World Geography Syllabus
2015-2016
TEACHER: Carter Welch
ROOM: 1514
CONFERENCE PERIOD: 5th Period
E-MAIL: carter.welch@fortbendisd.com
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The curriculum of World Geography focuses on two major points. First, students should develop the
ability to use geographical information and understand and use map skills. Second, students should
gain insight and reasoning of the economy, geography, and cultures that influence our world, its
countries, and its people.
COURSE OUTLINE:
First Semester
Unit 1: The World
Unit 2: The United States and Canada
Unit 3: Latin America
Unit 4: Europe & Russia
Second Semester
Unit 6: Africa South of the Sahara
Unit 5: N. Africa, SW & Central Asia
Unit 7: South Asia
Unit 8: East Asia
Unit 9: SE Asia & The Pacific
**Course outline is subject to change at teacher discretion. Verbal announcements will be made in
class regarding course outline changes.
MATERIALS:
Textbook
-World Geography textbook (Text assigned by FBISD)
-any supplementary literature assigned by the teacher
-the textbook is available online (see me for student username & password)
Supplies(due Friday, 8/28)
- Binder and dividers (we will set up a required geography binder)
- Loose-leaf notebook paper, preferably college-ruled (will be placed in required binder)
- Each class is asked to provide one other supply that is available for all class periods.
1st period: notebook paper
2nd period: white computer paper
3th period: Construction Paper (multiple colors)
4th period: Pencils (pre-sharpened or mechanical is preferable) or pens
6th period: Tissue paper
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
Cell Phone/Electronics
These are allowed for educational purposes only. You will be able to use these with the
teacher’s explicit instruction ONLY. Otherwise, all electronics will be confiscated.
Behavior
Students will show up for class on time and with all materials. Students will stay awake
during class. During lectures, students will take notes. Students will respect the property of
Clements, Mr. Welch, and all other classmates.
GRADING POLICY:
Grades will be determined as follows
Major Grades = 50% of average (minimum of three per nine weeks)
-Tests, individual or group projects/presentations, etc.
Daily Grades = 50% of average (minimum of eleven per nine weeks)
-Quizzes, homework assignments*, class-time assignments, etc.
*Homework is graded as follows
100% complete = √
50 points
Incomplete = √25 points
Never turned in = 0 points
~Two homework assignments will be totaled to make one daily grade.
(Example: √, √- = 75)
~Quizzes will be counted as an individual daily grade
REASSESSMENT POLICY:
Per FBISD, any student who earns below a 75 on a major grade summative assessment has the
opportunity to be reassessed. The Geography team’s policy is as follows:
-A reassessment date & time will be announced when test grades are passed back. Students
MUST sign-up for a re-testing time. No walk-ins will be allowed.
-It will take place one day with both an AM and PM slot available. It is your decision if this
is a priority. The student will have to complete the re-test in the allotted time frame.
-It is the student’s responsibility to come in for tutorials prior to the re-testing day.
-The student can earn up to a maximum grade of 75 on the re-test.
MAKE-UP POLICY:
Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. It must be picked up the day the student returns to
school. The student will have the same amount of days he/she was absent to turn the work in. If the
student fails to do so, he/she will fall under the late work policy. Tests are announced at least 5 days
in advance; therefore, if missed, tests will be made up the day the student returns. Additionally,
any work that was assigned or due prior to the absence will be due the day the student returns. Tests
and quizzes will be made up before or after school by appointment with the teacher.
Students can monitor class assignments, due dates, and additional resources on my webpage
http://welchgeo.weebly.com/. Updates and uploads are made as needed. Due to copyright laws not all
items will be posted so check the classroom make-up folders as well. Please become familiar with
my site.
In addition to the website, I keep a weekly calendar in the classroom; and, the daily agenda with
homework assignments is posted at all times. There is no excuse for not having your homework or
being prepared for a test or quiz!
LATE WORK POLICY:
If a student does not turn in his/her assignment on the due date, at the beginning of class, it will be
counted late. This is the Social Studies Department honors course policy.
Major Grades & Daily Grades
- 1 day late: 15 points deducted
- 2 days late: 30 points deducted
- 3+ days late: 50 points deducted
Signature Page
(Please sign and return by Friday, August 28th)
I am looking forward to a tremendous year with you at Clements High School!
ACADEMIC HONESTY AND INTEGRITY IN WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Students will be held to the highest academic and ethical standards. Please see our student handbook for a complete
explanation of consequences regarding cheating.
Please read, sign, and return the following oath regarding academic honesty in Geography Class:
_____________________________________,
I, confirm that I will not give nor receive any unfair advantage
(Print Name)
regarding my grades or the grades of another student. All of the work that I produce or submit in World Geography
Class will be my original work created with my own efforts and ideas.
Your signature below indicates that you have read the entire syllabus and understand the policies of the World
Geography team and expectations of students who take this course.
___________________________________
Student Signature
___________________________________
Date
___________________________________
Please Print Parent(s) Name
___________________________________
Parent Signature
___________________________________
First Choice Parent Email Address
___________________________________
First Choice Number to Reach Parent