Course Syllabus
Course Name: World Geography
Instructor: Bruce Baumann Phone: (605) 698-3953 Ext. 3515
E-mail: b_baumann@tiospa-zina.us Office Hours: 7:30am - 8:00am M-F or by appointment in room 507
Homework Policy: Much of the coursework will be completed in class, Homework assignments will include: projects, presentations, vocabulary and worksheets. These are to be completed in a timely manner.
Grading Policy: The grading will be divided into three sections, Participation, Daily and Tests. Participation includes preparedness, timeliness and participation, Daily includes daily assignments done in class and homework assignments and Tests include weekly and semester tests. Each of these will be weighted the same and are all equally important to the success of the student.
Makeup Work Policy: Makeup work for a day missed is the student’s responsibility and should be asked for upon their return to class. Students will be given sufficient time to complete missing assignments.
Course Outline: World Geography will focus on the cultural, economic, political and geographic features of the world. The themes of location, place, interaction, movement and region will be used. The course will be divided into the following areas:
First Semester:
* Map Skills
* A View of Our World
* Cultures and People
* Europe
* Eurasia
* Middle East
* Africa
* Asia
* India
* Australia
* Pacific Islands
Geography is a chance to learn about the ever changing world in which we live, a chance to learn about other cultures and areas from around the world. Map studies are a big part of the course as being able to navigate the world and recognize the geographical features of the world is an important skill to gain.
Course Expectations/Requirements:
Classroom Requirements:
* textbook / handouts (World Geography Today)
* Maps and Atlases (provided)
* a notebook, spiral or three-ring binder with loose-leaf paper
* a folder to keep classroom handouts in (provided)
* writing utensils (pen/pencils)
* a highlighter (provided)
Classroom Expectations/Policy:
* You should be in class and ready to work
* Follow directions the first time they are given
* Ask for help if you do not understand
* No food or drink in room unless approved by me in advance
* Sleeping in class is not acceptable
Consequences for choosing inappropriate behavior:
*warning from teacher
*referral to detention
*phone call to parents
Most importantly, actively participate in class as it is your classroom and your education!
The following standards will be met during the class while looking at each of the population areas:
9-12.G.1.1. Students are able to use resources, data services,and geographic tools that generate and interpret information.
9-12.G.1.2. Students are able to interpret geographic representations when given information about places and events.
9-12.G.2.1. Students are able to identify and explain the impact of the natural environment on human settlement patterns.
9-12.G.2.2. Students are able to explain how humans interact with their environment.
9-12.G.2.3. Students are able to explain how human migration impacts local and global politics, environment, economies, societies, and regions.
9-12.G.2.4. Students are able to identify the main characteristics of cultural geography.
First Quarter
Weeks 1-3
Map Skills The students will practice map skills. Emphasis will be put on South Dakota map studies to better gain a working knowledge of the state we live in. Map types will include political, physical, and various special purpose maps.
Weeks 4-5
A View of Our World The students will discover how the earth fits into the solar system, the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere will be investigated. Emphasis will be put on the ‘Five Themes of Geography’.
Weeks 6-7
Culture and People The students will investigate the cultures of the world with the changes that have taken place with acculturation. The people and their influences on the world and the environment will be explored.
Weeks 8-9
North America Students will be introduced to North America’s climates, economic activity and geographic features. The four regions of the continent will be individually covered in more detail. Students will study geographic features, the people and the activities of each region.
Second Quarter
Weeks 10-11
Europe Students will be introduced to Europe’s climates, economic activity and geographic features. The four regions of the continent will be individually covered in more detail. Students will study geographic features, the people and the activities of each region.
Weeks 12-13
Asia Students will be introduced to Asia’s climates, economic activity and geographic features. The four regions of the continent will be individually covered in more detail. Students will study geographic features, the people and the activities of each region.
Eurasia Students will be introduced to Eurasia’s climates, economic activity and geographic features. The three regions of the area will be individually covered in more detail. Students will study geographic features, the people and the activities of each region.
Middle East Students will be introduced to The Middle East’s climates, economic activity and geographic features. The two regions of the area will be individually covered in more detail. Students will study geographic features, the people and the activities of each region.
Weeks 14-15
Africa Students will be introduced to Africa’s climates, economic activity and geographic features. The five regions of the continent will be individually covered in more detail. Students will study geographic features, the people and the activities of each region.
Weeks 16-17
India Students will be introduced to India’s climates, economic activity and geographic features. The regions of the subcontinent will be individually covered in more detail. Students will study geographic features, the people and the activities of each region.
Australia Students will be introduced to Australia’s climates, economic activity and geographic features. The regions of the continent will be individually covered in more detail. Students will study geographic features, the people and the activities of each region
Pacific Islands Students will be introduced to the Pacific Island’s climates, economic activity and geographic features. The many islands groups of the area will be covered in more detail. Students will study geographic features, the people and the activities of each region.
Weeks 18-19
Projects and Presentations The students will choose from the countries covered in the second semester to do Presentations/Projects on and will have time to finish their projects and present them to the rest of class as part of their second semester assessment.
Review and Test The students will be prepared for and administered a second semester test that encompasses all of the material covered in the semester.