World Geography

1 and 2nd Block, 2015-2016

Rm. 9
st

Instructor Name:
Contact
Information:

Mr. Torrens
ptorrens@augusta.k12.va.us
540-337-6021

Required Supplies:
3 Ring Binder
5 Dividers
Pens/Pencils
Course Description: This course is designed to provide a detailed study of World
Geography. My expectation is that students will leave this class with an understanding of
global geography, and the unique role that geography has played in forming the world as
we know it today. The class begins with an overview of basic geographic themes,
followed by a region specific study of the world, and concludes with a cumulative review.
At the end of this course, students will be tested on the World Geography Standards of
Learning. Passing this SOL test is a requirement for graduation.
This course is separated into 10 units. Each unit will comprise several chapters and
varying periods of class time (i.e. we spend more time on Unit 1 than Unit 10). Each unit
is structured geographically to correspond to specific Standards of Learning (topics are
indexed by grading period below). There will also be a continuing current events
component to the class to keep the students understanding of the world as up to date
as possible.
It is my plan to deliver most of the content of this course using Google Classroom.
All notes/assignments/homework will be assigned through Google Classroom. By the end
of the first day of school, students will be familiar with how to access our class website,
and add their work. If internet is not available at your home, I encourage you to use
school computers after school to complete assignments. If this is not an option, I will
provide a paper/pencil alternative.
Topic Index by Grading Period
1st Six Weeks
The World

2nd Six Weeks

Russia & Central Asia

Latin America
Europe

N. Africa & SW Asia

Sub-Saharan Africa
South, East &
Southeast Asia

3rd Six Weeks

Australia, New Zealand, Oceania &
Antarctica
The U.S. & Canada
SOL & Exam Review

Course Objectives:
WG.1

The student will use maps, globes, satellite images, photographs, or diagrams to
a) obtain geographical information about the worlds countries, cities, and environments;
b) apply the concepts of location, scale, map projection, or orientation;
c) develop and refine mental maps of world regions;
d) create and compare political, physical, and thematic maps;

e) analyze and explain how different cultures use maps and other visual images to reflect their own interests
and ambitions.
WG.2

The student will analyze how selected physical and ecological processes shape the Earths surface by
a) identifying regional climatic patterns and weather phenomena and their effects on people and places;
b) describing how humans influence the environment and are influenced by it;
c) explaining how technology affects ones ability to modify the environment and adapt to it.

WG.3

The student will apply the concept of a region by

a) explaining how characteristics of regions have led to regional labels;
b) explaining how regional landscapes reflect the physical environment and the cultural characteristics of their
inhabitants;
c) analyzing how cultural characteristics, including the worlds major languages, ethnicities, and religions, link
or divide regions.

WG.4

The student will locate and analyze physical, economic, and cultural characteristics of world regions: Latin
America and the Caribbean, Europe, United States and Canada, North Africa and Southwest Asia, Sub-Saharan
Africa, Russia and Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands, and
Antarctica.

WG.5

The student will compare and contrast the distribution, growth rates, and characteristics of human population in
terms of settlement patterns and the location of natural and capital resources.

WG.6

The student will analyze past and present trends in human migration and cultural interaction as they are
influenced by social, economic, political, and environmental factors.

WG.7

The student will identify types of natural, human, and capital resources and explain their significance by
a) showing their influence on patterns of economic activity and land use;
b) evaluating perspectives and consequences regarding the use of resources.

WG.8

The student will distinguish between developed and developing countries and relate the level of economic
development to the standard of living and quality of life.

WG.9

The student will analyze the global patterns and networks of economic interdependence by
a) identifying factors, including comparative advantage, that influence economic activities and trade;
b) describing ways that economic and social interactions have changed over time;
c) mapping, describing, and evaluating the formation of economic unions.

WG.10

The student will analyze how the forces of conflict and cooperation affect the division and control of the Earths
surface by
a) explaining and analyzing reasons for the creation of different political divisions;
b) analyzing ways cooperation among political jurisdictions is used to solve problems and settle disputes.

WG.11

The student will analyze the patterns of urban development by

a) applying the concepts of site and situation to major cities in each region;
b) explaining how the functions of towns and cities have changed over time;
c) describing the unique influence of urban areas and some challenges they face.

WG.12

The student will apply geography to interpret the past, understand the present, and plan for the future by
a) using geographic knowledge, skills, and perspectives to analyze problems and make decisions;
b) relating current events to the physical and human characteristics of places and regions.

