GHS 2016-17
Course Syllabus
Pre-AP World Geography/World Geography
Contact Information:
Kevin Spruill
GHS Rm. 221
943-5100, Ext. 7077
mailto:
Tutorials times: TBA
My Mission
Georgetown HS, Room 221 will provide a positive student- centered environment in which all students develop academic skills, practical skills, and attitudes to enable them to be successful lifelong learners and productive, responsible citizens in a diverse society. I pledge my resources to create a school year where my students are actively engaged in the process of learning in a multicultural setting.
A. Course Goals
How to evaluate and support a point of view
How to analyze a primary source document
How to read for content
Understand the global impact of globalization
How to apply geography to interpret the past
How to apply geography to interpret the present and plan for the future
How human actions modify the physical environment and how the environment influences human culture
Current events
The patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth’s surface
The characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on earth’s surface
B. Course Description:
In World Geography Studies, students examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international scales from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography. Students describe the influence of geography on events of the past and present. A significant portion of the course centers around the physical processes that shape patterns in the physical environment; the characteristics of major land forms, climates, and ecosystems and their interrelationships; the political, economic, and social processes that shape cultural patterns of regions; types and patterns of settlement; the distribution and movement of world population; relationships among people, places, and environments; and the concept of region. Students analyze how location affects economic activities in different economic systems throughout the world. Students identify the processes that influence political divisions of the planet and analyze how different points of view affect the development of public policies. Students compare how components of culture shape the characteristics of regions 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.
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C. Materials Needed Each Day:
1. Blue and/or Black pens
2. #2 pencils
3. College-ruled paper
4. 1” 3-ring binder (to solely be used for this class)
6. Composition Book
D. Grading Policy
Test/Major Projects = 70%
Daily Work = 30%
1. Test/Major Projects (70%)
All test and major projects, with exception to the notebook grade, will be announced at least one week in advance. Notebooks will be graded at least once per 9 weeks and will be unannounced. Therefore, it is imperative you bring your notebook to class everyday. All test and major projects are designed to allow you to show me what you have learned. Think of this category as the game – where you get to play.
2. Daily Work (30%)
Daily work includes all work that is graded that is not a test or major project. Quizzes, homework, class work, etc. will be counted as daily work. All daily work is assigned to strengthen your understanding of the content in order to help prepare you for all test and projects. Think of this category as practice – you work with help from your peers and me.
Due to the number of quizzes given each semester and student will not make up a missed quiz. The next quiz will count double.
E. Late and Make up Work
Please note: The grade for all make up work after truancy will be a zero. Truancy is defined as being absent from school without the parent’s permission or absent from school without the principal’s permission.
If you are absent from World Geography for any reason please check my website to see any work you have missed. You must also see me when concerning any work you have missed from your absence. If you know you are going to be absent from World Geography, please see me beforehand concerning work that you will miss. Missing just one class on the A/B schedule can result in you getting significantly behind. Failure to complete all late and make up work within the allotted time frames will result in a zero for that assignment. Again, it is your responsibility to both check the website and see me when you are absent.
1. Test/Major Projects (70%)
All assignments in this category will be announced and/or posted at least one week in advance.
It is your responsibility to see/notify me. (Come by, email, or call.)Make-up assignments in this category will be done at a mutual convenient time for the student and teacher (before or after school, during student’s lunch, etc.)
a. Failed Test Policy
Students are allowed to retake 1 test (not a project or final exam) per 9-weeks for a maximum score of a 70. Students have 3 days to retake the test from the time the original test is returned. Retakes are not allowed during the regular class time. Retakes are given before, after school or can be arranged during Eagle Time.
2. Daily Work (30%)
All daily work is due upon the due date. If you are absent, then you will have. Again, it is your responsibility to see me regarding what you have missed. For assignments that are not considered make-up work, the following penalties apply:
- 10% for the first day
- 20% for the second day
- 0 credit for the third day
F. Class Rules
a. Be on time
b. Be prepared – physically and mentally.
c. Follow all student handbook rules.
d. Be respectful at all times.
e. Cell Phones: see below
All major infractions of the handbook will be followed according to handbook policy. All minor infractions (being disruptive, unprepared, disrespectful, etc.) will be handled in class.
G. Tardies
Tardies will be handled according to the school policy. If you have an unexcused tardy, you may not make up a quiz that the tardy caused you to miss.
H. Cell Phone policy
Georgetown ISD has a strict Cell Phone during exam times. Please see Student Handbook
I. Tutorials
TBA
J. Textbook Title
World Geography: Texas Edition. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell, Houghton Mifflin, 2003.
K. Course Content:
See scope and sequence handout
L. Miscellaneous
The teacher reserves the right the change information in the syllabus. If the teacher changes anything, all students will be informed.
M. VIDEO POLICY
WE WILL USE SEGMENTS OF CNN STUDENT NEWS, SHORT CLIPS FROM YOUTUBE, PLANET EARTH, AND VARIOUS TRAVEL SHOWS
HOLLYWOOD STYLE MOVIE: ALL WORLD GEOGRAPHY CLASSES WILL SHOW
HOTEL RWANDA (RATED PG 13) IN THE SECOND SEMESTER
Parents/Guardians,
Please keep the top portion of this paper and sign and return the bottom portion with your child. Your signature indicates that you have read and understand the contents of this syllabus.
______
Parent/Guardian Name