AP Human Geography
2015 Fall Semester
Course Syllabus- Roma
Course Overview
AP Human Geography is a semester-long course that focuses on the distribution, processes and effects of human
populations on the planet. Units/areas of study include: population, migration, culture, language, religion,
ethnicity, political geography, economic development, industry, agriculture, and urban geography. The field of
Human Geography focuses on how people make places, how we organize space and society, how we interact with
each other in places and across space, and how we make sense of others and ourselves in our localities, regions
and the world.
Course Objectives
 use and think about maps and spatial data. Geography is fundamentally concerned with the ways in which
patterns on Earth’s surface reflect and influence physical and human processes.
 understand and interpret the implications of associations among phenomena in places. Geography looks
at the world from a spatial perspective – seeking to understand the changing spatial organization and
material character of Earth’s surface.
 recognize and interpret at different scales the relationships among patterns and processes. Geographical
analysis requires a sensitivity to scale – not just as a spatial category but as a framework for
understanding how events and processes at different scales influence one another. (AP Human Geography
Course Description)
Texts, Study Materials and Websites
Texts

The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography, by James M. Rubenstein
(9th ed., 2007)
Websites
 Teacher’s Blog
 Rubenstein Companion Website,
http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_rubenstein_humangeo_8/0,9140,1362726-,00.html
 Human Geography in Action Student Companion Website
http://bcs.wiley.com/he-bcs/Books?action=index&itemId=0471701211&bcsId=3206
 Power of Place Video Streaming/Program Descriptions
http://www.learner.org/resources/series180.html#
 AP Central – Human Geography
http://collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_humangeo.html?humangeo
 Earthpoint
www.theearthpoint.com
Suggested Readings/Study Materials
Barron’s AP Human Geography Prep Guide*
(Will assist you in vocab quiz preparation, test preparation and AP Exam Preparation)
Necessary Supplies
 Dedicated section in binder or separate binder (minimum 2 inches). Students should be prepared to
organize their notebook by unit to include vocab lists, lecture notes, in-class activities, and supplemental
readings.
 Colored Pencils, ink pens (more than one color), pencils and highlighters. These are necessary for the
completion of various maps, note-taking, and test-taking (Scantron & free response).
 Notebook paper (college-ruled/lined). Students will be engaged in note-taking for at least part of every
class meeting.
 Computer/printer access. While having this access at home is most beneficial, students without it are
required to find alternative avenues. Websites above, especially the teacher’s blog will need to be visited
daily. Suggestions: media center (before/after school or during lunch), friend/neighbor’s house, teacher’s
classroom (before school – clear time with teacher beforehand).
 Flash Drive. Needed for projects, assessments.
 Agenda/Calendar. You will have multiple due dates per week to remember. It is your responsibility to
keep up when things are due.
Classroom Expectations
1. Daily Attendance. Due to the fact that we are completing a college-level course in the span of a high
school semester on block scheduling, you can imagine the pace by which we must cover the necessary
material. Therefore, your attendance in this class is imperative. Please do not schedule any appointments
of any kind that will keep you absent from class. Also, you are required to adhere to the school-established
tardy policy.
2. Make-Up Work and Assignment Completion. All missed assignments and notes can be found on my blog.
It is your responsibility, as an AP student, to obtain those notes on your own time. All assignments are due
at the beginning of the period on the due-date given. Late work will be given a maximum grade, prior to
normal grading deductions, of 70% of the maximum point value of the assignment. NO late work will be
accepted after the unit test following the unit in which the assignment was given. Late work is to be
placed in the designated spot for your class. Late work is collected each day and stamped at 3:30 PM
each day. Make-up tests and quizzes must be scheduled with me and please understand you have five
school days to make up any missed quizzes and tests.
3. Nightly/Daily Reading. Your understanding of vocabulary and concepts in this course is vital to your
success. Therefore, it is required that you spend some time each night reading the necessary, assigned
passages and preparing for class the following day. Do not expect many free nights or weekends without
some reading and/or class preparations. Assigned readings will come from the aforementioned texts and
article compilations.
4. Zero Tolerance for Cheating. Cheating is an act of cowardice and convenience and will not be tolerated in
any fashion. AP classes frequently require increased personal integrity of students that are asked to
complete take-home exams or write papers. Cheating offenses will be investigated to the fullest extent
and those found guilty will receive a zero for the assignment and an unsatisfactory in conduct for the
semester.
5. Collaborate with your Classmates. You are one of many brilliant minds in this class. Use the resources
that you have been provided with. Suggestion: find a study buddy, if not multiple study buddies.
6. Respect. We will often have very lively, mature, academic discussions in this class. Many topics and
opinions will be addressed that you may or may not agree with. I ask that you respect the opinions of
others and they, in return, will respect yours. Participate in this college-level class like mature collegeequivalent students.
Classroom Rights/Regulations.
1. Be Honest, be on time, use appropriate language and …
2. You will be allowed to eat or drink and…
3. Use a pass to go to the restroom or wherever it is that you are going.
Advanced Placement, the College Board and the APHG Exam
The Advanced Placement Program® is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools
and colleges and universities. Since its inception in 1955, the Program has provided motivated high school
students with the opportunity to take college-level courses in a high school setting. Students who participate in the
Program not only gain college-level skills, but in many cases they also earn college credit while they are still in high
school. (College Board, AP Central)
In May 2001, 3,272 trail-blazing students took the very first exam in AP Human Geography. The exam covers a
one-semester introductory college course in human geography. The exam is conducted as follows:
% of Grade Number of Questions Minutes Allotted
Section I
50
Section II
50
75
3 Essays
60
75
AP Human Geography Exam will be conducted on Friday, May 13 @ 8AM at McEachern HS
***It is expected that all class participants take the AP Exam and represent yourself, your instructor and your
school in a positive fashion.
Course Outline/Units
Unit I
Unit II
Unit III
Unit IV
Unit V
Unit VI
Unit VII
Geography: Its Nature and Perspectives
Population and Migration
Cultural Patterns and Processes
Political Organization of Space
Agricultural and Rural Land Use
Industrial and Economic Development
Cities and Urban Land Use
Grading
Unit Tests (FRQs and MCQs)
35%
Quizzes (Reading/Comprehension, Map, Vocabulary)
20%
Projects
10%
Midterm
5%
Enrichment Activities
10%
SLO
10%
Final Exam
10%
*** Each unit of study will be followed by a unit test/assessment that includes concept application/multiple
choice objective questions and free response questions.
Facilitator Teaching Assignments and Contact Information
Schedule
1st
Government O/Planning E
2nd
AP Human Geography
3rd
Planning O/Government E
4th
AP Human Geography
FC 205
FC 205
FC 205
FC 205
School Responsibilities:
National Honor Society Sponsor
Student Council Senior Class Sponsor
Contact Information:
Jennifer.Roma@cobbk12.org
770-222-3170
APHG Acknowledgement Form
FOR THE STUDENT:
I have received the APHG Syllabus for the Fall semester of the 2015-16 school year. I have also
reviewed/read the APHG Course Syllabus and understand the requirements for APHG in regards
to course calendar, assignments, expectations, academic honesty/dishonesty, make-up work
policy and any other information included in the syllabus. Please detach this form after
completion and turn in to your teacher.
Name of Student: ______________________________________
Student Signature: _______________________________________________________
Student e-mail account: ___________________________________________________