World Geography Pre-AP Syllabus
2015-2016
TEACHER: Christine Badillo
ROOM: 1317
CONFERENCE PERIOD: 1st Period (7:30-8:20)
E-MAIL:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The curriculum of World Geography focuses on two major points. First, students should develop the ability to use geographical information and understand and use map skills. Second, students should gain insight and reasoning of the economy, geography, and cultures that influence our world, its countries, and its people.
COURSE OUTLINE:
First Semester
Unit 1: The World
Unit 2: The United States and Canada
Unit 3: Latin America
Unit 4: Europe & Russia
Second Semester
Unit 6: Africa South of the Sahara
Unit 5: N. Africa, SW Central Asia
Unit 7: South Asia
Unit 8: East Asia
Unit 9: SE Asia & The Pacific
**Course outline is subject to change at teacher discretion. Verbal announcements will be made in class regarding course outline changes.
MATERIALS:
Textbook
-World Geography textbook by McGraw Hill (Text assigned by FBISD)
-any supplementary literature assigned by the teacher
-the textbook is available online (see me for student username & password)
Supplies(due Friday, 8/28)
- Binder and 10 divider (we will set up a required geography binder)
- One single subject or 100 page spiral (no composition notebooks)
- Loose-leaf notebook paper, preferably college-ruled (not in a spiral)
- Each class is asked to provide one other supply that is available for all class periods.
2nd period: Poster boards (preferably white)
3rd period: Poster boards (preferably white)
4th period: Construction Paper (multiple colors)
5th period: Pencils (pre-sharpened or mechanical is preferable)
6th period: Pencils (pre-sharpened or mechanical is preferable)
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
Cell Phone/Electronics
These are allowed for educational purposes only. You will be able to use these with the teacher’s explicit instruction ONLY. Otherwise, all electronics will be confiscated.
Behavior
Students will show up for class on time and with all materials. Students will stay awake during class. During lectures, students will take notes. Students will respect the property of Clements, Mrs. Badillo, and all other classmates (you break, you buy).
GRADING POLICY:
Grades will be determined as follows
Major Grades = 50% of average (minimum of three per nine weeks)
-Tests, individual or group projects/presentations, etc.
Daily Grades = 50% of average (minimum of eleven per nine weeks)
-Quizzes, homework assignments*, class-time assignments, etc.
*Homework is graded as follows
100% complete = √ 50 points
Incomplete = √- 25 points
Never turned in = - 0 points
~Two homework assignments will be totaled to make one daily grade.
(Example: √, √- = 75)
~Pop quizzes will count as 50 points of a daily grade.
REASSESSMENT POLICY:
Per FBISD, any student who earns below a 75 on a major grade summative assessment has the opportunity to be reassessed. The Geography team’s policy is as follows:
-A reassessment date & time will be announced when test grades are passed back. Students MUST sign-up for a re-testing time. No walk-ins will be allowed.
-It will take place one day with both an AM and PM slot available. It is your decision if this is a priority. The student will have to complete the re-test in the allotted time frame.
-It is the student’s responsibility to come in for tutorials prior to the re-testing day.
-The student can earn up to a maximum grade of 75 on the re-test.
MAKE-UP POLICY:
Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. It must be picked up the day the student returns to school. The student will have the same amount of days he/she was absent to turn the work in. If the student fails to do so, he/she will fall under the late work policy. Tests are announced at least one week in advance; therefore, if missed, tests will be made up the day the student returns. Additionally, any work that was assigned or due prior to the absence will be due the day the student returns. Tests and quizzes will be made up before or after school by appointment with the teacher.
Students can monitor class assignments, due dates, and additional resources on my webpage www.geowithbadillo.weebly.com. Updates and uploads are made as needed. Class assignments (i.e. PowerPoints) will not be added until after they are completed in class. Due to copyright laws not all items will be posted so check the classroom make-up folders as well. Please become familiar with my site.
In addition to the website, I keep a monthly calendar in the classroom; and, the daily agenda with homework assignments is posted at all times. There is no excuse for not having your homework or being prepared for a test or quiz!
LATE WORK POLICY:
If a student does not turn in his/her assignment on the due date, at the beginning of class, it will be counted late. This is the Social Studies Department honors course policy.
Major Grades
- 1 day late: 30 points deducted
- 2 days late: Not accepted!
Daily Grades
- 1 day late: Not accepted!
** Computer excuses will not be accepted!
Signature Page
(Please sign and return by Friday, August 28th)
Pre-AP World Geography is a course designed for students who enjoy social studies, take good notes, and internalize large amounts of information easily. While meeting the state requirements, Pre-AP World Geography is carefully designed to better prepare students for continued success in the College Board Advanced Placement program at Clements High School. This course aims to develop the student’s ability to view geography with a perceptive and open intelligence, and develop a balanced understanding of the interrelationships and uniqueness of earth’s cultures. Our goal is to develop responsible global citizens.
Unlike the regular World Geography course, emphasis in Pre-AP is placed on creative thinking, independent research, and oral and written skills. Students go far beyond normal expectations of digesting the information in the textbook by reading more primary and secondary sources, writing more essays, analyzing and drawing conclusions from document-based questions, and using more critical-thinking skills. These are the types of skills they will need on the Advanced Placement exams in the coming years. Students must be able to demonstrate preparation for college-oriented writing and thinking.
I am looking forward to a tremendous year with you at Clements High School!
Academic Honesty and Integrity in Pre-AP World Geography
Students will be held to the highest academic and ethical standards. Please see our student handbook for a complete explanation of consequences regarding cheating.
Please read, sign, and return the following oath regarding academic honesty in AP Human Geography Class:
I, ______, confirm that I will not give nor receive any unfair advantage
(Print Name)
regarding my grades or the grades of another student. All of the work that I produce or submit in Pre-AP World Geography Class will be my original work created with my own efforts and ideas.
Your signature below indicates that you have read the entire syllabus and understand the policies of the World Geography team and expectations of students who take this course.
______
Student Signature Date
______
Please Print Parent(s) Name Parent Signature
______
First Choice Parent Email Address First Choice Number to Reach Parent