AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY OUTSIDE READING
Salt: A World History
By Mark Kurlansky
PURPOSE
At the center of Human Geography is human interaction. Humans adapt to their environment,
and adapt their environment according to their needs and wants. Civilizations, through trade and
interaction, have spread their influence throughout 80% of the surface of the earth. Products like
salt have proved to be such integral commodities that nations and civilizations have moved
heaven and earth to acquire them.
The book, Salt: A World History is a wonderful book which follows human civilization as it
progresses in history in pursuit of this precious commodity. It also has been the basis of
numerous AP essays over the years and undoubtedly will be in the future.
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, please contact me. My email is mkistner@bdhs.org. I will respond as
soon as I can.
THE READING SPIRAL
Use at least a 70-page spiral notebook (college rule) to take your notes. As you read, complete
all of the following.

Organize each section and its chapters separately. Put the section, chapter names and
their beginning pages at the top of your sections. Your notes and work should follow.

While reading, take brief summary notes. Write approximately one per page – no
more. Write the notes in your notebook in an outline format. Write an outline for each
chapter.

In each chapter, identify words, which are unfamiliar to you. Look them up as soon
as possible in a dictionary. These words should be listed and defined in the journal noted
below.

Identify passages, which seem to have stated a significant idea for a main idea of the
chapter or text. Include these passages in your outlines of the journal.
THIS ASSIGNMENT IS DUE ON THE FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF CLASS.