World Geography
Mr. Parsons
Clear Falls High School
4380 Village Way
League City, TX 77573
2013-2014
6th Period Conference 12:05-12:55
Tutorials: Tues/Thurs 2:45-3:15
tparsons@ccisd.net
281-284-1100
Course Description
World Geography is the spectacular study of our truly amazing planet. This class will reflect the
diverse nature of the earth and its peoples. It will give each student opportunities to expand their
understanding of the world around them in ways that accentuate their unique personalities and
abilities. In particular, since this is a Pre-AP college prep course that is intended to give the skills
necessary to be successful in upper level courses, the class will also give the encouragement and
confidence to do so.
Students will examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and
international scales from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography. The course will
emphasize physical processes that shape patterns in the physical environment, analyze how
location affects economic activities in different economic systems, identify the processes that
influence political divisions of the planet, and compare components of culture that shape the
characteristics of regions. Students will use primary and secondary sources to practice problemsolving and decision-making skills to ask and answer geographic questions. This course will
prepare students for further pre-advanced and advanced placement courses in social studies.
Course Goals
 Students analyze and evaluate the validity and utility of multiple sources of geographic
information such as primary and secondary sources, aerial photographs and maps.
 Students construct & interpret maps to answer geographic questions, infer geographic
relationships, & analyze geographic change.
 Students use a series of maps, including a computer-based geographic information system, to
obtain and analyze data needed to solve geographic and locational problems.
 Students apply appropriate vocabulary, geographic models, generalizations, theories, & skills to
present geographic information.
 Students use standard grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation.
 Students plan, organize, and complete a group research project that involves asking geographic
questions; acquiring, organizing, and analyzing geographic information.
 Students use case studies, geographic information systems, and current events to identify
contemporary geographic problems and issues and to apply geographic knowledge and skills to
answer real-world questions.
 Student use a decision-making process to identify a situation that requires a decision, gather
information, identify options, predict consequences, and take action to implement a decision.
Textbook
Holt World Geography and supplements
Notebooks and Supplies Needed for Class
College ruled notebook – at least 70 pages (beginning of year)
Box of 12 No. 2 pencils OR colored pencils OR markers (beginning of year)
Box of Kleenix tissues (beginning of year) OR pack of 3x5 index cards
Pen/Pencil (daily)
A really great attitude (at least most of the time)
Grading
50% Class work/Quizzes/Participation
45% Tests/Major Projects
5%
Reading
Homework
Students should expect at least ½ - 1 hours
of homework each week, in addition to what
they do not finish in class.
Instructional Strategies
Throughout the course the following instructional strategies are used:
1. Really exciting direct instruction with class discussion
2. Individual and Group Activities
3. Internet Research for Unit Projects
4. Visual Analysis using pictures and videos
5. Mapping Exercises and map quizzes
6. Examination of Case Studies using articles and videos
Make Up Procedures
Students are expected to turn in all assignments on time. If a student has an absence they
are given the amount of days missed to finish work assigned on those days. If an absence
is over one week, student will need to make arrangements with the teacher. If students
fail to turn in an assignment on the day it is due, then they are expected to turn in the
assignment the next 2 school days for 75% credit. On the 3rd day it drops to 50% credit.
After that is a zero.
Calendar
First Nine Weeks (August-October)
Second Nine Weeks (October-December)
Introduction: Physical and Human Geography
Chapter 1: Studying Geography
Chapter 2: Earth in Space
Chapter 3: Weather and Climate
Chapter 4: Landforms, Water, and Natural
Resources
Chapter 5: Human Geography
Chapter 6: Human Systems
The United States and Canada
Chapter 7: Natural Environments of North America
Chapter 8: The United States
Chapter 9: Canada
Middle and South America
Chapter 10: Mexico
Chapter 11: Central America and the Caribbean
Chapter 12: South America
Europe
Chapter 13: Natural Environments of Europe
Chapter 14: Northern and Western Europe
Chapter 15: Central Europe
Chapter 16: Southern Europe and the Balkans
Russia and Northern Eurasia
Chapter 17: Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus
Chapter 18: Central Asia
Test: Week of October 14th – 18th (Chaps 1-9)
FINALS: Week of December 16th-20th
Third Nine Weeks (January-March)
Fourth Nine Weeks (March-June)
Southwest Asia
Chapter 19: The Persian Gulf and Interior
Chapter 20: the Eastern Mediterranean
Africa
Chapter 21: North Africa
Chapter 22: West and Central Africa
Chapter 23: East Africa
Chapter 24: Southern Africa
South Asia
Chapter 25: India
Chapter 26: The Indian Perimeter
East and Southeast Asia
Chapter 27: China, Mongolia, and Taiwan
Chapter 28: Japan and the Koreas
Chapter 29: Mainland Southeast Asia
Chapter 30: Island Southeast Asia
The Pacific World
Chapter 31: Australia and New Zealand
Chapter 32: The Pacific Islands
Test: Week of March 3rd – 7th (Chaps 19-26)
FINALS: Week of June 2nd – 5th
9th Grade EOC/STAAR:
Week of May 6th – May 17th