World Geography Syllabus
Course Description
This course serves as an introduction to the world around us - from the physical earth to the people that inhabit it, as well as the relationship that exists between the two.
This course’s examination of the world is split into general themes reinforced with specific examples taken from various world regions. Particular emphasis is placed on the physical world, demography, culture, governments and economics, as well as the development of rural and urban networks.
Also, this course will provide a foundation for the social studies courses at the high school level.
This course serves as an introduction to the world around us - from the physical earth to the people that inhabit it, as well as the relationship that exists between the two.
This course’s examination of the world is split into general themes reinforced with specific examples taken from various world regions. Particular emphasis is placed on the physical world, demography, culture, governments and economics, as well as the development of rural and urban networks.
Also, this course will provide a foundation for the social studies courses at the high school level.
Course Expectations
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- identify major components of the physical world and discuss their impact on various populations around the world.
- discuss the historical and current interactions of different populations and cultures.
- compare and contrast less developed and more developed countries/regions based on demographic, governmental, economic, and cultural characteristics.
- demonstrate knowledge of current national and global issues for the world’s regions.
Course Texts
Textbook - World Geography, McGraw-Hill
Course Novels -
Course Media
In this class, we will utilize social media, various computer programs, and software. Please know that all communication between teacher and student will be professional and based solely on coursework and assignments. As per the Electronic Use Policy and the BYOD Policy, students will be disciplined for any inappropriate behavior.
All district media and electronic policies can be found in the Student Handbook and on the Office of Academics web-page (via the district web-site: www.lfcisd.net)
Textbook - World Geography, McGraw-Hill
Course Novels -
- I Am Malala
- Ready Player One
Course Media
In this class, we will utilize social media, various computer programs, and software. Please know that all communication between teacher and student will be professional and based solely on coursework and assignments. As per the Electronic Use Policy and the BYOD Policy, students will be disciplined for any inappropriate behavior.
All district media and electronic policies can be found in the Student Handbook and on the Office of Academics web-page (via the district web-site: www.lfcisd.net)
Course Materials
Required:
- Spiral Notebook (1 College-Ruled, 3 Subject OR 2 College-Ruled, 1 Subject, 100 pages)
- Colored Pencils
- Pencils
- Pens (Blue/Black)
Suggested:
- Loose-leaf paper (College-Ruled)
- Scissors & Glue (NO GLUE STICKS)
- Highlighters
- Pocket Folders
Required:
- Spiral Notebook (1 College-Ruled, 3 Subject OR 2 College-Ruled, 1 Subject, 100 pages)
- Colored Pencils
- Pencils
- Pens (Blue/Black)
Suggested:
- Loose-leaf paper (College-Ruled)
- Scissors & Glue (NO GLUE STICKS)
- Highlighters
- Pocket Folders
Assignments and Grading Policies
Course Requirements
This course involves reading, writing and group discussion; you will need to absorb some course material on your own outside of class. You will need to put in consistent effort throughout the semester. You’ll need to have (or learn) basic library and on-line research skills. You will need to speak up in class and demonstrate active learning, not passive absorption. Learning is not a spectator sport!
Grading Policy
Your semester grades are determined by calculating the following:
Daily Work (50% of the 9Wk AVG)
- This is composed of ISN assignments, homework, and quizzes. We do a lot of hands-on activities, so you’ll be responsible for completing all necessary prep work (that may take place outside of the classroom).
Major Work (50% of the 9Wk AVG)
- This is composed of unit exams, projects, and your research papers. Unit exams are composed of both objective (ie. multiple choice) questions and critical thinking (ie. short answer) questions. PBL projects may replace unit exams throughout the course; separate rubrics will be given for the various graded components of these projects.These exams are given at the middle and end of the course as either a Mid-Term or Final Exam.
Semester Exam
-These exams are calculated into the final semester grades, with the value of 20%. These exams cover the material that was covered in the previous semester. The format of the exam may not follow the traditional format of an exam, and students will be informed of the format in class prior to the exam’s administration.
