Honors Geography
Syllabus
Instructor: Mr. Reyes
Phone (619) 938-89187
Website: http://sites.google.com/site/mrreyesteachersite/
E-mail: jmreyes@guhsd.net
Textbook: Geography Alive
Welcome to this two-semester course of Honors Geography. This class meets your 9th grade Social Science requirement.
Why this class will be the best class of your life: First and foremost I am an amazing teacher. I will ensure that your experience in my class will be engaging, challenging, and exciting. More importantly you will become more aware of the world around. Mr. Reyes is going to drop knowledge on you that will enlighten you to the power of knowing your geography. By the end of the year you will understand why GEOGRAPHY MATTERS.
Course Description: Successful geographic inquiry involves the ability and willingness to ask, speculate on, and answer questions about why things are the way they are and how they got there. Students need to be able to pose questions about their surroundings:
Where is something located? Why is it there? What are the consequences of its location and associations? By acquiring, organizing, and analyzing geographic information we will attempt to develop generalizations and conclusions about ourselves and the world around us.
Geography is much more than memorizing place names on a map. Throughout the year we will study the way places on the earth differ from one another, the way people organize themselves and use the earth’s resources, as well as the complex relationships that exist between people and the environment in which they live.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will know and understand
(1) Tow to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective
(2) The diversity of human culture and the unique nature of places
(3) The locations and characteristics of ecosystems, resources, human adaptation, environmental impact, and the interrelationships among them
(4) The locations and characteristics of economic activities, trade, political activities, migration, information flow, and interrelationships among them
(5) The characteristics of ecosystems, states, regions, countries, major world religions, and cultural patterns and the processes that created them
(6) The causes, consequences, and geographic context of major global issues and events,
(7). Students will also be experts in the use of a wide variety of software and hardware as well as the research and development of projects and presentations.
(8). Lastly, students will examine the interconnection between current global issues such as poverty, conflict, pollution, climate change, and migration as they relate to the principles of geography.
Homework
We will use a combination of textbook assignments, class handouts and web-based assignments. If a student does not have internet access at home, he or she must use the school library before or after school. Work missed due to absence must be made-up and turned in within an equal number of days as absences occurring.
Grading Policy: Regular reading and writing assignments will be given throughout the semester. These will include mapping exercises, vocabulary and analytical writing assignments, as well as major research projects. Technology projects will be integrated throughout the year. Tests and quizzes will be given regularly; tests will be a combination of multiple choice, true-false, fill-in the blank, matching, map skills, and essay questions. A final examination will be given to all students at the conclusion of the semester. Grades may be viewed online. A final percentage will be calculated at the end of the semester based on the following percentages:
First Semester
A. Classwork & Homework (45%)
B. Quizzes and Unit Examinations (Expect weekly quizzes) (40%)
C. Final (15%)
Second Semester
A. Classwork, Homework (35%)
B. Quizzes and Unit Examinations (45%)
C. Final Project (20%)
Course Grading Scale: 100-90% = A, 89-80% = B, 79-70% = C, 69-60% = D, 59-0% = F
All unexcused late work will be marked down 50%.
Please keep track of assignments and grades by using the website.
Web Resources: In addition to the class website students will also have the ability to stay connected the class using various social networks.
Attendance Policy
· 5 tardies = detention, referal, phone call (1hr)
· 8 tardies = referral, phone call to parent
· 10 tardies = student dropped from class without credit
What do I need to bring to class every day?
(1) Yourself – G’d up from the street up, ready to rock, with your “A” game.
(2) A pen and #2 pencil,
(3) 3-ring binder with a divider for this class
(4) Three-hole punched lined paper
(5) Colored pens and pencils (optional, but recommended)
(7) Some form of a planner (see me if you need one)
What I don’t need to bring to class ever
(1) Bad Attitude
(2) iPods, cell phones, walk man (if you keep it old school), or any other distracting devices.
(3) Make up- learn to appreciate your naturally beauty, or go to clown school where they will let put whatever you want on your face.
(4) Food, drink, and gum. (Water, fruits and vegetables are the exception)
Your first homework assignment is to complete this portion and return it to Mr. Reyes on Thursday, September 10th.
I understand the rules and requirements of Honors Geography and Technology
________________________________ __________________________
Student Signature Print name and period
______________________________ __________________________
Parent / Guardian Signature Parent / Guardian Signature
Best way to get in contact with parent:
________________________________________________________________________
Yes / No
I have regular internet availability.
Yes / No
I understand that grades and assignments can be accessed from the class website.
Yes / No
I understand that my freshman year at EL Cap will be FANTASTIC!