World Geography

Sachse High School

Coach Goforth    (RM :  273)

EMAIL :  zjgoforth@garlandisd.net

 

Course Description

This course provides students the opportunity to study the interaction of people and their physical environments in the major areas of the world. The content introduces the student to the world of geographers, their unique vocabulary, tools, and methodologies. Students acquire an understanding of the physical setting of the earth, locate and study different landforms and regions of the world, and learn how people and geography impact each other. World Geography offers student opportunities to put into practice the geographical concepts and skills they have accumulated throughout their school careers.

 

Purpose, Goal and Objectives

Course Objective

The primary objective of the course is to build a global perspective for students today. "National and international events of the past decade have led to an increasing awareness of the need to improve geographic education and geographic literacy in the United States. A global perspective is essential if students are to understand the connections among the world’s people and places and indeed understand their own situations and their own futures." (Riggs-Salter)

 

General Course Goals

• To develop a learning culture nurturing consistently high achieving, focused and independent learners.

• To develop young students who are team players, yet independent, self paced learners, initiators and thinkers.
• To provide a safe and positive learning environment for all which enables students to reach their full potential.
• To provide an environment celebrating the strengths and achievements of each member of the community.
• To develop empowered young students who take responsibility for their actions and who demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and confidence to live and contribute as positive leaders to an ever changing world.

 

Materials Required

MAP PENCIL  ( I do have a class set but if you would like your own)

SPIRAL 

FOLDER (3 ring binder)   to keep paper, worksheets, handouts  / 9 dividers

 

Grading Policy      →   

Grades in core content areas will be defined by two categories:

1)  Summative (Exams/Projects):               

These grades will comprise 30%  of a student’s grade average in the course.

2)  Formative   (Quizzes, Homework, CBAs etc):  

These grades will comprise 60%  of a student’s grade average in the course.

 

 

Make-up Policy

If a student has an excused absence, they will have an equal number of days as absences to make-up the work unless otherwise directed by the teacher.

 

Plagiarism

District policy will be strictly adhered to, and a zero will be given.  Students are responsible for their own work.

There will be no talking during quizzes or test, even if some students have completed their work.  If there is a substitute, all rules still apply.

 

Tutoring:

Tutorials will be after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning the third week of school.

There may be adjustments due to conflicts and my coaching responsibilities.

 

Progress Reports

Progress Reports will be sent out on the 3rd week and the 6th week of each 9 weeks.

Classroom Expectations:

We expect high school students to act as young adults. Our intention is to treat them as such.

Therefore the expectations of behavior can be summarized in three simple policies.

 

1. BE ON TIME     (2) BE ATTENTIVE TO DETAIL      (3) WORK HARD

 

• An environment of “mutual respect” will be maintained at all times
• I dismiss class/not the bell
• Students will not use cell phones without my permission
• Students will not have ear-buds in without my permission
• Students will bring materials to class each day