Retesting Policy
Retests will be available to all students after they complete the following:
Course Requirements
This course involves reading, writing and group discussion; you will need to absorb some course material on your own outside of class. You will need to put in consistent effort throughout the semester. You’ll need to have (or learn) basic library and on-line research skills. You will need to speak up in class and demonstrate active learning, not passive absorption. Learning is not a spectator sport!
Grading Policy
Your semester grades are determined by calculating the following:
Daily Work (50% of the 9Wk AVG)
- This is composed of ISN assignments, homework, and quizzes. We do a lot of hands-on activities, so you’ll be responsible for completing all necessary prep work (that may take place outside of the classroom).
Major Work (50% of the 9Wk AVG)
- This is composed of unit exams, projects, and your research papers. Unit exams are composed of both objective (ie. multiple choice) questions and critical thinking (ie. short answer) questions. PBL projects may replace unit exams throughout the course; separate rubrics will be given for the various graded components of these projects.These exams are given at the middle and end of the course as either a Mid-Term or Final Exam.
Semester Exam
-These exams are calculated into the final semester grades, with the value of 20%. These exams cover the material that was covered in the previous semester. The format of the exam may not follow the traditional format of an exam, and students will be informed of the format in class prior to the exam’s administration.
Retesting Policy
Retests will be available to all students after they complete the following:
- Test Corrections
- Schedule a date for a retest with the teacher (before or after school tutorial)
Late Assignment Policy
Student assignments will be time-stamped (either by Schoology, Turn-it-In, or by the teacher), so it is imperative that students turn in their assignment by the specified time on the due date. Failure to do so will result in the following penalties:
Student assignments will be time-stamped (either by Schoology, Turn-it-In, or by the teacher), so it is imperative that students turn in their assignment by the specified time on the due date. Failure to do so will result in the following penalties:
- 1-3 day late = -10 points per day
- 4+ days late = Assignments turned in at this time will only be eligible to receive a 70 (Based on 100% completion of the assignment)
- No missing work/late assignments/retests will be accepted after 4:15 pm on the last day of the marking period.
Make-Up Assignment Policy
If you are absent, it’s your responsibility to get all the notes and/or assignments you missed. You will be given the number of days you were absent to complete the assignment upon your return to class. If you are absent on an exam day, you will take it upon your return to school. All make-up assignments must be completed outside of class, specifically in tutoring, unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.
Homework Policy
There will be days when you will be expected to complete preparatory work for class the next day. These homework assignments may or may not be graded (as a daily work assignment), but you are still responsible for their completion. All homework assignments will be announced in class or via Schoology.
If you are absent, it’s your responsibility to get all the notes and/or assignments you missed. You will be given the number of days you were absent to complete the assignment upon your return to class. If you are absent on an exam day, you will take it upon your return to school. All make-up assignments must be completed outside of class, specifically in tutoring, unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.
Homework Policy
There will be days when you will be expected to complete preparatory work for class the next day. These homework assignments may or may not be graded (as a daily work assignment), but you are still responsible for their completion. All homework assignments will be announced in class or via Schoology.
Classroom Expectations
- Be on time & seated when the tardy bell rings.
- Be prepared for class by bringing all necessary learning materials to class (assignments, ISN, etc…)
- Be aware that ALL electronic devices may only be used when allowed by the teacher.
- Be respectful of yourself, classmates & teacher.
- No foul language, derogatory statements, etc…
- Be respectful of school property (no tagging).
- Be attentive in class.
Discipline Procedures
- Verbal Warning
- Conference with the Student (documented)
- Conference with the Parent (via phone or in-person; documented)
- Referral
Academic Maturity
The academic expectations are high in this course. Students are considered to be mature and responsible individuals who will be held accountable for all work assigned in this course. There are various topics that will be discussed in this course that require a mature response so as to ensure the proper critical analysis of their effects on today’s world. Therefore, behavior unbecoming of a mature high school student will not be tolerated.
The academic expectations are high in this course. Students are considered to be mature and responsible individuals who will be held accountable for all work assigned in this course. There are various topics that will be discussed in this course that require a mature response so as to ensure the proper critical analysis of their effects on today’s world. Therefore, behavior unbecoming of a mature high school student will not be tolerated.