AP Human Geography is a college-level course that introduces students to the “systematic study of geographic patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface.” Human Geography incorporates the concepts and methods associated with several of the disciplines within the social sciences, including economics, geography, history, and sociology. Throughout this course students will employ critical thinking and investigative skills in order to examine the relationships between “human social organization and its environmental consequences” using the tools of a geographer. The course attempts to help students better understand our world and be prepared to answer and act upon the tough decisions our world faces as it strives to function as a global community.

 Course Textbook and Resources

1. Human Geography for the AP Course, 1e; Hildebrandt, Lu, Keller, and Neumann (digital text)
2. Student note binder maintained per teacher instruction and must be accessible in class upon teacher request
3. Guided Reading & Vocabulary resource 
4. Quiz site (https://www.quia.com/web)
5. AP Classroom created by the College Board
6. Albert.io: for student practice and review

 College Credit: students have two options

AP Exam: In addition to mastering the course content, each student should be prepared to pass the national college-level Advanced Placement Examination in May. Students successfully completing this exam may receive college credit at the university level. The AP economics course covers both Macroeconomics in the first semester and Microeconomics in the second semester so students are expected to take both AP exams. There is a link to many universities on the College Board student web site. Preparation for the exam as well as course requirements include a balance between learning substantial amounts of factual knowledge and increasing critical thinking skills. Extensive supplemental information on the requirements and benefits of AP courses and testing is available at www.collegeboard.com/ap/students

Dual Enrollment: Students also have the opportunity to participate in dual enrollment through Project Acceleration. This program allows the student to receive credit without the AP exam through Seton Hall. These credits are transferable and the course will align with Seton Hall’s Course # ANTH1202-PVS: Introduction to Anthropology. Student transcripts for those enrolled in the program will be their end-of-year grade.

 Class Expectations:

Students are expected to be active participants in class, which includes: contributing to class discussions and activities, demonstrating preparedness through completion of assigned readings and homework, and maintaining an organized and up‐to‐date class notebook.

1. Take responsibility for your own learning and your own actions.
2. Be in class, prepared with all required materials, and ready to work once the bell has rung.
3. Follow directions the first time they are given and do not interrupt when someone else is speaking.
4. Be respectful of yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and any visitors to the classroom at all times.
5. No food, drink, or gum will be permitted in the classroom.
6. Learning is a cooperative process.  Please plan on participating regularly and please stay on task as to not disrupt personal learning and the learning environment of fellow classmates.
7. All assignments are to be completed and handed in on time.
8. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for the assignment.

Students are expected and required to arrive prepared (have all necessary materials such as: textbook, notebook, homework, pen, etc.) each day for class and conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous, and tolerant manner as per the discipline policies of the North Hunterdon – Voorhees School District. Disruptive and disrespectful students will receive detention and may be referred to the school administration for disciplinary action. 

Notebooks:

As organization is essential to success in any class, students are expected to maintain a notebook specifically for AP Economics. Students are expected to keep all handouts and returned assignments as these will be useful tools for studying. Students are expected to get any missed notes from a classmate upon their return from an absence and to see the teacher for needed clarification of missed materials.

 Points to Note:

• Cell phones are to remain in the student’s bookbag and may not be used in class. Students will only be asked once to put their phone away during class; a second infraction will result in the loss of test corrections, if offered, for the current unit assessment.
• No extra credit will be offered on an individual basis or upon request (students are typically given the opportunity to complete test corrections after class on the multiple-choice portion of the unit assessments; this is done to give students the opportunity to master content and boost their grade).
• Marking period grades stand as is (not rounded)
• Deadlines are non-negotiable; you must take responsibility for your actions as well as your lack of action. Forgetting or bad time management are not valid excuses.
• Scheduled assignments are not extended due to absence.
• APHG stresses new vocabulary, so please make sure you know, understand, and can apply these terms. You will be expected to do more than just define the terms: you must also be able to apply these terms in a meaningful manner.
• Plan to spend some time every day reading your text. Review your lecture notes, review the vocabulary, work on the practice questions, and identify questions you have about the material. Once you identify your questions, seek out answers by returning to your text, your lecture notes, your classmates, or your teacher.
• Plagiarism and/or cheating of any kind is considered a most serious offense.  Should a student be found guilty of plagiarism or cheating, the student will receive an immediate ‘0’ for the assignment.  In addition, the student will be referred to the administration to address this violation of the school’s academic code.