Grading Scale:
A+ = 100-98

B+ = 89-88

C+ = 79-78

D+ = 69-68

A = 97-92

B = 87-82

C = 77-72

D = 67-62

A- = 91-90

B- = 81-80

C- = 71-70

D- = 61-60
F = 59-50

Grading Policy:
Class Grades: (80% of the Semester Grade)

Class work and participation: Students are expected to submit responses

to discussion questions through Google Classroom, and complete various
assignments while in class. Additionally, they are expected to exhibit good
classroom behavior and work ethic. This is 10 % of each six-weeks grade.
Homework: In accordance with school policy, homework will be assigned at
the discretion of the teacher and will be graded. This category will make up
15 % of each six-weeks grade.
Assessments: Students will take quizzes (20%) and tests (30%), and there
will also be a few projects (25%) assigned; these account for 75 % of each
six-weeks grade.
Semester Exam: (County-Mandated Exam 20% of the Semester
Grade)
Late Work/Make Up Policy: According to school policy, a student has 3
days to make up any work missed from an EXCUSED absence. After those 3 days,
the student will earn a zero for missing work. If a students absence is UNEXCUSED,
for each day that passes after a due date the student will lose 20% from their
grade. Extraordinary circumstances will be taken into account, but it is your
responsibility to speak with me if they arise.
All assignments/notes can be accessed via Google Classroom. Because of
this, YOU are responsible for printing and completing any makeup work. There is a
printer in my room for this purpose, and you may use it during class. If you are
unclear as to which work needs to be made up, please speak with me before or
after class.
Class Policies:
Participation: Participation is mandatory. While class discussion is very important, not
everyone is comfortable participating at the same level. I understand this, and I hope
that Google Classroom will provide a platform for us all to participate together in class.
Sometimes we will have group discussions on Google Classroom, other times your
responses will be private messages that only I can see. I will take into account all types
of participation when considering your grade.
Teachers Expectations: This course is a requirement for graduation. As such I expect
that you will take the course seriously and behave in a mature manner. This means you
are expected to:
1. Be prepared. You must complete the readings and assignments. If you
are unprepared to participate your grade will be negatively impacted.
2. Be an active participant. You must ask questions, participate in
activities, and practice in order to be successful.
3. Be respectful. At times our discussions may find people disagreeing
over views. This is a healthy part of discourse. Please make sure to maintain a
respectful tone.
4. Be focused. There may be times when you can use your phone/tablet
during instruction, and I will let you know when that will occur. I expect all
personal devices to be put away for the duration of class. You will be using a
school computer every day in this class. I expect that you will stay on task, and
that you will use these computers only for class work.

Contacting Mr. Torrens:

E-mail is the best way for you to contact me outside of school hours. Please include your
name, the class name, and the block number in your subject line. (ex: John Smith WG1)
World Geography Pacing Guide
Unit

Time
frame
4-6 weeks

Basic knowledge, concepts, and skills

Latin America and the

Carribean1
Southwest Asia and
North Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa

4-7 days

South Asia

4-7 days

East Asia

4-7 days

Southeast Asia,
Oceania, Australia, New
Zealand, and Antarctica

4-7 days

Students will apply the knowledge of each standard of learning

as applied to the region of Latin America and the Carribean
Students will apply the knowledge of each standard of learning
as applied to the region of Southwest Asia and North Africa
Students will apply the knowledge of each standard of learning
as applied to the region of Sub-Saharan Africa
Students will apply the knowledge of each standard of learning
as applied to the region of South Asia
Students will apply the knowledge of each standard of learning
as applied to the region of East Asia
Students will apply the knowledge of each standard of learning
as applied to the region (s) of Southeast Asia, Oceania,
Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica

Russia and the

Eurasian Republics
Europe

4-7 days

United States and

Canada

4-7 days

Basics (This unit will

serve as the basis of
which all information
throughout the course
is applied; moreover, in
order to understand
how each Standard of
Learning relates to
each region, students
will need to gain a
basic understanding of
the knowledge, skills,
and concepts of the
listed Standards)

4-7 days
4-7 days

4-7 days

The student will acquire a basic understanding

of Physical Geography
The student will apply and use basic map skills
The student will learn how humans impact the
environment and how the environment impacts
humans
The student will acquire a basic understanding
of Cultural Geography
The student will acquire a basic understanding
of Economic Geography
In addition students will learn spatial concepts
(including the concept of region)
Students will also learn the basic concepts of
Urbanization, Population, Globalization, and
Interdependence

Students will apply the knowledge of each standard of learning

as applied to the region of Russia and the Eurasian Republics
Students will apply the knowledge of each standard of learning
as applied to the region of Europe
Students will apply the knowledge of each standard of learning
as applied to the region of United States and Canada

Homework for 8/19/15: Read the syllabus carefully with your parent/guardian. Then cut
on the line above, and return this slip to class.
I, _____________, am aware of my responsibilities in Mr. Torrens World Geography class. I
understand that all assignments, notes, and announcements for this class can be
accessed using Google Classroom, through my school account. I understand that I am
responsible for printing, completing, and submitting any makeup work.
1

_________________
Student Signature

_________________
Parent Signature