Geography (Period 4)
Course Description
GEOGRAPHY STUDY PLAN
Teacher G. Guerrero
Class Objective
The purpose of the Geography class is to familiarize students with the world they live in, giving them the opportunity to appreciate natural wonders, as well as understand the make up of different habitats. There will be high expectations on student performance.
All students are expected to come everyday to class, and follow the classroom rules as well as rules governing behavior of The Ruben Salazar High School. It is the students’ responsibility to be on time, turn assignments and actively participate in the learning process.
Students will also be encouraged to set goals for themselves and track their accomplishments, as they learn new skills and build their overall self-esteem.
Course Description
The Geography course is a one-trimester course. It gives the students the opportunity to observe and describe the human and physical characteristics of places around the world. They will realize how people change the environment and at the same time how the environment affects people’s lives.
Content reading will be used as the basis to provide students with continued interactive practice in reading, comprehension, analytical thinking, discussion and composition. This course will provide numerous opportunities for students to meet California Social Studies Standards and prepare them towards passing the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).
Grading Policy
Students will complete an assignment log and will keep all their work in a file. They will have a trimester project to present to the class. All work must be completed in ink and must have name, the date and the assignment labeled. Each completed assignment will be worth a designated number of points. The total number of points will be equivalent to one hundred percent. Students are responsible to complete missed work while absent. Grades could be lowered due to the number of absences or tardiness. The citizenship grade will be determined by behavior in class, attendance and punctuality. Students will get five total credits at the completion of this course.
Required Materials:
* 1 subject – Non spiral notebook (70 – 80 pages) 11 x 9 or 11 x 8 ½
* 2 black ink pen
* Colored pencils
* Textbook
Online Resources: www.nationalgeographics.com
www.glencoe.com/sec/socialstudies/
www.spaceart.com/solar/
World Geography Course of Study
Unit/Chapter Objectives / Standards
Unit 1, Chapter 1
How Geographers Look at the World
Pages 4 - 25
1. Understand the five themes of geography.
2. Use geographic tools and methodologies in various forms.
Unit 1, Chapter 2
Looking at the Earth 1. Describe how sections of the earth’s
Pages 26 - 44 crust move to shape the land surface.
2. List the earth’s many different landforms.
3. Understand that people depend on the
earth for the materials for basic survival
Unit 1, Chapter 3
Climates of the Earth 1. Explain how the relationship between the
Pages 45 - 61 earth and the sun affect climates around
the world.
2. Describe the many factors that affect world
climate
3. Discuss how temperature, precipitation, and
types of vegetation can be used to define
climate regions of the earth.
Unit 1, Chapter 4
Environments, Peoples, and Cultures
Pages 63 - 81 1. Understand that humans and the natural
environment has an effect on each other.
2. Recognize that throughout history people
have exchanged ideas and goods.
3. Understand that geographers divide the
world into culture regions.
Unit 2, Chapter 6
The Cultural Geography of the US and Canada
Pages 107 - 127 1. Identify the human characteristics of the
US and Canada
2. Describe the historical developments of the US and Canada
3. Compare the lifestyles of the US and Canada
Unit 3, Chapter 9
The Cultural Geography of Latin America
Pages 175 - 193 1. Understand that the people of Latin America
represent diverse ethnic groups.
2. Recognize that Latin American countries
were once European colonies.
3. Explain how Roman Catholicism has
influenced Latin American culture.
Unit 4, Chapter 12
The Cultural Geography of Europe
Pages 239 - 259 1. Explain Europe’s population patterns.
2. Examine the worldwide influence of
European cultures.
3. Compare European lifestyles.
Unit 6, Chapter 18
The Cultural Geography of North Africa and Southwest Asia
Pages 371 - 389 1. Recognize that movement and interaction
of people in this region have led to ethnic
diversity.
2. Point out that the region’s people have
settled near sources of water.
3. Explain that Southwest Asia is the birthplace
of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Unit 9, Chapter 27
The Cultural Geography of East Asia
Pages 551 - 569 1. Discuss how East Asian cultures began in
river valleys.
2. Examine how throughout much of history
Chinese influences spread throughout
the region.
3. Recognize that, although Chinese influence
has been strong, each country in East Asia
has a unique culture.
Unit 9, Chapter 28
East Asia Today
Pages 571 - 587 1. Understand that most of the countries of
East Asia depend heavily on both regional
and international trade for their growth
and prosperity.
2. Recognize that the intense concentration
of people and industries in a small part of
the region has had a severe impact on the
environment.