubric:
Exam
Tests
Quizzes
Papers
Projects/ Presentations
Homework
Discussions
Total
Rules
%
10%
35%
5%
15%
10%
20%
5%
100%
Grading Scale
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
%
99-100
94-98
92-93
90-91
85-89
83-84
81-82
76-80
74-75
72-73
67-71
65-66
0-64
-Students are expected to know and follow the classroom rules. They are
as follows:
Rule #1- Be prepared for every class.
Rule #2- Follow directions.
Rule #3 – RESPECT- Yourself, others and all property.
Rule #4 – Safety in the classroom.
Communicating with Parents
Communication with students’ parents is a vital part of the school and home
connection. Here are some of the ways that I plan to stay in contact with the
parents of the students that I teach:
1. I have created a classroom website for both the students and the parents.
Please become familiar with this website. I post on a daily basis the homework
that is required for the next day and possibly for the entire week which will help
some students to plan if they are busy with sports or other activities.
2. Phone calls home to discuss academic progress or behavior problems will be made
as needed.
3. Parents are encouraged to set up conferences as needed. Parents may contact
the teacher through e-mail (tara.batey@monclovabaptist.org) or by telephone at
(419) 866-7630.