Class Information for World History: People and Places
Welcome to World History: People and Places or WHPP! I am very excited about teaching this course! I piloted this course last year for the district and it was a great success so I”m glad they decided to continue with it! This course will satisfy your world history credit for high school AND will focus on concepts from Advanced Placement Human Geography. It is the expectation that you will take the AP Human Geography test on May 11, 2012.
The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. You will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. You will also learn about the methods and tools geographers and historians use in their science and practice.
The course is divided into 7 units of study (see your syllabus). Interwoven in these 7 units is a world history focus that complements the Iowa Core Curriculum.
Class expectations for this course include the following:
-Be present in mind and body-we have many class discussions so you need to be prepared!
-Complete work fully, thoroughly and on time; credit for late work is not given.
-All formal papers will be typed/printed. Email me if printer breaks.
-Each person is unique and valuable: be respectful, be responsible
-Choices have consequences; sometimes good, sometimes not so good. Choose wisely.
-No audio/cell devices allowed in class
-Have FuN while learning!
Assignments/Assessments:
-Know the bold terms in the text. I would advise buying a spiral bound index card set to use. Vocabulary quizzes will occur over each chapter and will be cumulative. These will be announced ahead of time.
-Read the text. KEY ISSUE assignments will guide you through the process but make sure you do the following: Read the charts, maps and case studies-do NOT skip them! Read the summaries. Prepare to answer “thinking geographically” questions at end of each chapter.
-Discussions and participation are a large part of your grade. This class will not work if students aren’t involved. You are the leaders in the class!
-Assessments will consist of tests written in AP style. They will include essays and multiple choice questions.
-Projects and Presentations will be a part of your grade—see the rubric online.
Grading Scale: Grade Distribution:
88-100% A Unit Tests 25% Quizzes 15%
80-87% B Participation 25%
70-79% C Assignments 25%
60-69% D Semester Exam 10%
Information about the AP Exam:
The May AP exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes in length. There are two sections with the first section consisting of 75 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes and the second section consisting of three essays in 75 minutes. Each section is worth 50% of their AP exam grade.
Contact information:
Discuss any issues or concerns with me personally and privately. You may also email me with questions at canada.snyder@dmps.k12.ia.us Our class website at www.historylearner.com has assignments and updates posted—a great resource!
