Northwest Rankin High School

Advanced World Geography Course Outline

 

(I)                   Course Description: Advanced World Geography is designed to provide students with the skills to ask geographic questions, acquire geographic information, arrange geographic information, analyze geographic information, and answer geographic questions.  Students will master these skills by studying the six (6) essential elements of geographic content: (1) the world in spatial terms, (2) places and regions, (3) physical systems, (4) human systems, (5) environment and society, and (6) the uses of geography.  The course of study will address the skills and elements by examining Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia and Oceania, Europe, Middle America, North America, and South America.  Skill development will include, but is not limited to, the interpretation and application of maps, graphs, charts, political cartoons, primary documents, and other social studies tools.  The avenues for these concepts are developed through the social studies strands.

 

(II)                 Course Competencies:

 

a.   Describe the relationship among people, places, and environments by            mapping information about them. 

b.   Recognize that the identities and lives of people and individuals are rooted in particular places and regions. 

c.   Explain how physical processes shape the Earth’s surface and interact with plant and animal life.

d.   Describe how human settlements and structure are part of the Earth’s surface.

e.   Evaluate how the physical environment is modified by human activities.

f.     Appraise how humans compete for control of the Earth’s surface.

g.   Demonstrate the ability to apply and interpret social studies tools.

 

                       

(III)                Course Procedures: All Advanced World Geography (AWG) students will be required to complete all projects and essays within the allotted timeframe, each weighed 50%.  The students will also be required to watch the specific videos and movies in order to complete the required essays.  If absent, it is the students responsibility to come in early or stay after school to watch the video/movie.  The make-up policy is as follow: the students will have the number of days plus one to make up work for 100% credit.  Each day after due date, 10% will be deducted from the student’s grade, not exceeding five days.

 

 

(IV)              Major Projects and Assignments:

 

a.   Bellringers – Each class period will start with a Bellringer. 

b.   Map Quizzes – Map quizzes will be given throughout the year.  Each quiz is weighed 30%.

c.   Projects – Each student will be assigned two major oral presentations throughout the year (dress senior project guide).  Throughout the year, however, other projects will be assigned (no senior project dress).

d.   Essays – Each student will be required to complete numerous essays throughout the year.  An essay will be written after each video, movie and presentation.

 

 

(V)                Assessment Plan: Grades will be determined using the following:

a.   Essays/Projects/Accountability Grade – 50%

b.   Quizzes – 30%

c.   Class work/homework – 20%

 

In addition, the following will help you determine how that work will be graded:

General Scoring Rubric

SCORE

DESCRIPTION

A
95-100

  • The student consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of quality and effort.
  • The student will have all work in on time and completed to exceed expectations.
  • The student will have shown mastery in evaluating, synthesizing and applying the concepts of world history.

B
85-94
 
  • The student consistently demonstrates proficient knowledge with a good effort and quality of work.
  • The student will have all assignments complete and on time.
  • The student demonstrates the ability to evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and apply the concepts of Advanced World Geography (AWG).

C
75-84

  • The student demonstrates basic knowledge and the ability to apply and analyze concepts of AWG.
  • A few assignments may be missed or late.
  • Work shows average effort.

D
70-74

  • Work shows minimal effort.
  • Some assignments are late.
  • The student demonstrates a basic understanding of recalling or comprehending the concepts of AWG.

F
Below 70
  • Understanding of the concepts of AWG is below basic.
  • Work is of poor quality and does not meet standards or expectations.