AP Human Geography
Instructor: Ms. Schubert
{[email protected]}
Location: Hamilton High School
Website http://www.cusd80.com/domain/2393
Textbook: Human Geography: People, Place, & Culture: by H.J. de Blij, 9th ed.
Course Description: This is a college level course designed to represent a systematic study of the earth
& its inhabitants. The course covers seven different units including such items as: how to think geographically
and use maps, population issues, cultural patterns, political organization of space, agricultural and rural land use,
industrialization and economic development, and cities and urban land use. This course answers questions like
De Blij asks, “Why places and things are what they are; what their location means in the past, present, and
future, and how their location affects other places?” Ultimately, the course should help you answer questions
about how you relate geographically to the places you inhabit, and how you relate to our world of diverse
places. Much is expected of you in this course. There is an abundance of reading from both the textbook and
other ancillary materials. You will analyze, reach conclusions, and support those conclusions both in writing and
orally. You will use factual information to construct a meaningful “larger” picture. This involves the continued
development of higher-level critical thinking skills of application and evaluation.
Because of the nature of this course, students need to be aware of specific requirements and time
commitments. After reading the following syllabus/expectations/responsibilities, your signature indicates
agreement to these requirements. Your parent/guardian must also sign, indicating his/her understanding &
support of the requirements of the AP HUMGEO course.
Course Content: AP HUMGEO is designed to cover seven major topics of the College Board course
content. A summary outline of these topics is attached. The course is designed for active participation to
increase student understanding and will include text and outside supplementary reading, use and constructions
of items such as maps, population pyramids, and geographic surveys. Active reading, note taking and focused
writing are essential components of the course.
College Credit: In addition to mastering the course content, each student should be prepared to pass the
national college-level Advanced Placement Examination in May. Students successfully completing this exam
may receive college credit at the university level. AP HUMGEO is one of the newer AP courses and students
should check directly with the university they are interested in attending as to their credit policy. There is a link
to many universities on the College Board student web site. Preparation for this exam as well as course
requirements include a balance between learning substantial amounts of factual knowledge and increasing
critical thinking skills in a geographic context. The 2015 Advanced Placement Examination in AP Human
Geography is on Friday May 15th at 8:00a.m.
Extensive supplemental info. on the requirements and benefits of AP courses and testing is available at
www.collegeboard.com/ap/students.
Materials:
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Flash Drive
2 –inch 3-ring notebook
College ruled paper
Barron’s AP Human Geography Test review
Suggested Princeton Review AP Human Geography
Suggested Barron’s AP Human Geography Flash Cards
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Homework Policy:
 Students planning to earn a grade of “A” or “B” will discover that about three to five hours of reading
and independent study per week is REQUIRED.
 I recommend you use a planner on a daily basis. You will need to be organized and keep track of due dates.
Assignments must be read prior to class discussions.
 ASD will be assigned for any homework not completed. ASD is the only opportunity for you to earn a
percentage (%) of the homework credit. Turned in: Next day= minus –25%
2nd day= minus –50%
 If the homework is not handed in the day after serving ASD-you lose any credit for the assignment.
NO exceptions- make choices wisely!
Attendance Policy:
 Tests are to be made up the day that you return from a one or two day absence. Tests must be made up
outside of class time. Contact me ASAP to schedule at time for the test.
 If you know that you will be absent, please make arrangements with me to receive your assignments
prior to your absence.
 If absent, please refer to the Homework File and Unit Schedule for any missed work.
Tardy Policy:
 On or before the tardy bell, you need to begin working on the bell work activity or you will be considered tardy.
 ASD (After School Detention) will be assigned after one (1) tardy to class. If you are late, you will serve ASD
the following school day. Continuous tardies (5) will result in a referral to administration and ISS will be
assigned.
Make-Up Work:
It is your responsibility to make up all work missed due to an absence. You will not be reminded to get your make-up
work--it’s your responsibility!
 Obtain missed assignments from the Homework File located in classroom.
 You have one day for each day of absences to make-up any missed assignments.
 You have 1 week to make-up any missed test! (NO exceptions, we move too fast in content)
 Being absent on the day before a test does not excuse you from taking the test when it is scheduled. There will
be advance notice for test dates.
Notebook Requirements:
All course-work will be kept in the student’s required 1 ½ to 2 inch 3-ring notebook (nothing smaller than 1 ½ ).
Do not throw anything away!!! Notebooks will be graded once each quarter and must be brought to class each day. Date
everything you receive/complete and keep your notebook organized in “date” order with the most RECENT dated items
on top.
Your notebook will be divided into 8 sections.
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Tab 1 Unit 1: Nature of Geography: Chapter 1
Tab 2 Unit 2: Population and Migration Chapter 2 and 3
Tab 3 Unit 3: Culture, ethnicity, language and religion ch 4,5,6,7
Tab 4 Unit 4: Political chapter 8
Tab 5 Unit 5: Agriculture chapter 11
Tab 6 Unit 6: Urban chapter 9
Tab 7 Unit 7: Development and Industry chapter 10 and 12
Tab 8 AP Exam review
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Pass Policy:
 Passes are required when leaving the classroom for any reason. NO exceptions!
