AP Human Geography Syllabus 2011-12
*This is tentative plan subject to change*
Richard Nohel
Email: Richard.Nohel@mpls.k12.mn.us
**Mr. Nohel is available every Tuesday after school and every day except
Tuesday,before school**
This course fulfills several purposes. First, it completes the MN state geography
requirement. Second, since this is an AP course, you could also earn college credit.
Third, it will give you a basic introduction to the wonderfully vast study that is HUMAN
geography. And fourth, it will provide you with a perspective on the world today and the
issues we face as a planet that you previously may have never imagined. The common
thread that will weave through the course is that of globalization. This phenomenon has
brought you closer to every other person on earth economically, environmentally,
technologically, and culturally. Our greatest achievements and our greatest challenges
will arrive as the world’s nations and peoples become more and more interdependent.
The goal is for students to better understand the changing nature of our world today.
Below is a list of the units we will cover this semester:
Text: Human Geography Places and Regions in Global Context.
Knox & Marston, Pearson/Prentice Hall (2007)
Access practice test questions and other study tools on text site at:
http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_knox_humangeo_4/
Quarter 3
I. Nature of & Perspectives on Geography-C1-The course provides a systematic study of human geography,
including the topics outlined below. C2 The course teaches the use of spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human
organization of space.
Essential Questions:
 How do geographers describe where things are?
 Why are different places similar?
 Why and how are resources being depleted?
A. Why Places Matter
B. Interdependence in a Globalizing World
C. Studying Human Geography
D. Nature as a Concept
E. The Transformation of Earth by Ancient Humans
F. Transformation, Expansion, and Globalization of the Environment
Text: Chapters 1,4
II. Population-C2 The course teaches the use of spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human organization of
space; C4 The course teaches students how to use and interpret maps, data sets, and geographic models. GIS aerial photographs, and
satellite images, though not required, can be used effectively
Essential Questions:
 How is world population distributed?
 How has the world’s population increased?
 Why is population increasing at different rates in different countries?
 How has migration manifested itself over time in different places?
A. Distribution and Structure
B. Dynamics and Processes
C. Movement and Migration
D. Debates and Policies
Text: Chapter 3
III. Political Organization of Space- C2 The course teaches the use of spatial concepts and landscape analysis to
examine human organization of space.
Essential Questions:
 How and why did states, nations and international organizations develop?
 How have ethnicity and nationalism led to conflict and, more recently, terrorism?
A. Development of Political Geography
B. States and Nations
C. International Organizations
D. The 2 Way Street of Politics and Geography
Text: Chapter 9
IV. Industrialization and Economic Development-C3 The course teaches spatial relationships at different
scales ranging from the local to the global. C4 The course teaches students how to use and interpret maps, data sets, and geographic
models. GIS aerial photographs, and satellite images, though not required, can be used effectively
Essential Questions:
 How is development measured?
 How does the level of development vary among regions and countries?
 How can countries promote development?
A. Patterns of Economic Development
B. Pathways to Regional Development
C. Globalization and Economic Development
Text: Chapter 2,7
Quarter 4
V. Cultural Geographies-C3 The course teaches spatial relationships at different scales ranging from the local to the
global.
Essential Questions:
 How are religions distributed?
 How do religions affect and organize space and landscape? How can this lead to
conflict?
 How are languages distributed?
A. Cultural Systems
B. Culture and Identity
C. Islamic Nationalism
Text: Chapter 5
VI. Cities and Urban Land Use- C2 The course teaches the use of spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine
human organization of space; C4 The course teaches students how to use and interpret maps, data sets, and geographic models. GIS
aerial photographs, and satellite images, though not required, can be used effectively.
Essential Questions:
 What activities and problems are associated with the inner-city and central
business district of a major urban center?
 What are the causes and consequences of suburbanization?
 How are different social, economic, and ethnic groups distributed within an urban
area?
A. Urban Origins
B. Urban Systems
C. Globalization and Splintering Urbanism
D. Urban Land Use and Spatial Organization
E. Traditional Patterns of Urban Structure
F. New Patterns: The Polycentric Metropolis
Text: Chapters 10, 11
VII. Agricultural and Rural Land Use- C4 The course teaches students how to use and interpret maps, data sets,
and geographic models. GIS aerial photographs, and satellite images, though not required, can be used effectively
Essential Questions:
 How did agriculture originate and diffuse?
 How and why does agriculture vary from developed to less developed countries?
A. Traditional Agricultural Geography
B. Agricultural Revolution and Industrialization
C. Global Restructuring of Agricultural Systems
D. Social and Technological Change in Global Food Production
E. The Environment and Agricultural Industrialization
F. Problems and Prospects in the Global Food System
Text: Chapter 8
Since this is an A.P. class there is a test that will be administered in May. The hope
is that all students will choose to take the exam in an attempt to earn college credit.
You should expect to have work for this course EVERY DAY and since much of the
material builds upon itself, it will be imperative that you strive to keep up with
readings and note-taking as well as all the written assignments. We may not be able
to discuss EVERYTHING you need to know for the A.P. test in class so it will be
your responsibility to ask questions about things you do not understand. If you
require extra assistance you certainly can make an appointment before or after
school or simply come in before school for help. Mr. Nohel is available every day
starting at 7AM EXCEPT TUESDAYS.
Some time in late April, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Nohel will have after school review
sessions to get students ready for the A.P. test. There are also study books available
from local booksellers for the advanced placement human geography test. Both the
Barrons and the Kaplan books have their pluses. We will provide some of those
materials and it is advisable to obtain a book of your own if you are planning to take
the test.