What in the world? A World Geography Syllabus.
World Geography is a class for all people. As we look at different regions of the world we will look at the earth science, history, literature, culture, government, and economics of the 195 different countries we share a planet with. If you ever plan to travel or just plan to sit at home on the internet all day, this class will help you better navigate the globalized society we live in.
World Geography
Year: 2018 – 2019
Teacher: Miss Young
Email: vyoung@staff.gtchs.org
Office Hours: Wednesday after school or by appointment
Course Description:
In the study of world geography, students utilize physical and cultural perspectives to examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international levels. Students describe the influence of geography on the events of the past and present with emphasis on contemporary issues. A significant portion of the course centers around the physical processes that shape patterns in the physical environment; the characteristics of major landforms, climates, and ecosystems and interrelationships; the political, economic, and social processes that shape cultural patterns of regions; types and patterns of settlement; the distribution of movement of world population; relationships among people, places, and environments; and the concept of religion. Students analyze how location affects economic activities in different economic systems. Students identify the processes that influence the world’s political divisions and they analyze how different points of view affect the development of public policies. Students compare how components of culture shape the regional characteristics and analyze the impact of technology and human modifications on the physical environment. Students use problem-solving and decision-making skills to ask and answer geographic questions.
The use of a variety of rich primary and secondary source materials such as contemporary and historic maps of various types, satellite-produced images, photographs, graphs, diagrams, and power point presentations will all be utilized throughout the year.
In short, the study of world geography uses an examination of past and modern societies as the basis for learning and mastering specific concepts of culture, government, economics, religion, and language.
Course Goal: To gain a working knowledge of our physical environment and its impact on our history and lifestyles, thus allowing us to better understand the nature of the world and the events that take place in it.
Objectives: At the end of this course, students will be able to ---
1. Demonstrate a knowledge of location, physical geography, and cultural geography of different regions around the world
2. Analyze the importance of human environmental interaction and its impact on current events
3. Demonstrate knowledge of varied concepts within geography and how each are interrelated
4. Develop skills in the use of primary and secondary sources to acquire and process geographic information.
5. Gain and apply a global awareness and understand the significance of living in a globalized, technologically bounded world.
Grading
A 90 – 100
B 80 – 89
C 70 – 79
D 60 – 69
F 0 – 59
Tests/Exams 25%
Projects 25%
Quizzes 20%
Classwork 15%
Homework 15%
*There will be one extra credit assignment available per nine weeks upon request.
Late Assignments: Student will have 5 days after an assignment is due to make arrangements with the teacher to complete missing assignment or improve his/her grade. After the 5 days the student will lose opportunity and the assignment will remain a ‘zero’.
Cheating: Cheating is not accepted. Zeros will be given to all students participating in cheating, copying and/or plagiarizing. If a student is caught giving answers they too will receive zeros. (These zeros may not be made up in any way shape or form)
Course Attendance: The attendance policy is outlined in the Greenville Technical Charter High School student handbook. It is important for students to maintain responsibility for any missing work or assignments that transpired during their absence. Just because you weren’t here does not mean you don’t have to do the work!
I encourage you to be the best student that you can be. You will reap the rewards of all your hard work. Social Studies is an amazing topic that will help you develop yourself not only as a student but as an individual. I look forward to a great year!
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Signature indicates syllabus has been read and understood by both the student and parent. At the end of the day it is the student’s responsibility to adhere to the syllabus. Teacher reserves the right to modify syllabus throughout the year.