 When coming to school/class late, you must obtain a pass from the attendance office before reporting to classes.
Grading Policy:
Each assignment will have a set number of points possible. Scores will be totaled once at the end of the grading quarter
and again at the semester’s end. These two scores and the semester exam will be combined for a total semester grade.
For Example:
1st qtr.
78% (x 2)
2nd qtr
86% (x 2)
(40-40-20 grading policy)
Final exam
97%_(x 1)_____
425 / 5 = 85% semester grade
 I usually print grades every 2-3 weeks or after unit exams. If you need to check in between those times, please
ask or refer to your grades on-line. If you do not have your password, ask in the front office.
 Extra credit will not be given to increase point totals.
 Note: Conferences will be held if a student’s grade is below a 70% to determine corrective action or best
placement. See “Challenge Form” signature page.
AP Final Exam Policy:
In accordance with HHS rules & procedures, students in AP courses are required to take BOTH semester final exams.
The “Final Exemption Policy” does NOT apply to AP courses.
Semester 2 final exam stipulation: Students must return their APHG textbook PRIOR to taking their
semester 2 exam or have paid in the bookstore for a replacement per our principal. Students missing a textbook and no
payment will not be permitted to take the final exam, thus earning a “0”.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. The replacement cost of the textbook is $95.00.
Participation:
A significant part of the AP HUMGEO course and grade will be based on prepared student participation. Each day that
you are in class on time, prepared, and work productively and cooperatively you earn participation points. THIS IS A
DISCUSSION-BASED CLASS. There will be many class-led discussions and you are expected to be an active
participant. You will LOSE participation points for things like: failure to bring working materials or assignments,
disruptive behavior, working on other subjects, reading unrelated materials, and not actively participating in discussions
or group work.
Classroom Policies: (these are not negotiable)
1. Be on time, with required materials: paper, pen/pencil, APHG notebook, completed homework, and
productive attitude.
2. RESPECT your classmates, the teacher, and yourself.
3. NO gum, food, or drinks in class. (ONLY water is permitted)
4. Be tolerant of other people’s opinions. Just because they may be different than yours, doesn’t make them
wrong.
5. Follow directions, the FIRST time.
6. NO sleeping, cheating, iPOD’s/ MP3-players, cell phones (any general electronic device), cosmetics/makeup, laser-pointers, hats, pictures, love notes, or magazines-----please.
*Due to the growing interruption of cell phones, it is school policy to take cell phones from students who
are using them during class time. I will “hold” the phone until the end of the day and then turn it over to
security. ** If this occurs more than one time, the student will earn a referral and be removed from the class
for that day or more. Thank you for understanding.
7. Write legibly. If I cannot read it, I cannot/will not grade it.
8. All formal papers will be written in ink or typed.
Cornell Note taking info.
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*All notes must be your own work and HANDWRITTEN. NO two people summarize exactly alike. Copying
someone else’s notes will result in a “0” for the assignment for both students and Hamilton’s policies on
cheating will be followed (refer to HHS student handbook).
*All notes should be maintained accordingly in your required 3-ring notebook in Section 2 all year.
*Notes should not recopy text but they should be in enough depth to cover key concepts. Rewriting complete
sentences from the text is NOT summarizing!
*A rough estimate of note length: 4-6 pages of notes per 15-20 pages of text and 1page of notes per class period
if you are thorough but concise. All notes should be clearly LABELED as either class notes or chapter reading
notes.
*ALL STUDENTS will receive a handout summarizing the Cornell Note taking Method that will
remain in section 1 of your notebook all year.
AP REVIEW SESSIONS
Begin in March 2014 in order to prepare students for the AP HumGeo Exam. Students are highly encouraged to
attend one review session a week for 5 to 6 weeks. Students will have the opportunity to choose from 2 days of
the week so as to accommodate various schedules.
BY DECEMBER/JANUARY:
Students are highly encouraged to purchase the Barron’s AP Human Geography review book. It is available at
any book chain (Border’s, Barnes & Noble) and Amazon.com. Used versions are available for lower prices.
New versions are around $17.00 or lower on sale.
*This is the book student’s need to review/prep for the AP HumGeo. Exam.
Attachments:
Attached is a tentative time schedule of coverage per unit (which may change as need), the Cornell note taking
guide, the College Board AP Human Geography Course Description, the AP Human Geography Course Outline
and the APHG course “Challenge” form.
*For more APHG information, refer to the College Board website: ALL students/parent should register with this
site ASAP.
Understanding of requirements:
Please sign and return the attached “Challenge Form”. Your signature and the signature of your
parents/guardians indicate your commitment and agreement to the course requirements. Keep the
syllabus available for easy reference in your required 3-ring notebook at the end of Sec. 1.
