AP Human Geography
Mr. Dalman: Room 246
robert.dalman@cowetaschools.org
AP Human Geography is a semester-long course designed to meet or exceed the experience of an
introductory one-semester college human geography course. The purpose of the course is to introduce
students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use,
and alteration of Earth’s surface. Student’s employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine
human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and
tools geographers use in their science and practice. The AP exam presumes at least one semester of
college-level preparation and is considered appropriate for the measurement of skills and knowledge in
the field of introductory human geography.
Course Materials
Text: DeBlij, H. J., Murphy, A. B., & Fouberg, E. H. (2007). Human geography: People, place, and
culture, (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.
Study Guide: Marsh, M. A., & Alagona, P. S. (2008). AP human geography 2009, (2nd ed.).
Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series.
Supplemental Readings:
DeBlij, H. J. (2005). Why geography matters. New York: Oxford Press.
Diamond, J. (1999). Guns, germs, and steel. New York: W. W. Norton.
Friedman, T. L. (2007). The world is flat. New York: Picador.
Klare, M. T. (2004). Blood and oil. New York: Henry Holt.
Kuby, M., Harner, J., & Gober, P. (2007). Human geography in action, (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ:
John Wiley and Sons.
Video Series: The Power of Place. (2003). Cambridge Studios.
Newspapers, Magazines, and other materials as needed.
Course Objectives
1. Use and think about maps and spatial data.
2. Understand and interpret the implications of associations among phenomena.
3. Recognize and interpret at different scales the relationships among patterns and processes.
4. Define regions and evaluate the regionalization process.
5. Characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places.
Course Outline (by unit)
I. What is Geography? Geography—Its Nature and Perspectives
II. Population Unit
III. Cultural Patterns and Processes
IV. Economic Systems and Patterns
V. Urban Geography
VI. Political Geography
VII. Review for AP Human Geography Exam.
The AP Exam will be administered on Friday, May 14 2010.
Supplemental Materials Needed
Two spiral bound notebooks
A folder to keep your work in.
Color Pencils
Index cards are highly recommended for vocabulary.
Book cover (recommended)
Internet access
Expectations
Be on time.
Be prepared.
Be respectful
Read the text.
Grading
Classwork/Homework/Projects
Tests/Quizzes
Mid-Term/Final Exam
= 42.5% of final grade
= 42.5% of final grade
= 15% of final grade
Tutoring
Tutoring is available at any time by appointment. Tutoring will also be available during the second
semester in order to prepare for the AP Exam.
Academic Dishonesty
Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a grade of zero and possibly a
discipline referral.
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