Download Regular Geography Syllabus 2009

West Valley High School
Geography Syllabus
Instructors: Mrs. Avila, Mr. Shinn, Mr. Veatch
Email: [email protected]
Brief Course Description:
Geography is a ten unit, one semester course required for high school graduation. The course
is based on the California Department of Education Social Studies Framework and Standards,
which emphasizes the role that Geography played in Twentieth Century World History .The
emphasis in this course is to prepare students to move into World History, offered for students
in their sophomore year. All of this will be done by applying the five themes of Geography to
the physical and cultural regions of the earth. All topics will be studied in a variety of methods
with emphasis on skills of map reading and interpretation.
Objectives: To understand the physical and climatic setting of the earth and how this setting
has provided the context for historical and cultural change. To know the countries of the earth
and their primary physical features including major cities and regions. Expose students to the
cultural norms and practices of major foreign nations. Students will develop respect for the
cultural diversity of the earth and its people.
Topics to be covered include:
1. The Basics of Geography
2. The United States and Canada
3. Europe
4. Latin America
5. Russia and the Republics
Grading Policy:
Class work / Maps
Tests, Quizzes, and Final:
Homework:
Participation
Projects:
Total
20%
35%
20%
5%
20%
100%
6. Africa
7. Southwest Asia
8. South Asia
9. East Asia
10. Southeast Asia, Oceania, Antarctica
Grading Scale
A:
100-90%
B:
89-80%
C:
79-70%
D:
69-60%
F:
59% and below
Participation: Participation is crucial to the learning process. For participation you must do the
following:
 Be in class everyday.
 Be on time, defined as being in your seat when the bell rings.
 Bring all necessary materials for class. (Writing utensil, paper, homework, notebook)
 Raise your hand to speak.
 Be respectful to everyone in the classroom.
 Stay in your seat till you are excused.
 Work only on Geography.
 Complete Warm & Wrap-Ups
 BE POSTIVE! 
Tests and Quizzes: At the end of each unit there will be a test. There will also be at least one
quiz per week. All tests and quizzes must be made up outside of class time within 1 week of
the original test. Tests not made up within a week will receive a score of 0.
Homework: All homework must be turned in complete and on time. Homework will be
collected at the START of class. Late work will not be accepted except for excused absences.
Projects: Students will be doing one project each triad related to the material covered. These
projects make up 20% of the final grade.
Final: The final is a cumulative test given at the end of the semester. It will cover all topics
discussed throughout the semester.
Ed-Line:
In order to improve parent, student, and teacher communication it is suggested that all parents
and students have an active Ed-Line account, which should be checked on a regular basis.
This website allows students and parents to check grades, missing assignments, attendance,
and download important documents, PowerPoint lectures, etc… for all classes. If you have not
activated your ed-line account and would like some help doing so please call the school at
765-1600
Cell phones/CD players/PDAs/other electronic devices:
These electronic devices may not be visible or audible in the classroom. They are a distraction
to the learning process. If seen or heard they will be confiscated and give to a school
administrator to be returned to a PARENT/GAURDIAN only. This is WVHS school policy.
Core Learning: Mastering standards based curriculum.
Critical Thinking: Learning higher lever thinking and problem solving skills.
Communication: Applying written, verbal, and technological skills.
Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse groups.
Community: Becoming productive positive citizens.
Student Name:_____________________________________
Student Signature____________________________________Date________
Parent Name _______________________________________
Parent Signature___________________________________Date_______
25
Points
Please sign and return this syllabus with your student. It will be collected for 25 points.