**I reserve the right to modify any of the preceding information as needed throughout the school year.
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AP Human Geography Challenge Form
Rules & Procedures Acknowledgement
The Hamilton High School Social Studies Department believes in an Open Enrollment concept
with regard to AP courses. However, Open Enrollment does not mean students are exempt
from responsibilities.
By signing the AP Human Geography Challenge Form, the prospective AP student agrees to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Implement a strong work ethic.
A willingness to read and comprehend large amounts of written material.
Maintain regular attendance.
Complete all reading and written assignments on time.
Research, compile, construct and write independent projects.
Spend the appropriate amount of time outside class to complete assignments and
readings.
7. Be an active classroom participant.
8. Understand the fast-paced nature of an AP class.
9. Understand that accommodations CANNOT be made with respect to the College
Board AP academic requirements.
10. Demonstrate a positive attitude toward the course and instructor.
11. Understand there is no place in an AP course for student discipline problems.
12. Commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence.
13. Attend AP Review Sessions starting in March.
14. Attempt the end-of-year AP Exam in May.
An AP teacher can dismiss a student from an AP course for failure of the student to adhere to
any of the above conditions or other situations detrimental to the AP student or class.
X_________________________________
Student Signature
X_________________________________
Parent Signature
Mary Schubert
X________
Teacher Signature
_______________________________
Print Name
_______________________________
Print Name
_____Mary Schubert________________
Print Name
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Why should you take Advanced Placement Human Geography?
[or other AP Social Studies courses?]
AP courses are college level courses in a high school setting environment. This situation allows for
rigorous college work to be completed under the direction of a high school teacher who has the time to
individually assist students.
It is the belief of the Hamilton High School Social Studies Department that most students should
take and can do well in an AP course. The Hamilton High Social Studies Department further
believes in an Open Enrollment concept with regard to AP courses.
The Hamilton High Social Studies Dept. believes that AP courses should be open to:
1. Students, who are highly motivated, possess a strong work ethic and are self-disciplined.
2. Students who have high GPA’s and need more challenging coursework.
3. Students who have a deep interest in a particular course, regardless of prior academic
performance.
4. Students of any academic background who want to try a highly challenging course and
understand the nature of the personal commitment needed for success in AP.
Research conducted by the College Board (the organization which administers AP courses and exams)
has shown that students who take AP classes perform far better in college than those who do not take
AP courses.
The HHS S.S. Department offers four AP courses:
1. AP Human Geography (offered to grades 10, 11, & 12)
2. AP United States History or American Studies I APUSH&APENG Combo (offered to grade 11)
3. AP Economics (offered to grade 12) or American Studies II (APGOV & APECON =1 yr long)
4. AP Government (offered to grade 12)
The HHS SS Dept. places a strong emphasis on preparing for the AP exams. We expect all AP students
to take the AP exam in May. Qualifying scores (3, 4, or 5) on AP Exams gain college placement and/or
credit for the student.
The HHS SS Dept. does not recommend students who have grade points below 3.00 take MORE
THAN ONE AP class. *The fast pace, academic rigor and large amount of reading assignments
demand a great deal of attention from even the best student.
We look forward to seeing you in our classes over the next few years. Congratulations!
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What does AP Human Geography offer?
This course is an essential building block on your road to AP Social Studies courses. Taking AP
HumGeo. as a Sophomore is HIGHLY recommended for students planning on taking AP American
History as Juniors. AP HumGeo. will equip students with the necessary tools/skills to be successful in
future AP Social Studies courses. Plus, it is the most enjoyable, valuable course for 10th graders!
APHG not only studies a variety of global issues from the past & present but studies the future
implications as well. This is not a typical “history” course. This course blends historical phenomenon
and events with their current geological applications and/or effects. It’s one of the most exciting,
beneficial courses students can take!
Major topic areas that we study throughout the year are:
I.
Introduction to geographic terms & theories: Five Themes, Scale, Diffusion & maps
II.
Population: location, distribution, density, patterns, structure, cycles of change, birth/death
rates, migration, refugees, and government policies.
III
Language: sources of language, its diffusion, roots, Language Families & dialects and
place-names.
IV.
Religion: origins & distributions of world religions, diffusion patterns & influences,
cultural landscapes, culture and conflict.
V.
Political Organization: evolving nations and states, state organization, national power,
boundary types, functions, & disputes, federal & unitary governments, EU, UN, and
Maritime boundaries.
VI.
Agriculture: transformation from ancient to modern agric. and early dwellings, plant &
animal domestication, farming types, 2nd & 3rd Agricultural Rev., development of villages,
cash & luxury crops, commercial agric., and organics.
VII.
Urbanization: ancient to modern civilization, locations, patterns & structure of cities,
megalopolises, mega cities, CBD and suburbs.
VIII. Industrialization: industrial activity & geographic location, resources, regions,
globalization, distribution, NAFTA, Maquiladoras, and models of development.
IX.
Deindustrialization to globalization: adjusting to our modern world.
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