Ms. Alicia Curlew

Room 100

acurlew@onteora.k12.ny.us

AP Human Geography

2019-2020

 

The purpose of the AP course in Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice.

 

These are the skills addressed in the AP HuG course:

 

1.     Interpret maps and analyze geospatial data.

Geography is concerned with the ways in which patterns on Earth’s surface reflect and influence physical and human processes. As such, maps and geographic information systems (GIS) are fundamental to the discipline, and learning to use and think about them is critical to geographical literacy. The goal is achieved when students learn to use maps and geospatial data to pose and solve problems, and when they learn to think critically about what is revealed and what is hidden in different maps and GIS applications.

 

2.     Understand and explain the implications of associations and networks among phenomena in places.

Geography looks at the world from a spatial perspective, seeking to understand the changing spatial organization and material character of Earth’s surface. One of the critical advantages of a spatial perspective is the attention it focuses on how phenomena are related to one another in particular places. Students should thus learn not just to recognize and interpret patterns but to assess the nature and significance of the relationships among phenomena that occur in the same place, and to understand how cultural values, political regulations, and economic constraints work together to create particular landscapes.

 

3.     Recognize and interpret the relationships among patterns and processes at different scales of analysis.

Geographical analysis requires a sensitivity to scale, not just as a spatial category but as a framework for understanding how events and processes at different scales influence one another. Thus students should understand that  the phenomena they are studying at one scale (e.g., local) may well be influenced by processes and developments at other scales (e.g., global, regional, national, state or provincial). They should then look at processes operating at multiple scales when seeking explanations of geographic patterns and arrangements.

 

4.     Define regions and evaluate the regionalization process.

Geography is concerned not simply with describing patterns but with analyzing how they came about and what they mean. Students should see regions as objects of analysis and exploration and move beyond simply locating and describing regions to considering how and why they come into being and what they reveal about the changing character of the world in which we live.

 

5.     Characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places.

At the heart of a geographical perspective is a concern with the ways in which events and processes operating in one place can influence those operating at other places. Thus students should view places and patterns not in isolation but in terms of their spatial and functional relationship with other places and patterns. Moreover they should strive to be aware that those relationships are constantly changing, and they should understand how and why change occurs.

 

The course covers the following topics:

 

●     Geography: Its Nature and Perspectives

●     Population & Migration

●     Cultural Patterns and Processes

●     Political Organization of Space

●     Agricultural and Rural Land Use

●     Industrialization and Economic Development

●     Cities and Urban Land Use

 

This is an advanced placement elective in social studies.  Students will earn a full social studies credit upon successful completion of the course.  This credit may not replace the required courses in social studies.  Students will be able to take the AP Exam on May 5 2020.  Please anticipate a cost of approximately $90.

 

Grading policy:

 

Tests                           20%

Quizzes                       20%

Essays & Projects       30%

Minor Assignments     10%

Participation                20%

 

Late work will be accepted, but will only earn half-credit.

 

Required supplies:

Notebook- either binder/section in binder or spiral and folder

Writing utensils- pens and pencils, perhaps some colored pencils or markers at home

Index cards- you’ll need lots of these to use throughout the year

Chromebook with school google account

AP Government & Politics

 

Welcome, seniors, to AP Government & Politics.  This course, in addition to being an Advanced Placement course, replaces the required course in civics.  Civics is the study of citizenship, government, public policy, politics, and economics.  This course fulfills the social studies requirement for 12^th graders; you must pass this course or the civics course to graduate.

 

Course Outline

1^st Quarter-    Constitutional Development

Theories of Modern Government, the Constitution, Federalism, Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

 

2^nd Quarter-   Institutions of Modern Government

The Presidency, Legislature, and Judiciary, and the Bureaucracy

 

3^rd Quarter-    The Political Process & Political Beliefs

                        Politics:  Media & Public Opinion, Interest Groups & Money in Politics, Voting & Elections, Political Parties

 

4^th Quarter-    Public Policy & State and Local Politics & Economics

Introduction to Economics, Fiscal Policy, Monetary Policy

                        Foreign Trade & Foreign Policy, Public Policy Issues

 

In addition to these topics, the course has some unique requirements.  For example, each student is required to submit a senior thesis on a public policy issue of his or her choice (after presenting an oral argument).  Also, students are required to arrange for and participate in 8 hours of community service and attend a government meeting.  This course also includes a final exam.

