This document contains a syllabus for a course on travel destinations in the Western Hemisphere. The course will cover the culture, customs, climate, geography, and tourist attractions of countries in North America, South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Students will learn to identify important travel destinations, recognize selling points of different locations, use maps, and consider factors like time zones and currency. Assessments will include fill-in assignments, study guides, group presentations, and a final power point project on a destination of their choice. There will be no exams, but daily grades. Students are expected to participate actively and complete all assignments on time.

1. TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Sra. Abbott
•No tests
•No homework
•Most students will get an A
•…hope you catch the travel bug!

2. Syllabus:
Sra. Anita L.H. Abbott
E-Mail: abbotta@lhsd.org
Phone: 724.437.4741 Free Periods: 4-6-8
Disability Statement: Any student who, because of a
disabling condition (physical, mental or emotional),
may require some special arrangements in order to
meet course requirements should contact me as
soon as possible. Appropriate accommodations will
be made for temporary or permanent situations. All
students can be successful in this course.

3. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Study of countries located in the Western Hemisphere
including Canada, United States, Latin America, South
America, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. Emphasis on
the culture, customs, climate, physical features, language,
currency, tourist and seasonal attractions.

4. 1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the Western
Hemisphere and identify the most important travel destinations
in each country and their map location.
2. The student will learn to recognize selling features and
benefits of each country as a leisure and/or business
destination, and identify these destinations in brochures and
other reference material
3. The student will demonstrate the use of maps in conjunction
with other reference material and list the relative locations of
continents, oceans and seas.
4. The student will study the different time zones, identify local
customs, language and courtesies of states and countries
studied, and recognize the importance of fluctuating foreign
currency.
5. The student will list key airports and describe the major climatic
regions as they affect topography, cultures and travel.

5. 6. The student will discuss the relative importance of natural
features and culture of each major region, country and
destination.
7. The student will describe the major topographical features of
the Western Hemisphere and how they affect the travel
industry.
8. The student will discuss how a single destination attraction or
region can accommodate numerous interests for the traveler,
describe typical passenger types traveling to a given
destination, and identify a standard length of stay for a first
time traveler to a specific destination.
9. The student will identify geography terms and concepts that are
important for the travel and tourism student to know.
10. The student will identify additional sources and reference
materials for use by the travel professional, select a destination
from an industry brochure and present an itinerary given a
specific scenario.

6. Students are expected to:
• be on time, find a seat, and be prepared to engage
in the work of the class (e.g., taking notes,
participating in questioning or group activities, etc.).
• stay in class until the class is dismissed. NEVER
prepare for departure before I DISMISS YOU!
• stay alert throughout the class.
• avoid talking with their peers while the teacher or
other students are speaking.
• participate until the end of class.
• remain in an upright position to maintain eye contact
at all time.

7. Students are expected to:
• use good manners, be courteous and act with
decorum toward their peers and anyone who may be
in class facilitating the learning process.
• ask questions at any time. Students are expected to
raise their hands in order to participate in discussion
or in raising questions.
Work is expected on the date it is due. Exceptions are
made only for extraordinary situations and with the
approval of the teacher.
• turn off cell phones and other such electronic
devices during class. Exceptions are permitted only
with the teacher’s prior consent.

8. There will be no exams; but the fill-in answers,
study guides, projects will be graded almost
daily.
Three Make up / do-over assignments will be
allowed in this course. Reasons to request a make
up/ do over: failing grade of 65 or less; unable to
complete assignment at assigned week. All make ups
need to be completed prior to the final week of
classes in order to be averaged in the final
grade. Any assignment not completed will be given a
grade of F, Zero points. The Midterm will be a power
point group presentation that will be due no later
than December 10, 2013. The last two weeks of
the semester students will make group presentations
to the class, using their power points and the
grading rubrics for senior projects.

9. The Final Power Point will consist of a submitted
twenty slide power point over a destination of your
choice in the Western Hemisphere. The Final will be
averaged into the total grade point equally with all
other required assignments, and will be a group
project.
IN-CLASS Assignments:
Students are expected to meet all requirements as
outlined in the syllabus course calendar. Students
should follow a rigorous schedule and work each
week in this course in order to complete
successfully.