World Geography Syllabus

http://drodriguez8.tripod.com

Course Description

In World Geography, students will study both physical and human geography.  Physical geography focuses on the earth’s physical features, such as rivers, lakes and mountains, while human geography is the study of human activities including social customs, traditions, economic patterns, governments and environmental interaction. 

Not only will this course prepare students for future social studies classes such as World History and United States History, but, some of the knowledge and skill acquired will be tested on the TAKS TEST a requirement for graduation.

The Content Standards

Essential Element I: The World in Spatial Terms

Geography studies the relationships between people, places, and environments by mapping information about them into a spatial context. The geographically informed person knows and understands:

1. How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective

2. How to use mental maps to organize information about people, places, and environments on Earth’s surface

3. How to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and environments on Earth’s surface

Essential Element II: Places and Regions

The identities and lives of individuals and peoples are rooted in particular places and in those human constructs that are identified as regions.  The geographically informed person knows and understands:

4. The physical and human characteristics of places

5. That people create regions to interpret Earth’s complexity

6. How culture and experience influence people’s perceptions of places and regions

Essential Element III: Physical Systems

Physical processes shape Earth’s surface and interact with plant and animal life to create, sustain, and modify the ecosystems.  The geographically informed person knows and understands:

7. The physical processes that shape the patterns of Earth’s surface

8. The characteristics and spatial distribution of ecosystems on Earth’s surface

Essential Element IV: Human Systems

People are central to geography in that human activities help shape Earth’s surface, human settlements and structures are part of Earth’s surface, and humans compete for control of Earth’s surface. The geographically informed person knows and understands:

9. The characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth’s surface

10. The characteristics, distribution, and complexity of Earth’s cultural mosaics

11. The patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth’s surface

12. The processes, patterns, and functions of human settlement

13. How the forces of cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of Earth’s surface

Essential Element V: Environment and Society

The physical environment is modified by human activities, largely as a consequence of the ways in which human societies value and use Earth’s natural resources, and human activities, likewise, are influenced by Earth’s physical features and processes. The geographically informed person knows and understands:

14. How human actions modify the physical environment

15. How physical systems affect human systems

16. The changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources

Essential Element VI: The Uses of Geography

Knowledge of geography enables people to develop an understanding of the relationships between people, places, and environments over time—that is, of Earth as it was, is, and might The geographically informed person knows and understands:

17. How to apply geography to interpret the past

18. How to apply geography to interpret the present and plan for the future

CLASSROOM RULES!

zAttend all classes, regularly and on time.

zFollow Directions

zBeing prepared for each class with appropriate materials & assignments.

zShowing courtesy and respect towards others.

zBeing appropriately dressed and groomed.

zWear school ID at all times

POSITIVE REWARDS

zVerbal Written Praise

zRadio

zSchool activities

zHomework Coupons

zIncentives Candy Treats stickers pencils, etc.

DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES

Verbal Warning

zDiscipline Progress Report

zStudent-Teacher conference

zParent/Guardian conference with teacher via phone or at school

zParent/Guardian conference with teacher at school refer student to counselor

zSEVERE OFFENSE/ ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

Course Assessment

Tests                                        50%

Midterm/Final Exam                 25%

Daily Work                              25%

Conference Period and Information

The Teacher’s conference period is from 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. weekdays.  Please schedule an appointment by e-mail at drodriguez@uisd.net or (956) 235-0736 for your convenience.  Also, check the class website at http://drodriguez8.tripod.com

Tutoring

The teacher will be available for tutoring on Monday and Wednesday, beginning at 8:15 A.M. or by scheduling an appointment

Late assignments / Failing Grades / Progress Reports

Absolutely NO late assignments will be allowed.  Ample time will be given to finish the student’s assignments as well as opportunity to submit them. (1 Week).  If a student’s average falls below a 70, parents will be contacted.  Progress reports will be issued at least once every three weeks, theses must be signed and returned to the teacher. 

Tests and Make-up Tests

Usually, there will be between three to five test grades (including projects) per 9 weeks.  Make-up tests will not be offered except in case of an excuse absence.  It is the student’s responsibility to request such a make-up exam before a week has transpired.  The key to getting a good grade on this class is to study hard on tests; a simple reading of the review will not suffice.  Remember, tests represent 50% of your grade.

Extra Credit

Opportunity for extra credit will be given to those students that merit such reward only.  Hall pass, attendance, and class attitude will be used to determine such eligibility.

Course Supplies

Students are required to bring a notebook with dividers, pens, and map coloring pencils (No Crayons please).  Also a blank CD-R will be extremely helpful (electronic textbook and assignments)