Northwest Rankin High School

Geography Course Outline

 

(I)                   Course Description: Introduction to World Geography is designed to provide students with the skills to ask geographical questions, acquire geographical information, arrange geographical information, analyze geographical information, and answer geographical questions.  Students will master these skills by studying the six (6) essential elements of geographical 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.   Explain the absolute and relative location of positions of people and places in the Earth’s surface. 

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

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

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 Earth’s surface.

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

 

                       

(III)                Course Procedures: All geography students will be required to keep an organized notebook, which will be checked at the end of each week.  The notebook check will be weighed 25%.  The students are responsible for assignments due to an absence or school-related activities.  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.   This Bellringer will count as a quiz grade (25%).

b.   Tests and Map Quizzes – Tests are divided up according to chapters.  The tests are weighed 50%.  Map quizzes will be given throughout the year.  Each quiz is weighed 30%.

c.   Projects – Each student will be assigned a major oral presentation once per nine weeks.

d.   Notebook – Each student will be required to keep an organized notebook (weighed 25%).

 

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

a.   Projects/Unit Tests – 50%

b.   Class work /Quizzes – 25%

c.   Homework – 25%

 

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 geography.

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 geography.

C
75-84

  • The student demonstrates basic knowledge and the ability to apply and analyze concepts of geography.
  • 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 geography.

F
Below 70

  • Understanding of the concepts of geography is below basic.
  • Work is of poor quality and does not meet standards or expectations.