Course Objective: Students will examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national and international levels. Students will describe the influence of geography on events, past and present. The Student will study the physical processes that shape patterns in the physical environment; the characteristics of major land forms, climates, and ecosystems and their interrelationships; the political, economic, and social processes that shape cultural patterns of regions; types and patterns of settlement; the distribution and movement of world population; relationships among people, places, and environments; and the concept of region. Students will analyze how location affects economic activities in different economic systems throughout the world. Students will identify the processes that influence political divisions of the planet and analyze how different points of view affect the development of public policies. Students will compare how components of culture shape the characteristics of regions and analyze the impact of technology and human modifications on the physical environment. Students will use problem-solving and decision-making skills to ask and answer geographic questions.

Supplies: Students will need the following:
1. 3 Ring Binder and dividers
2. Notebook paper
3. Pen (blue or black)
4. Map colors
5. Ruler

Basic Ground Rules of Class
1. Binder should be with you everyday.
2. Class discussion: Class participation and note taking is a must in order to be successful in this class. When someone else is speaking, everyone else must listen. Each student will get a chance to express their opinions, Remember to respect each other even if you disagree.
3. Students are expected to conduct themselves with personal and academic integrity at all times. Academic integrity includes the awareness of plagiarism and cheating. Cheating includes, but not limited to: using unauthorized sources or assistance in taking quizzes or exams, preparing papers, or misrepresenting the work of others as your own.
4. Class Time: If you finish an in-class assignment before the bell rings, it is your responsibility to have something else to work on. If you do not, I will provide you with another assignment.
5. Visitors: If there is a visitor in the classroom, students are expected to be on their best behavior.

Other Rules
1. Be in the class by the time the tardy bell rings.
2. Be prepared for class by having all the necessary supplies with you.
3. Respect others and their property.
4. Follow all directions.
5. No sleeping, grooming, passing notes, or talking without permission in my classroom.
6. Follow all the rules and regulations of the student handbook.

Absences and Make-Up Assignments
Each student is expected to make up all assignments from being absent as soon as possible after your return. Be sure to remind me of any work or papers you might need.

Grade Determination
60% TEST and 40% Daily work

All work should be neat and legible with correct spelling and grammar. It should also be done in either pencil, or blue or black ink.