AP Human Geography Course Description and Outline | Exercises Human Geography

AP Human Geography

Course Description

The course is designed according to the course outline found in the AP Human Geography Course Description published by the College Board.

Students will learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and field of study. Students will be introduced to the systematic study

of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and the alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students will employ spatial concepts,

landscape analysis, and tools such as GIS to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. This course will introduce

students to the historical, sociological, economical, and political forces that have shaped society. National and international policies and relationships

and their connections to current news and events will be covered. Part of the aim of this course is to provide the student with a learning experience

equal to a college-level introductory human geography course. This means that there will be challenging assignments, readings, and tests to prepare the

students to pass the final AP Exam for the course. It will be essential for students to remain aware of what is happening in the world in order to be able

to use their newly learned skills. Current event assignments will be given that will relate to the unit that we will be studying. Students will receive a

unit calendar that will describe the unit, activities, required readings, and other assignments for that particular unit at the beginning of each unit.

Course Objective

1. Use and interpret maps and spatial data

2. Recognize and interpret the relationships among patterns and geographic processes

3. Understand and interpret the implications and associations among places

4. Define regions and evaluate regionalization processes

5. Identify and analyze changing interconnections among places

6. The ultimate objective is to prepare the student to pass the AP Exam. Important skills taught will include analyzing data and writing /presenting written

and oral arguments. In order to prepare the students for the written portion of the exam, this class will help the student to master the ability to write a

good essay that will include the following skills:

 Effective writing style

 The ability to make arguments

 The ability to critically evaluate and compare scholarly works

 The ability to read, understand, and organize data

 The ability to analyze, interpret, create and respond to data contained in charts, graphs, cartoons, and quotes.

Required Course Textbook

Rubenstein, James M., 10th Edition, The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography, Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Education, Inc,

2011.