Assessments:

Group Work/Projects/Presentations: Students are expected to be active participants when working in groups and will be held accountable for their individual contributions. Students who are absent during a group presentation may be required to present their portion of the presentation to the teacher upon their return from school.

Tests: Chapter/unit tests will be announced on the calendar and in class. Tests constitute the largest portion of the marking period grade and will be comprised of multiple choice, short answer, and essay tests. Quizzes, special projects (individual or group), and essays are also graded as part of the test category. Tests will mirror the AP Examination format (two-part exam consisting of a multiple-choice section and a free-response section). Due to class time limitations, unit tests will be spread over a two-day span.

All make-up tests will be given after school (2:30 – 3:10 pm) within a week of student absence. Please be advised that make-up tests will not be the same assessment that was administered to the class as a whole. Student are encouraged to do their best to attend class on the day of assessments so they may stay at pace with the class.

Test Corrections: if offered, are only offered on unit test MCQs and will be done after school in room 315 under teacher supervision. Test corrections are a privilege not a right.

Important note: Tests and quizzes are comprised of questions from many sources, including AP Central so they are not allowed to leave the classroom. Students will have access for review, analysis, or corrections, but are not allowed to take them home. This is a policy of the College Board and the school does not have the authority to override. If students want to practice or study, they should use Albert.io.

Quizzes: Quizzes will be given regularly to assess student progress; in fact, quizzes should be expected at the end of each module and are done collaboratively to encourage discussion and application of concepts.  Quizzes vary in length but are usually 10-15 questions at most. 

 Homework: assignments will be announced in class and posted on Google Classroom as well. All reading/study guides are to be completed, no exceptions, this includes an effort being made on the Try the Model portion of each note sheet. It will not be acceptable to state “I did the reading but I don’t need to take notes.”

While the homework itself is not graded, the expectation is that students are prepared for class therefore students must have their homework on time, every time. The opportunity for test corrections may be offered but that offer will only be extended to students who have done their homework on time, every time for the appropriate unit.

Please note: The school provides numerous venues where students can print their work before class begins if the printer at home is not available.

Grades:

Students will be assessed in a variety of manners. Grades are determined by the use of a cumulative point system (points accumulated divided by points offered).

It is the student’s responsibility to monitor their grades to ensure accuracy and completion. Parents and students can monitor their grades through Aspen.

Please remember that I do not give you your grade, you earn the grades. Grades are not negotiable; I will be more than happy to discuss how students can improve their future work if they desire but will not change previous assignments.

Absences:

Remember this is a college-level course with the same expectations and rigor of being at a college. All work is posted on Google Classroom with due dates to ensure students stay up-to-date. 

Make up test arrangements can be made with the teacher after class, if appropriate. Failure to make up assessments during the allotted time period will result in a zero grade. Students cannot wait till the last week of the quarter to make up all their missed assessments.

Students who miss class due to cutting will not receive credit for missed class work, tests, or homework not handed in.

 In-School field Trips & Events:

Students attending school events/programs that take place during scheduled class time need to have the appropriate permission slip signed (this includes Guidance passes); this slip is not informational it is my explicit permission that you may miss class without penalty. Students who fail to have the permission form signed or decide to attend the event despite being told, no, will be considered “cutting class” and will receive a zero for any work done during that class period(s). No exceptions.

Extra Help:

I will be available most days from 2:30 ‐ 3:10, depending on my professional schedule, in Room 315. This time is specifically set aside for students to meet with teachers; please do not hesitate to see me if you have any questions. Other times can be arranged by appointment.

Parent ‐ Teacher Contact:

Parents with questions or concerns should contact the teacher at mgalal@nhvweb.net or (908) 368‐2199 ext. 2089.

In order to maintain a fair playing field and support the success of all students I cannot accept excuses or make exceptions to these policies.