AP HUG
Advanced Placement Human Geography
Many people think geography is all about memorizing
place names and maps, but in reality it is so much more.
Human geography is the study of people and how they
interact with their environment and each other. In the twenty first century, it is more
important than ever to think on a global scale; Advanced Placement Human
Geography helps students do just that while aiding them in becoming better problem
solvers and critical thinkers.
The purpose of the AP course in Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of
patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface.
Students 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.
On successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

Use and think about 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
(AP college board website: http://www.collegeboard.org/ )
AP Human Geography consists of seven units of study which include an array of
topics. Unit one deals with the history of cartography and how maps have evolved
over time. The emphasis in this unit is on spatial organization. In Unit two, students will
study population distribution and trends in demographics. Unit three is all about cultural
geography which includes patterns and processes. Cultural diffusion is also a topic of
discussion. Unit four concerns political geography and addresses the rise of the modern
state, how borders are created, and international organizations such as NATO and the
EU. Agriculture is the topic for Unit five; rural land use, organization of resources and
functionality along with the impacts on the environment are explored in this unit. Unit
six addresses industrialization and the impacts that this process has had on certain
areas over time and currently. And finally, Unit seven is about urban geography and
the development of cities and megalopolises.
The AP Human Geography exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions and several free
response questions.
If you have any additional questions concerning this course, please contact me:
Mrs. Joan Brylski
920-822-6765
jmbrylski@pulaskischools.org