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SGT Mitchell Gerken » AP Human Geography

AP Human Geography

North Davidson High School

Advanced Placement Human Geography Syllabus


Instructor: Mitchell Gerken, BA Secondary Education University of North Carolina Greensboro, Sgt Marine Corps

Phone: (336) 731-8431 ext. 8549

Remind: gerkhumgeo

Email: [email protected]

AP Exam Date 2024: May TBD


                    


Description: 

AP Human Geography is an introductory college course that could earn credit for an elective human geography course. The exam assumes that you have taken the equivalent of one semester of college-level preparation. The purpose of this course is to introduce you to a systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human’s understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface. You will look spatially at the Earth to analyze human’s organization of space and environmental consequences of their decisions. You will be looking for patterns across the cultural landscape, trying to identify trends and anticipate future phenomena. So, in short, we get that chance to study why the world works in the way it does and where our place is in the world. Former students have loved learning about other cultures and viewing the landscape of these countries. We discuss major current events, so in a way this may be the most relevant course you will take in high school!  


Standards:

Upon completion of the APHG course students 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 cultures and the effects of globalization

Topics to be covered are:

  • Introduction to Geography (1 week)
  • Population and Migration (2-3 weeks)
  • Cultural Patterns and Processes (2-3 weeks)
  • Political Organization of Space (2-3 weeks)
  • Agricultural and Rural Land Use (1-2 weeks)
  • Cities and Urban Land Use (2-3 weeks)
  • Economic Development and Industry (2 weeks)

Texts Used:

Bendarz, S., Bockenhauer, M., & Hiebert, F. (2020). Human geography A spatial perspective AP edition. Mason, OH: CENGAGE Learning Custom Publishing. (classroom sets)

Palmer, David. Advanced Placement Human Geography. AMSCO Publications, 2017. (classroom sets)

**I reserve the right to use additional sources to prepare my lessons**


Teaching Strategies:


This course will feature a mixture of lecture, instructional video, project-based learning, and student activities. I will be using two different methods for testing. Free-response questions (FRQs) comprise 50% of the AP exam, all unit tests will include at least 1 FRQ. Students will practice these FRQs sporadically throughout the course, and they will be graded using the same scoring guideline that College Board uses to grade the AP exams. Your exams will also include approximately 60 MC questions each unit and you will have only 1 hour to complete these questions. Multiple Choice makes up the other 50% of the AP exam. Also keep in mind that all of my unit tests will have 5 answer choices to prepare you for this format in May. It may take a bit to become comfortable with, but I promise by the exam you will be more than prepared.


Grading:


Major (Tests, Midterm, Projects, Researched Debates): 70%

Minor (Quizzes, Classroom Activities, Map Activities, etc.): 30%

The AP grading scale will be the same as the NC state standard grading scale.

  1. 90-100
  2. 80-89
  3. 70-79
  4. 60-69
  5. 59 and below

Students can expect the following during each of the units of study:

Each unit will include multiple map activities, open note quizzes, debates and discussions, reading guides, and a unit test. This class covers a lot of material and constantly changing current events, so it is imperative for students to stay on task and complete assignments in a timely manner. While there may be college level work involved in this class to prepare you for future AP courses and college level courses, the material in itself is not difficult. The material we learn is important, and I promise that you will take what you know with you in whatever path you take in life. We discuss many different cultures, religions, languages, political systems, and view cultural landscapes across the globe. We talk about fun traditions across the world but also spend time tackling difficult topics like ethnic conflicts, genocides, and female gendercide. It is important not only to the curriculum but to the understanding of our world.  


Expectations


  1. All school policies will be enforced.

  1. Behavior: You will follow the RAFT model as posted here and on the wall within the classroom. Failure to follow the outlined model will result in parental contact or further disciplinary action. RAFT stands for:

R: Respect Everyone/Everything.

A: Allow for Growth.

F: Follow School and Class Procedures. 

T: Timeliness is Expected.

We will expand on each section of RAFT in class during the orientation week. 



  1. Attendance: To succeed in this class (or anywhere else in life), you need to be present. If you cannot make it to school, you will have five work days to complete Course Work or Homework. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed during your absence by looking at the canvas page. Quizzes and tests will be available to make up upon request. 

  1. Participation: I encourage active involvement in class discussions and activities. High levels of constructive participation will be rewarded and participation is a part of the In Course/Homework grade. This includes looking at the PowerPoints for the day before the class and doing the daily bellringer.

  1. Canvas: You will need to have your school email address/password and Power School login/password available because we will actively be using Canvas at home and school as per county requirements. Some of your assignments, almost all quizzes, and most of your tests will be made through the Canvas regularly. 

  1. Office Hours:  Wednesdays 3:30-5 pm (Subject to adjustment for Coaching) 
  • In-Person or Online

  1. Extra Credit: Extra Credit will be available throughout the semester. However,  the assignments must be timely and followed through completely to receive any points towards Major Grades. 

  1. Personal Cell Phones/Smart Devices: There is always a time and place for things, but using these devices during instruction or group work outside of scholastic use is not one of them! They will be put in a coordinating cell phone pocket at the front of class outside of direct emergencies or for pre arranged reasons. This will be used for attendance for each day. They will not be taken to the restroom and will be used as a ticket for a pass.  Refusal to do so will be a write-up if it is a habit. Furthermore, refusing to hand over a phone when requested will result in a suspension as per school and county guidance. 



Communications:

  1.  Remind will be the preferred and used method to reach out to students for announcements. Parents may join Remind to stay in any loop. 
  2.  Grades are the student's responsibility and will not be emailed or called about, they are always accessible by either parents or students at any time and are updated sub weekly and timely. 
  3. Behavior problems depending on acuteness and severity will be addressed to parents first if possible by email or phone. 


Materials Needed:

  • Hole Punched Comprehension Notebook/ Loose Leaf Ruled Paper (Hand written Notes) 
  • Pencil
  • Colored Pen
  • Highlighter
  • 1-3 inch Ring Binder
  • Access to college Board with school email


Class Asks: 

Paper Towels

Tissues

Hand Sanitizer