Mrs.

Poss World Geography Syllabus

Name of School/Year: Seaside High School/2016-2017
Name of Course: World Geography
Teachers Name: Mrs. Poss
Room Number: H9
Email: [email protected]

Website information: http://posshistory.weebly.com

Teacher availability for extra help or conferences: Tuesdays 3:10-4:00 or By appointment

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A Day: Periods 2 & 3

B Day: Period 5

Text: 81010

Text: 81010

Message: @a2016geo

Message: @b2016geo

Course description from District approved course outline:

This is a project based learning (PBL) course and is designed to engage students in the process of
developing geographical understanding of their world. Emphasis will be placed on developing the
five themes of geographic education (place and location, character, interaction and movement, and
similarities and differences) and on linking those themes to the major world regions. Basic map
skills, fundamental concepts of physical and cultural geography, and place name identification will
be taught.

Key essential standards/skills to be mastered in course:

1. Locate the continents, oceans, and major bodies of water.
2. Locate the major political and physical features of North and South America, Europe, Asia,
Africa, and Oceania.
3. Utilize a variety of maps, such as: temperature maps, population distribution maps, economic
development maps, special-purpose maps, ocean floor maps, time zone maps, and historical
maps, etc.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Understand and use the grid system to establish location.

Describe the different layers of the earth: core, mantle, crust.
List four main influences on climate in a region.
Identify the main types of climate regions.
Develop three examples of how humans have altered the natural environment.

9. Describe the reasons for population growth/decline.

10. Evaluate regions in terms of stages of demographic transition and make predictions for future
growth.
11. Describe the origins, diffusion, and branches of the worlds major religions.
12. Research the impact of religion on the landscape and its historical role in territorial conflict.
13. Explain the origins of agriculture, classify the various agricultural regions, and describe the
characteristics of commercial agriculture.
14. Relate the distribution of the worlds resources, comparative economic structures,
demographic characteristics of development, and environmental issues.

Assessment/Evaluation methods used in this course:

The student will be evaluated on:
A. Graded tests and quizzes.
B. Teacher observations of students participation

C. Graded projects and essays

D. Graded homework/classwork

District Grading Policy: (BP/AR #5121)

Grades serve a valuable instructional purpose by helping students and parents/guardians
identify the students areas of strength and those areas needing improvement. Parents/guardians
and students have the right to receive course grades that represent an accurate evaluation of the
students achievement. Teachers shall evaluate a students work in relation to standards, which
apply to all students at his/her grade level and provide appropriate accommodations and
modifications to insure students have access to the course content and standards in which the
grade is based upon. Teachers shall inform students and parents/guardians how student
achievement will be evaluated in the classroom. Grades should be based on impartial, consistent
observation of the quality of the students work and his/her mastery of course content and
objectives. Students shall have the opportunity to demonstrate this mastery through a variety of
methods such as classroom participation, homework, tests, and portfolios.

Grading Scale
100%-90% A
89%-80% B
79%-70% C
69%-60% D
59%-0% F

Classroom Grading Policy

Title

Description

Weight

Knowledge and
Thinking

The ability to reason, problem-solve, develop sound arguments

or decisions, and create new ideas by using appropriate sources
and applying the knowledge and skills of a discipline.

45%

Written
Communication

The ability to effectively communicate knowledge and thinking

through writing by organizing and structuring ideas and using
discipline appropriate language and conventions.

20%

Oral
Communication

The ability to communicate knowledge and thinking through

effective oral presentations.

10%

Agency

The ability to develop and reflect on growth mindset as well as

demonstrate ownership over one's learning.

10%

Collaboration

The ability to be a productive member of diverse teams though

strong interpersonal communication, a commitment to shared
success, leadership, and initiative.

15%

Curriculum and instructional materials needed for this course:

Notebook

Folder

Pens

Pencils

Highlighters

BRING YOUR LAP TOP TO CLASS EVERYDAY. NO EXCEPTIONS! (Starting 9/1)

District Homework Policy:

Homework reinforces classroom learning and expands upon the classroom experiences and for
grading purposes is supplemental in terms of evaluating students mastery of course content
standards.

