AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Course Syllabus
Mr. Larkins; 2014-15 DSF HS
Introduction
The AP course on Human Geography introduces students to college level content on understanding the fundamental
concepts of how human beings interact with the earth’s environment and with each other. Through this course
students are introduced to the study of the patterns and processes that shape human interaction. Students will
employ spatial concepts and land use analysis to discover human social organization and its environmental
consequences.
This course will focus on seven broad content areas:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
Geography: Its nature and Perspectives
Population and Demography
Cultural Patterns and Processes
Political Organization of Space
Agriculture and Land Use
Industrialization and Economic Development
Cities and Urbanization
Course Objectives:
The topics studied in AP Human Geography are in line with the five National Geography Standards. Upon
completion of the class; students should be able to:
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Use and think about a variety of maps and spatial data
Understand and interpret the implications of associations among phenomena in places
Recognize and interpret at different scales the relationships among patterns and processes
Define regions and evaluate the regionalization process
Characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places
In addition to above content; this course will attempt to help students hone other important skills; such as:
 Evaluate critically a variety of data (charts, graphs, cartoons, commercials, advertisements)
 Present written and oral arguments
 Ability to synthesize and critique scholarly, and periodical arguments
 Maintain awareness of current events though articles; videos and discussions
TEXTBOOK
de Blij, H. J., and Alexander B. Murphy. Human Geography: Culture, Society, and
Space. 8th ed. New York: John Wiley, 2008.
SUPPLEMNTAL REOURCES
Rubenstein, James M. The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human
Geography. 9th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 2008.
The Power of Place: Geography for the 21st Century series. Video. N.p.: Annenburg/CPB Project, 1996, 2003.
The Economist Magazine
AP Central (www.apcentral.collegeboard.com)
COURSE OUTLINE
1st Semester:
Unit I: Introduction to Human Geography and Spatial Organization (Sept. 4-Sept. 28)
- Key Concepts: location, place, space, scale, pattern, regionalization and globalization
- Readings: de Blij and Rubenstein, Chp. 1
- Project: How Does My Family Connect to the World?
Unit II: Population and Demography (Oct. 1-Nov. 2)
- Key Concepts: migration, fertility, immigration, mortality, refugees
- Video: The World in the Balance-The People Paradox (NOVA; PBS video)
- Readings: de Blij; Chp. 3 and Rubenstein, Chp. 2
Unit III: Cultural Identities: Race, Religion, Language (Nov. 5- Dec. 14)
- Key Concepts: diffusion, globalization, dialects, ethnicity
- Video: The Lost Boys
- Readings: de Blij, Chp. 4 and 5; Rubenstein, Chp. 6
- Project: Cultural Status/Roles Matrix
Unit IV: Political Geography (Jan.7-Jan. 25th)
- Key Concepts: nation-state, devolution, colonialism, separatism, supranational, boundaries, regional
blocs
- Video: The Fog of War
- Readings: de Blij, Chp. 8 and Rubensteain, Chp. 8
- Project: Why go to War?
Semester Exam; Week of January 28-31
This exam will mimic the AP Exam; and comprise multiple choice and free response questions. It will
count as 10% of your final grade.
2nd Semester
Unit V: Agriculture and Land Use (February 4- March 1)
- Key Concepts: regions, domestication, diet, energy, nomadic, horticulture, land model use, plantation
- Video: Food, Inc.
- Readings: Hungry Planet and What I Eat; de Blij, Chp. 11
- Project: What DO we eat?
Unit VI: Industry and Economic Development (March 4-March 29)
- Key Concepts: comparative advantage, Industrial Revolution, core and periphery, markets, division of
labor
- Video: The New Recruits and Pennies a Day
- Readings: de Blij, Chp. 10, 12 and Rubenstein, Chp. 9
Unit VII: Cities and Urbanization (April 8- May 3)
- Key Concepts: central place, urban, suburban, concentric zone model, multiple nuclei model, jobs
- Video: Urbanized
- Readings: de Blij, Chp. 9; Rubenstein, Chp. 13
- Project: Mapping a neighborhood
Unit VIII: AP Exam Review; May 4-12
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AP Exam Date: May 15th, 8:00 AM
Part 1: Multiple Choice, 60 minutes; 50%
Part 2: Free Response, 75 minutes; 50%
Unit VIII: Regional Politics and Conflicts (May 20-June 14)
- In this unit students will examine key geopolitical issues in the following regions:
1. Europe and former USSR
2. Middle East
3. East Asia
Activities: Role Play Simulation; Research paper; Group Presentation
Video: Please Vote For Me
Grading and Student Evaluation
1. Tests and Projects…………….. 50%
2. Quizzes………………………. .30%
3. Classwork/Homework…………15%
4. Current Events………..…………5%