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Advanced Placement Human Geography
Dear Parents/Guardians:
I am very excited that you and your child have set up a path for them in high school to reach their full potential, be challenged academically, and potentially earn college credit by taking Advanced Placement Human Geography. I write this letter to introduce myself and give you some important information. I have provided your child with the course syllabus and unit calendar today, which should be kept in their binder throughout the duration of the course.
In AP Human Geography, students will learn tools, concepts, and methods of inquiry to analyze geographic patterns and processes of human beings and their interactions with the environment. They will learn key concepts in economics, industry, politics, migration patterns, population patterns, demographics, urban planning, environmental issues, historical events, agriculture, globalization, and culture.
Advanced Placement Human Geography is a college-level course designed so that students may potentially earn college credit by taking the AP Human Geography exam. The exam is administered by the College Board on May 18, 2018 at 8:00 am. The goal of this course is to prepare all students for success on this exam, and it is a district expectation that all students enrolled in an AP course register and take the AP exam.
Students who score a 3 or better on the AP exam will earn college credit for the course, if the student plans to attend a public university in Texas. Out of state and private university policies vary depending on the school and department, but most offer credit. As this is a college level course, there will be many expectations placed on the students that they have probably yet to encounter in their academic career. The responsibility for managing their time, taking notes, studying outside of class, paying attention to the news, researching projects, checking my website, reading the required materials, and preparing for unit and map tests will all fall on them now.
As far as the grading in this course goes, students will need to take it upon themselves to excel in this course in order to earn a passing grade. A student that produces average work will receive an average grade. If a student is used to doing just enough to get by, they will find themselves struggling. Students must read their textbook in order to pass reading quizzes and tests, and must spend time reviewing what they have read multiple times in order to score an 80 or higher on assessments.
Paying attention in class, taking notes from lectures, and being a passive learner will no longer be enough for the A’s you might be used to seeing on report cards.
Although this is a Social Studies class, there will be a heavy amount of reading and writing students will be expected to do in class, at home, and on exams. Students will be expected to read and review course materials every night.
Students will be challenged and engaged in AP Human Geography. The course encourages them to become lifelong learners.
If at any time you or the student has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. In order to make success more likely for everyone involved, effective communication is important. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions at any time during the academic school year.
All of my contact information can be found on the first page of the syllabus, this letter, and on my class website at The easiest way to get in contact with me is by e-mail, and I will always respond in a timely manner. I encourage all parents/guardians to sign-up for my Remind text messages or e-mails, or follow me on Twitter.
Sincerely,
Katherine Cantu
Please fill out this portion of this letter, sign, and have your student return it to me. This serves as an acknowledgement that you have read this letter with your student, and allows me to obtain the most current contact information for you.
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