Instructor: Heather Van Noy, M.Ed

2016-2017 Pre AP World Geography Syllabus

Instructor: Heather Van Noy, M.Ed. Room: 238 Conference: 'A' Days - 4th Block (1:10-2:40pm) E-mail: [email protected] School Website: http://www.ldisd.net/Domain/108 Textbook – Students will get online access to textbook as well as have access to books in class. Course Description World Geography is the study of where people, places, and things are located and how they relate to each other. This course is designed to prepare students for future social studies courses. It will introduce the student to the scope of geography and serves as a foundation for all social studies courses at the high school level. Elements include the study and analysis of the earth’s physical and human characteristics with topics that range from basic map skills to types of governments and economic systems. Special emphasis is placed on the study of the world’s countries including their landforms and topography, resources, cultures, ethnic groupings, demographic patterns, and historical backgrounds. Course Goals - Students will not only investigate where something is but also what it is, why it is there, and how it got there. - Students will be using problems solving skills to gain a geographic perspective of their world and the issues and concerns that affect their lives. - Students will use practical applications of geography that pertain to everyday life. - Knowledge of geography will enable students to make better sense of the world and become more responsible citizens. - Students will become geographically literate, as it is essential to ensure the future quality of the earth’s environment as well as for diverse peoples to be able to share our planet. Tutorials By appointment in the fall, most likely the morning. Please email me or talk to me in class on the best time to meet. Course Materials The following materials will be needed for class on a daily basis: - Binder - Colored Pencils - Paper - Highlighter - Pen (black or blue) - Pencil (# 2) Work Standards - Use 8 ½ x 11’’ ruled white paper. - Handwriting should be neat and legible. - All writing should be in blue or black ink. The only exception is notes. - Essay, reports, and projects must observe the appropriate instructions and deadlines. (All projects, reports and essays must be typed unless otherwise noted) - Assignments submitted via email or dropbox must meet the same deadlines as handwritten work. - No plagiarism /copying. Class Work & Home Work Class time will be used for note-taking, lectures and discussions, and various individual and group assignments. A lot of material is covered during each class period, so students must use their time very wisely. Work assigned as class work should be turned in the same day it is assigned. Work assigned as home work should be turned in the next class day. All students are expected to turn their work in on time.

All missed notes or work due to absence is the responsibility of the student. You are responsible for getting the notes from your peers or the teacher. Students that are absent will have one day for each day absent to make up missed work. It is the students responsibility to get the class notes/assignment from the teacher or peers.

I will do my best to return graded work within a week. Graded papers will be in the labeled class bin in the back of the classroom. It is the student’s responsibility to get their graded work if they want it. At the end of every 6 week grading period I will throw away the papers from that grading period if not picked up by students.

Remind is an app we will use to send out electronic reminders to students cell phones of upcoming homework and projects that are due. This is just to assist in this process, please do not assume every assignment and project will go through this process. Instructions to sign up- Text your class code to 81010. It will reply back welcoming you to Remind, reply back with your first and last name to be saved to the class. Class Codes: 3A- @bahah7 2B- @2bgeogr 3B- @kc229 Grading Policy Minor grades: 50% Major grades: 50% Tests- sometimes one test will count as two based on the unit information and Projects: Count as 2 to 5 test grades depending on the project.

At my discretion, I may allow a student a reasonable opportunity to make up or re-do a class assignment or exam for which the student received a failing grade.

In the spirit of our mission to increase rigor and student expectations, the following criteria are to serve as guidelines for calculating grades for late work. The grading policy for the first 6 weeks is as follows. Once the freshman students get acclimated to high school and the rigorous demands of AP classes, the grading policy will change. ***Pre-AP/AP policies are different than the standard policies in the student handbook*** FIRST 6 WEEKS GRADING POLICY - Assignment turned in on time may receive full credit - Assignments one day late may incur a 50% deduction - Assignments two days late may incur a complete loss of credit GRADING POLICY FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR - Assignment turned in on time may receive full credit - Assignments one day late may incur a complete loss of credit **I will use professional discretion in determining when such a deduction is appropriate.**

Progress reports will be given out every 3 weeks by request. Report cards will be given out every six weeks. It is the students responsibility to bring them home. Expectations and Rules Teacher expectations are high in this class. Students are considered to be mature and responsible with their work and actions. Therefore, any silliness, talking out of turn or inappropriately, or behavior unbecoming of a mature high school student will not be tolerated. If students are to be successful in this class they must keep up in class and at home. Important things to know and rules to follow: 1. Be in your seat before the tardy bell rings. 2. Complete all warm-up assignments in a timely manner. 3. Be prepared to learn. 4. Be prepared with all supplies. 6. Cell phones and other digital devices should not be used in class. 7. Be courteous, tolerant, and honest. 8. School property is school property! Do not write on, tag, or deface in any way any LDHS school property. 9. Follow the school rules, ground rules, and dress code and all rules provided for you by the school handbook.