1. World Geography
Social Studies Department
Fall 2008
Mr. Jeremy M. Allen
Room # 331
Email: JAllen9@houstonisd.org
Office Phone: (713) 741-2410
Conference Period: 4B; 1:50 pm – 3:15 pm
About World Geography
The purpose of this course is to help you develop geographical skills that will enable you to
better understand and appreciate the place where you live as well as places around the world.
You will also learn about how your life is interconnected with the lives of people around the
world and will discover that geography is about much more than knowing where places are. It is
about understanding the fundamental importance of space and place for all aspects of our lives.
We explore the major topics of human geography through detailed case studies that show how
demographic, environmental, cultural, social, political, and economic processes shape the
geography of the world. Moreover, the topics we explore in this class lead directly into topics
studied in numerous other classes including sociology, economics, political science, history, civil
engineering, ethnic studies, and gender studies among others.
Required materials: Textbook, thin binder or folder with brackets, ruler, pen, compass, colored
pencils, highlighter, Loose-leaf paper (lined and unlined), one black and white composition
book;
Course Goals
By the end of this course students will…
Understand major concepts in human geography including place, space, scale, landscape,
•
etc.
Understand the geography of population, the environment, culture, identity, the economy,
•
politics, agriculture, and of cities.
Understand that human landscapes are not simply an inevitable product of nature but are
•
planned, constructed, and contested by identifiable people working within historically
and geographically specific social, cultural, political, and economic situations.

2. Be able to interpret everyday landscapes and understand some of the spatial processes
•
that help to structure them.
Be able to participate knowledgeably in discussions with other people about world events
•
and about the importance of geography for these events.
Be able to identify what is geographical about a given issue discussed in the media.
•
Be able to integrate knowledge about population, the environment, culture, economics,
•
politics, and agriculture to understand specific places or types of places (cities for
example).
Develop a greater awareness of how their lives are interrelated with the lives of people in
•
other places.
Develop an improved appreciation for the places and landscapes encountered in everyday
•
life.
Understand the relevance of geography to their chosen vocation in life (whether they
•
ultimately decide to major in geography or not.)
Be able to write an essay in which they effectively support an argument with evidence.
•
Develop strategies for studying and good study habits that will benefit them throughout
•
the rest of their school career.
Be able to read and critically interpret a wider range of writing on current events and
•
world affairs than when they started the class.

3. GRADING
• Cycle Common Assessments = 20%
• Test and research paper/projects = 40%
• Quizzes/Essays = 30%
• Daily Activities/Participation/ = 10%
Maps/Homework

4. Course Schedule
Grading Period Units Chapters Titles
1st Six Weeks 1/2 The Basics of Geography
ML Unit 1/2
8/25/08–10/3/08
Geography Skills
Physical Geography
Looking at Earth
A Living Planet
Climate and Vegetation
2nd Six Weeks 2/3 Human Geography
ML Unit 2
10/6/08–11/7/08
People and Places
United States and Canada
ML Unit 3
Physical Geography of US
The Land of Contrasts
Human Geography of US
Shaping an Abundant Land
Physical/Human Geography of
Canada
Developing a Vast Wilderness
Today’s Issues: The War on
Terrorism/Urban development
3rd Six Weeks 4/5 Latin America
ML Unit 4
11/10/08–12/19/08
Physical Geography of Latin America
From the Andes to the Amazon
Human Geography of Latin America
A Blinding of Cultures
Today’s Issues: Deforestation, gap
between the rich and the poor
Europe
ML Unit 5
Physical Geography
The Peninsula of Peninsulas
Human Geography
Diversity, Conflict, Union
Today’s Issues: Unification of
Europe, Breakup of Yugoslavia
4th Six Weeks 6/7 Russia/Ex-Soviet Reps.
ML Unit 6
1/6/09–2/20/09
Physical Geography
A Land of Extremes

5. Human Geography
Today’s Issues: Transformation of the
economy, ethnic conflict and
environmental disaster
Africa
ML Unit 7
Physical/Human Geography
Today’s Issues: Impact of
colonialism, Apartheid,
Underdevelopment, famine, Aids and
civil strife
5th Six Weeks 8/9 Southwest Asia (Middle East)
ML Unit 8
2/23/09–4/9/09
Physical/Human Geography
Today’s Issues: War, Terrorism,
scarcity of water and abundance of
oil.
South Asia
ML Unit 9
Physical/Human Geography
Today’s Issues: Overpopulation,
Extreme weather, terrorism, War and
nuclear arms race.
6th Six Weeks 10/11 East/South East Asia
ML Unit 10
4/13/09–5/28/09
Physical/Human Geography
Today’s Issues: Overpopulation, rapid
economic expansion, environmental
hazards
Australia and New Zealand
ML Unit 11
Physical/Human Geography
Today’s Issues: Environment,
Aboriginal land claims

6. Students and parents:
Students: Remember that you are responsible for your own actions and that you will be held
accountable for the information in this document. Failure to comply may result in a conduct cut
and/or disciplinary action.
Parents: Please read this document carefully. This document must be signed by both student and
parents and returned to me. I am available to discuss any of the above rules and procedures. You
may contact me at school at (713) 741-2410.
We have read and understand the requirements for this course (World Geography/Allen). Should
you need to contact me about my child’s performance I can be reached by:
Phone: _________________________
E-mail: _________________________
Student Name Printed: _________________________ Period: ____________
SIGNATURE: ________________________________ Date: _____________
Parent Name Printed: ___________________________
SIGNATURE: ________________________________ Date: ______________