Classroom Homework Policy:

Homework and classwork are expected to be completed on time, at all times. This often leads to
success on tests/quizzes and are vital to reinforce topics discussed in class.

It is the students responsibility to turn in homework at the start of every class.

It is the students responsibility to make sure homework is turned in with name, quality
effort and full completion to the appropriate bin

Any work not turned in at the start of class is considered late (Refer to late policy)

District Attendance/Make-up work Policy:

State Law requires all students to attend school daily. (ECCode 48205, BP# 5113/ AR #5113).
Excused absences include: illness or medical appointment. Students with excused or unexcused
absences can make up work missed; the amount of time given will be equivalent to the number of
days missed. Parents may request to pick up work missed if a student has been absent for at least
two (2) days. Work will be available after 3:00 p.m. on the day following the request. Students who
cut class do not have to be given the opportunity to make up work missed during the class period
they missed.

Classroom Excused Absence Work Policy:

It is the students responsibility to get work/notes missed from class. Failure to

follow up after an absence could affect overall grade

Students are encouraged to contact a peer to catch up on what was missed in class

Absent work needs to be turned in directly to Mrs. Poss within 1 week

Absences happen, but they do not excuse work. ALL work needs to be made up
including class notes, classwork, quizzes, homework, etc.

Classroom LATE WORK Policy:

When a student either has an unexcused absence or does not turn in an

assignment on time, it is considered late. Turning in an assignment past its due
date could result in a point deduction.

All work must be turned in by the end of a unit or it will NOT be accepted.

Late work must be placed in the bin labeled late work in the proper class period
folder

* late work may not be graded immediately and may take time to appear on your
grade

LONG ABSENCE (2 + class days) POLICY:

Inform me as soon as you can to receive work ahead of time. This will keep you from falling
behind.

MAKE-UP QUIZZES/TESTS: When a student misses a quiz, test or project they have 1 week
after they return to make it up. The Social Studies department will adjust this policy on a caseby-case basis.

District/School Discipline Policy:

While on campus, students will follow all school rules, show respect for all adults, fellow students,
and both personal and school property. In addition, students will comply with the established
guidelines of the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District student dress code. A progressive
discipline process is followed. As students continue violating school rules, consequences for student
actions become more severe. Classroom suspension and possible removal from school will result
when students engage in infractions that are outlined in Education Code related to Progressive
Discipline Grounds For Suspension or Expulsion According to Education Code 48900, (BP# 5144).

Classroom Rules/Expectations and Consequences:

1. BE RESPECTFUL AT ALL TIMES
2. Quietly enter the classroom and walk directly to your seat.
3. Be in your seat when the bell rings or you will be marked tardy.

4. Bring all materials to class.

BRING YOUR LAP TOP EVERY DAY (Starting Sept. 1st)

5. Remain seated in your assigned seat until you are dismissed.

6. No unauthorized technology (CELLPHONES & earbuds). Cell Phones will be confiscated if
seen in accordance to school policy.
7. NO food, gum, or open-container beverages in class.

Academic Honesty:
Students need to prove to themselves that they can do successful work as a result of their own
efforts. Cheating, lying, and/or plagiarizing could result in disciplinary actions and/or implications
that may impact the grade for the course. Causes for academic dishonesty are complex and is best
addressed by counseling and parental involvement. Teachers will establish a classroom policy
consistent with research-based best practices.

Classroom Policy:
CHEATING AND/OR PLAGIARISM IS NOT TOLERATED. Any students caught cheating or helping
to cheat will:
FIRST OFFENSE:

Receive a grade of F on the assignment

Parents will be notified for a conference with the student, teacher and Principal

Receive a discipline referral

If caught cheating on an assessment they may re-submit for a maximum grade of C-, 65%)

SECOND OFFENSE:

Receive a grade of F on the assignment

Parents will be notified for a conference with the student, teacher and Principal

Receive a discipline referral with 2-day suspension from school,

Assessments: max. re-submission grade = 20%

THIRD OFFENSE: Failure of the course and referral for expulsion.