 

We will be talking about the thesis very soon- students are expected to work on the thesis all year long.  Take care to choose a topic that interests you.

 

 

Student Responsibilities

1.  Attendance in class is essential.  Students are expected to be present in class on a daily basis (even after the AP exam).  Tardiness to class (especially 1^st period) will not be tolerated.  Avoid unnecessary absences- the college application and decision process will likely require that you miss some school days- be conservative when deciding to stay home from school for reasons other than college visits and illness.

2.  Participation in class is essential.  Students are expected to conduct themselves maturely, monitor their own behavior, and foster learning and inquiry in themselves and their peers.

3.  Assigned work is essential.  Late work will earn no more than half credit.  Students should be prepared to discuss their work in class on the day it is due. All work should represent a student’s best effort. 

4.  Assigned reading is essential.  The purpose for reading is the acquisition of information.  Students will be quizzed on every reading assignment.

5.  Missed work:  It is the student’s responsibility to seek out any missed work or information from classmates or the teacher.  Papers and presentations are due upon returning to school.

 

 

Plagiarism

There is ZERO TOLERANCE for academic dishonesty and plagiarism in this class.  Make sure your work is your own.  If a student is caught cheating or passing off someone else’s work as his or her own, the student will receive a zero for the assignment in question and possibly face further consequences.

 

1^st Quarter Grading

 

4 papers (10 points each)                40 points

           

Summer work                                   20 points

           

1 exam                                                15 points

           

1 oral presentation                           15 points

 

Quizzes/assignments                      10 points

                       

____________________________________________

Total                                                   100 points

 

Participation points may be added for exemplary participation; participation points may be subtracted for poor attendance, tardiness, lack of participation in class, lateness of work, or other distractions.

 Welcome to

Global History and Geography

 

Welcome to 10^th grade Global Studies!   This year we will study the history of the world from the Age of Absolutism to the present, constantly asking the following question:  How did we get here? 

  

Throughout the year, let’s think about how history is relevant to our lives today.  We will be using projects, documents, essay writing, movies, readings, lectures, and discussions to learn about the past and the present.  This is a Regents class and we all want to feel confident and prepared for the exam in June.  The Regents covers the history and geography of the world from 1750 to the present.  We will be working on several new skills as we approach a new Regents this year.

 

 

Student Responsibilities

1.  Attendance in class is essential.  You cannot pass if you don’t come.  Be on time!

2.  Participation in class is essential.  You cannot pass if you don’t participate.

3.  Assigned work is essential.  You cannot pass the class without doing the work.

4.  Missed work:  It is the student’s responsibility to seek out any missed work or information from classmates or the teacher.  Tests must be made up in the learning center within one week.  Papers and presentations are due upon returning to school.

If you are absent for a length of time, or if you know you are going to be absent in advance, please contact us in person or by email. 

 

 

Supplies

Students should bring to class every day a binder with lined paper and writing utensils.  You will need your chromebooks in class frequently- please bring them to class (charged) daily.

 

 

Plagiarism

There is ZERO TOLERANCE for academic dishonesty and plagiarism in this class.  Make sure your work is your own.  If a student is caught cheating or passing off someone else’s work as his or her own, the student will receive a zero for the assignment in question and possibly face further consequences.

 

 

 

Technology Policy

We will use our Chromebooks in class as the need arises.  If you are not instructed to have your Chromebook out it should be put away.  Students will not be permitted to take notes in class on Chromebooks unless individual circumstances require that accommodation.  The use of personal devices such as phones and tablets is not permitted during class.  These devices should be silenced and put away during class time.  An exception will be made on testing days- you may use your phone or tablet quietly in class if you finish a test or quiz early.  Students violating this policy will earn lower participation grades and will face consequences as per the student handbook.

 

1^st Quarter Grading

 

Essays                                                20 %

Tests                                                   20 %

Assignments and quizzes               40%

Participation                                     20%

 

Total                                                   100%

 

 

You can be very successful in this class if you want to be.  Show up on time, treat yourselves and other people well, put some thought into your work, ask for help if you need it, and complete your assignments.  Please let us know if you would like extra help and we will arrange that with you. 

 

Let’s have a great year!