Geography

Course Description/Overview/Welcome Statement

Geography is described as the study of the “why of the where.” Geography will explore how to use geography as a tool to better understand the world in which we live. Students will learn to evaluate and question the why and where of spatial perceptions that are read, seen, and heard. The six standards identified below are best understood when using the following geographic themes: location, place, movement, region, and human-environmental interaction.  A semester-long course will include map skills with physical and human geography essentials, beginning with North America, South America, Europe, and their connections to other world regions. The year-long course continues to use previously learned geography skills connected to the remaining areas of the world.

Course Title: Geography

Credit Type: G, NCAA

Credit Amount: 0.5

Grade Level: 9

Learning Expectations

It is expected that students will become familiar with Geography & its five themes, namely Location, Place, Region, Movement, & Human/Environmental Interactions. Through the study of these themes, students will become proficient in the Utah Education Network’s core geography standards. This means they will understand:

•  the world in spatial terms
•  the human & physical characteristics of places & regions
• how physical processes shape the earth’s surface
• how human activities shape the earth’s surface
• the interaction of physical & human systems
• …& how to apply geographic concepts to today’s world

Assessment of Progress

Formative Assessments: These will include daily quizzes on the basics of material covered & both writing prompts & activities designed to encourage academic growth & geographic proficiency.

Summative Assessments: Summative assessments will be performed during the last week of every term – in the days leading up to October 18th & January 12th for the first semester, & March 16th & May 25th for the second semester. These assessments will require students to rigorously apply the skills they have been learning throughout the related term, & will account for the point equivalent of an entire letter grade.

Course Materials

It is expected that students will provide their own writing utensil (pencil or pen) & a lined-paper notebook for use in class. Supplementary texts, worksheets, & other materials will be provided for the student.

Classroom Procedures

In general, students should conform to the following behavior while in class:

Be Prompt: It is expected that students will be on time to class. This is necessary in order to facilitate the effective use of our time & to minimize disruptions. Any work that is missed as a result of tardiness or absence will have to be made up within a week of the original assignment’s date, & class notes must be obtained from student-peers. Should extenuating circumstances apply, please feel free to discuss them with the instructor & we will work together to find solutions.

Be Prepared: It is expected that students will come to class with necessary materials (writing utensil & notebook) each day. Although we will endeavor to keep homework to a minimum, it is expected that when it is assigned the student will bring it completed on the corresponding due date.

Participate: Taking part in class discussions & activities is a requirement of this course. This does not mean that students must constantly raise their hands or share deeply held opinions, but it does mean that they should be engaged in what is going on. Active listening, note-taking & a willingness to add their voice to the conversation will be necessary to the learning environment we hope to create.

Be Respectful: Every person in the classroom has a right to expect that they will be safe. Bullying, inappropriate language & general disruption will not be tolerated.

Calendar of Due Dates for Major Assignments

As outlined above in the section Assessment of Progress & Achievement, there will be a major summative assessment at the close of each Quarter.

Progress Reports and Report Cards

It is the policy of Provo School District that Powerschool be updated at least once a week, making it the best place for students & their parents to monitor progress throughout this course. If anything seems amiss, please do not hesitate to contact me using the information in the section below; I will be more than happy to work things out with you.

Connecting Home to School

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about either this syllabus or the course in general.

Phone: 801-373-6550 ext. 3386

Email: stevent@provo.edu

Personal Statement and other items (optional)