Welcome to AP Human Geography “The most important class you will ever take!” Pietruszka

What is AP? Through AP's college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admission process, and learn from some of the most skilled, dedicated, and inspiring teachers in the world. AP courses can help you acquire the skills and habits you'll need to be successful in college. You'll improve your writing skills, sharpen your problem-solving abilities, and develop time management skills, discipline, and study habits. AP students are the best of the best, both at Harlan and across the U.S.

The AP Exam Friday May 18th, 2012 Graded on a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high). Need a 3, 4, or 5 to receive college credit. Last year at Harlan AP HG: 28 tests taken (1 three, 5 twos, 22 ones) Total: 210 tests taken in 7 different classes (2 threes, 15 twos, 193 ones)

Human who? Human Geography The study of where countries, oceans, rivers, and mountains are? Not quite. The study of how humans use and interact with the Earth. That’s better.

AP On Your Transcript In AP A= 6.0 B= 5.0 C= 4.0 D=1.0 F= 0.0

Major Topics Covered Basics of Geography Population Migration Culture (language, religion, ethnicity) Political Geography Development Agriculture Industry Urban Geography Resources

Class Components: Reading Guides Guided questions related to textbook reading assignments. Two reading guides per chapter Due weekly

Class Components: Vocabulary Vocabulary is an extremely important part of this AP course. You will be assigned new vocabulary words each week. You will complete notecards in a specific format for each word Due weekly

Class Components: In-class activities These activities help reinforce main ideas from the textbook. Power Points Articles Videos Internet activities Application exercises

Class Components: Bell-ringers To be completed upon arrival in class Will usually be AP style questions related to content. We will not only review content but also learn how to break apart and analyze AP style questions.

Class Components: Quizzes and Exams Quizzes will be held weekly and will review information from the week’s reading, lecture, and activities. Exams will be held at the end of each unit. Both quizzes and exams will be composed AP style questions. Will count for a high % of overall grade

Class Components: Writing In addition to exams, we will work on answering Free Response Questions (FRQ’s) throughout the school year.

Class Components: Current Events For each unit, you will be required to find an article connected to the unit of study. You will analyze and summarize the article, connecting it to material from class.

Class Components: Tutorial Groups You will work with classmates to answer each others questions related to content. Tutorials will help you prepare for assessments and give you a deeper understanding of the material.

Class Components: Review Sessions These are usually held after school the day before an exam. Not mandatory, but very helpful. Food : )

Your Responsibilities To push yourself to achieve. Miss no more than 5 class periods all school year. Come to class prepared every day…NO EXCUSES! Complete all assignments on time Prepare adequately for all quizzes and exams. Make AP a top priority.

My Responsibilities To push you to achieve To plan relevant and informative lessons To support and guide you in your study of Human Geography

A note on cheating, copying, and work ethic It will get you nowhere. You might get 50 pts. for the reading guide, but you will fail the 200 pt. exam. You do the math….cheating doesn’t add up!

The biggest disappointment… Everyone in this class is capable of getting a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam. However some students… Miss too much class Are disruptive Cut corners Need extra help but don’t seek it out Give up when pushed hard Get too wrapped up in the social aspects of school and put aside academics DON’T BE THAT STUDENT! YOU CAN DO IT!