Course Description s35

World Geography 2008-2009 Course Guidelines

Course Description Although many believe that geography is nothing more than memorizing place names from a map, in reality it is much more complex. Geography has been defined as “the study of the distribution and interaction of the physical and human features on the earth.” Through our studies of geography in this course, we will examine how people, places and the environment interact with one another at the local, regional, national and international level. Additionally, we will learn how geographic contexts have influenced the events of the past and how they continue to shape the present.

Units of Study  1st semester – Thinking Like a Geographer, US & Canada, Europe, Russia and the Republics  2 nd semester – Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, East & Southeast Asia, Africa

Grading  60% - Major grades (tests, papers, projects, etc)  25% - Reading Quizzes  15% - Daily grades (class assignments, homework, etc.)

Make-up Work (Excused Absence from School) Students will have one day for each day missed to make up any tasks that have been assigned in-class during their absence. However, if a student was present at the time an assignment was given and is absent on the day it is due, they are still responsible for ensuring that the assignment is turned in on time. Students can email, fax (281-213-1827) or have someone else deliver the assignment, so long as it arrives by the beginning of their regularly scheduled class meeting. Otherwise, it will be considered late work and subject to the appropriate penalty.

Special consideration will be given in extreme situations with extenuating circumstances (e.g., hospitalization, death in the family, etc.) In such cases, the student and teacher will coordinate an appropriate schedule for completion of make up work, with the approval of the team leader.

Late Work Any assignment that is not turned in at the beginning of class on the date it is due will be subject to penalty:  1 day late – 20 points off  2 days late – 40 points off

After two days, it will be up to the teacher’s discretion whether to accept the late work. Further, any late work which a teacher does agree to accept after the second day, will earn a score of no higher than 50.

Academic Integrity Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Cheating includes (but is not limited to) copying another student’s work, using unauthorized resources, sharing answers with another student and plagiarism. These are violations of the student code of conduct and will not be tolerated. Students who cheat will receive a score of zero for the assignment or exam.

Revised on 7/29/08 Tutorials Students can receive additional instructional support and assistance on Wednesdays from 2:40 – 3:10pm, or by pre-arranged appointment made with the instructor.

Also, students are encouraged to take advantage of the internet resources that supplement the textbook at www.classzone.com. The online World Geography textbook guide contains interactive quizzes, test practice questions, games, research links, current events features, etc., which can help to reinforce in-class learning.

Textbook, Notebook and Supplies Students are expected to have all of the following items for class each day: composition or spiral notebook (ask your teacher), Wildcat student planner, colored pencils, a highlighter, black or blue ink pen and a pencil. Students should keep their assigned textbook at home as class sets of textbooks will be used at school. In addition, students may need other supplies for various projects conducted throughout the year.

World Geography Web Site Information including course guidelines, six-weeks calendars, due dates for upcoming projects, and quiz/test dates will be included. The World Geography web site is located at www.cwwg.wikispaces.com.

Contact Information Please contact your student’s teacher whenever you have a question or concern. World Geography team members can be reached by email or by calling the Social Studies department at 281-213-1928. When leaving a phone message, please be sure to include all of the following information: the instructor you wish to reach and the student’s name, as well as your own name and a daytime number where you can be reached. If contacting team members via email, please be sure to include your student’s name in all correspondence. John Kent [email protected] Rusty Sandefur [email protected] Jeremy Hill [email protected] Justin Nichols [email protected] Leigh Anne Hopkins [email protected] Steve Campbell [email protected]

Please confirm that you have read and understand these guidelines by signing below. Students must return the bottom part of this document to their teacher by Friday, August 29, 2008. Thank you!

______Student’s Printed Name Parent/Guardian’s Printed Name ______Student’s Signature Parent /Guardian’s Signature

Revised on 7/29/08