Course Expectations

Pine View School

AP Human Geography

Ms Jagdish

 

 

Course overview – AP Human Geography is an introductory college-level course. The purpose of this course is to utilize geographic processes to systemically study and understand patterns that are evident in the world in which we live. It is the study of human interaction with the environment. The content is presented thematically and is organized according to economic, cultural, political and urban geography. The approach is spatial and problem oriented. Case studies are drawn from all world regions, with an emphasis on understanding the world in which we live today.

 

Academic Expectations - It should be understood at the outset that the expectations of this class are consistent with those of any Advanced Placement course, and have been approved by the Advanced Placement Board.  Students should expect a workload similar to what they would have if they were to complete this course at the university level. This includes extensive reading, active involvement in class discussions and exercises, note taking, and completion of all assigned research projects.

 

The A.P. Exam - An important goal of this course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam on May 5th 2020.  Students earning a passing grade (3 or better) may earn college credit depending on the post-secondary institution they attend.

 

eTextbook: Rubenstein, James M. The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography. 13th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 2013. Students will be provided their access code for the school year.

 

Supplementary materials:

Newspapers/Periodicals: The Economist and National Geographic

AP Human Geography Prep Book by David Palmer (published by AMSCO)

DVDs: The Power of Place: Geography for the 21st Century series. Produced by Cambridge Studios, 2003.

 

Assessment: The assessment of students’ performance is based on tests, quizzes, news articles, mapping, free-response questions, essays, projects, classwork, homework and daily participation. Students should expect to have some form of homework and/or reading every evening.

 

Homework – Students will be expected to read the assigned readings from the text and complete the study guide and take a short reading quiz the next day.

 

Late Work - Assignments are late if they are not completed before class on the due date.  Late assignments will receive a grade of no higher than 70% value if turned in one day late.  No credit will be given for assignments two or more days late. 

 

Notebook - A student is expected to have a notebook for notes, handouts, homework, maps, vocabulary list etc. This is a handy reference for the AP exam.

Employability - Students lose a daily point if they are absent (unexcused), tardy, do not have materials or assignments, remain off-task etc.  

Grading – Your grade breakdown is as follows:

              Tests/Quizzes – 60%

              Classwork – 20%

              Employability/Organizational Skills/Homework – 20%

Parents can access the Family Access Portal for student grades.

Student Assistance - I am available during Periods 6 and 7 (12:05 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.) in my room.

 

Parent Communication

The best way to communicate is via email. My school email address is Roma.Jagdish@sarasotacountyschools.net  However, I am available during my planning period from 12:05 p.m. through 1:00 p.m. for phone calls or parent conferences.

 

Attendance/Make-up Work

It must be stressed that absences from class will put the student behind in class since a lot of instruction and interactive learning takes place during class.

Excessive absences for tests will be reported to the office and follow-up measures taken.

All assignments due the day of your absence must be turned in upon your return.

All tests taken on the day of the absence must be taken on the day of your return.

Due dates for multiple day absences will be worked out between the student and the teacher via e-mail on the day of the absence.

Make-up tests may not be the same as the original tests given in class. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the make-up test as soon as he/she returns to school.

 

Behavioral Expectations & Rules

• Be an Active Participant – Students should be active participants in the learning process. Students will be expected to take part in class discussions, share their thoughts/opinions, and ask questions that promote student growth.
• Be Respectful of the Classroom and your Classmates –It is essential that the classroom remain a place of respect, between your classmates and teacher. In addition, the classroom is OUR learning environment; treat it with the utmost respect and care!
• Be On-Time and Prepared for Class – Students should be in their seats, ready to begin each class with the required materials when the bell rings.
• No Electronic Devices – Cell phones may be used for instructional purposes only. I will direct students to take out and put away their device as needed. At all other times, cell phones and ear buds should not be visible during the instructional period. I collect cell phones during assessments. Unauthorized cell phone use during class time will result in confiscation and returned at the end of the school day. Parents or guardians needing to contact their child in emergencies during the school day should call the Front Office. This is in accordance with the Pine View School’s updated policy.

 

Academic Integrity

 

At Pine View, our dedication to a tradition of excellence is based upon academic integrity. It is important that we all take academic honesty very seriously.  Be assured that all assignments are carefully read and evaluated.  Proper citation of research is expected.

All students are asked to abide by the following statement: “I will uphold the honor code and I understand the consequences if I choose academic dishonesty.”