2016-2017 AP Human Geography Syllabus
Instructor: Mr. Alexander Fichera (Coach) E­mail Address: ​[email protected] Conference Periods:​ 4A Phone:​ Mr. Fichera 940­369­2160 Tutorials/Study Sessions:​ Monday – Thursday 8:15 – 8:40 AM Welcome to Advanced Placement Human Geography (more commonly known as APHG). The course is structured according to the course outline found in the most recent AP® Human Geography Course Description published by the College Board. There are seven units of study. At the beginning of each unit, students receive a unit calendar that indicates the lecture topics or activities for each day, the reading assignments, the quiz dates, and other information about the unit. The AP Human Geography course is equivalent to an introductory college­level course in human geography. The course introduces 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 socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. The curriculum reflects the goals of the National Geography Standards (2012). This rigorous course is designed to prepare you for success beyond high school through extensive reading, writing, and participation in class discussions; as such, you will regularly be asked to complete assignments outside of class. However, I feel that the investment of your time and effort will pay dividends in the form of college credit, college preparedness, and/or skills necessary to be successful outside of an academic setting. I am very excited to welcome you to the APHG program and look forward to collaborating with you this year! Vision/ Goals of AP Human Geography:
To become a Geo­literate citizen, that uses Geography as a discipline, relevant to your life in solving problems and building a global perspective. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to
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Interpret maps and analyze geospatial data. ●
Understand and explain the implications of associations and networks among phenomena in places. ●
Recognize and interpret the relationships among patterns and processes at different scales of analysis. ●
Define regions and evaluate the regionalization process. ●
Characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places. Course Expectations:
The following text was taken from the AP course agreement signed prior to registration for the 2016­2017 school year: STUDENT: ​I agree to show a commitment to academic excellence and to complete summer assignments as required by each grade level and content area. I agree to attend class regularly and do my own work in order to improve my ability to reason, analyze, and understand. I agree to organize my time and study habits to complete successfully the course and confer with the teacher and take immediate action if I fall behind. PARENT/GUARDIAN: ​I agree to be familiar with the AP or Pre­AP course requirements and exit procedures and help my son/daughter organize study time in support of class assignments. I agree to encourage him/her to communicate openly with the teacher when disciplinary or curricular questions or concerns arise. If the situation remains unresolved, I will request an appointment with the teacher. TEACHER:​ I agree to teach the above course at a level and pace in accordance with College Board recommendation and the DISD curriculum document. Student and parent/guardian will be advised within the first four weeks if the student’s work is not adequate. Student progress after the first grading period will be reported with the normal progress and report card cycles. TRANSFER POLICY:​ A student may transfer from an AP or Pre­AP class at any the end of 4 weeks in the first grading period of school or at the semester. Transfers beyond the first grading period window may be granted with administrative approval. To transfer out of an AP or Pre­AP course, the AP/ Pre­AP course withdrawal form must be filled out. A meeting with parent/guardian, teacher, and the student must take place and will determine on a case­by­case basis whether a course change is in the best interest of the student. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY:​ The class will operate according to Denton ISD Academic Integrity Policy as described in The Student Code of Conduct
Textbook: ​Rubenstein, James M., ​T​ he Cultural Landscape; An Introduction to Human Geography,. 12th ed. Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, 2011 Pearson.
Supplies/Materials: ​Students will need to have a three ring binder to be used solely for this class. This course requires a substantial amount of reading and writing. Students that keep an organized binder will have a much great opportunity to be successful. Our expectation is that you will come to class daily prepared and with your supplies. Students must bring their class notebook to class everyday. Students may be asked to show their work in the notebook before any reassessment opportunity. The course will also utilize online platforms like the class website and Google Classroom. Access to a computer and internet is important. However, if you do not have access to a computer you need to make prior arrangements with your teacher to access all necessary materials
Homework:​ The is a college preparatory course. Similarly to what is expected in college, not all content will be taught in the classroom due to the scope of the APHG curriculum. Students will be responsible for their learning certain material on their own. Grading Policy: ​Students will have the opportunity for reassessment on all Major Summative Assignments per the Denton ISD Grading Policy.(Section Five: Grading Practices pg. 5­6)
Testing:​ The curriculum of the APHG course is designed to prepare students for the AP test in May. Mastery on the AP test gives the student the opportunity to earn college credit. Although taking the test is not mandatory, it is our expectation that students enrolled into this class with the intention to take the test. Official Link to the APHG Course Guide:
https://secure­media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap­world­history­course­and­exam­description.pdf Key Concepts will be taught in each of the following units: This course covers the following topics: 1. Geography: Its Nature and Perspectives (5%–10%) ●
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Geography as a field of inquiry Major geographical concepts underlying the geographical perspective: location, space, place, scale, pattern, nature and society, regionalization, globalization, and gender issues ● Key geographical skills ● Use of geospatial technologies, such as GIS, remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS), and online maps ● Sources of geographical information and ideas: the field, census data, online data, aerial photography, and satellite imagery ● Identification of major world regions 2. Population (13%–17%) ●
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Geographical analysis of population Population growth and decline over time and space Migration 3. Cultural Patterns and Processes (13%–17%) ● Concepts of culture ● Cultural differences and regional patterns ● Cultural landscapes and cultural identity 4. Political Organization of Space (13%–17%) ● Territorial dimensions of politics ● Evolution of the contemporary political pattern ● Challenges to inherited political­territorial arrangements 5. Agricultural and Rural Land Use (13%–17%) ● Development and diffusion of agriculture ● Major agricultural production regions ● Rural land use and settlement patterns ● Issues in contemporary commercial agriculture 6. Industrialization and Economic Development (13%–17%) ● Growth and diffusion of industrialization ● Social and economic measures of development ● Contemporary patterns and impacts of industrialization and development 7. Cities and Urban Land Use (13%–17%) ●
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Development and characters of cities Models of urban hierarchies: reasons for the distribution and size of cities Models of internal city structure and urban development: strengths and limitations of models Built environment and social space Contemporary urban issues Tentative Outline of Units to be Covered & Testing Dates: ​Students will be given a detailed outline for each unit at the start of study. This will contain all pertinent dates, readings, and Essential Knowledge. The AP Human Geography Exam: