AP Human Geography

Description

Syllabus coming soon

Hello and welcome! I’m Mrs. Dobeck, and I am thrilled to be your guide this year in AP Human Geography. This course is designed to help students explore the complex relationships between people, places, and environments across the globe. We’ll dive into topics like population trends, cultural patterns, political organization of space, urban development, and more — all with a focus on critical thinking and real-world application.

My goals for this course are not only to deepen students’ understanding of human geography but also to fully prepare them for the AP Human Geography Exam in May. Throughout the year, we will practice the skills necessary for success on the AP test, including analytical writing, data interpretation, and geographic analysis.

I am committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming classroom environment where every student feels respected, supported, and challenged. Together, we’ll build a space where diverse perspectives are valued, questions are encouraged, and learning is a shared adventure. This course is a great introduction to AP classes, and students who are interested in challenging themselves are welcome to enroll.

Course Structure

This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Human Geography exam through a rigorous, college-level curriculum. There is no required textbook. Instead, we use a combination of outside readings, videos, AP Classroom resources, and interactive activities.

Course Outline:

We will follow the College Board’s official AP Human Geography course framework, covering the following units:

1. Thinking Geographically

2. Population and Migration Patterns and Processes

3. Cultural Patterns and Processes

4. Political Patterns and Processes

5. Agricultural and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes

6. Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes

7. Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes

Each unit is designed to build your skills in spatial thinking, data analysis, and making connections between human and environmental systems.

Weekly Expectations:

• Students should plan to spend 4 to 5 hours per week on coursework. This includes readings, assignments, practice activities, and studying.

• There will be weekly quizzes to assess understanding and help prepare you for the AP Exam in May.

• Students will also complete practice free-response questions (FRQs) throughout the year to build their writing and analysis skills.

• Unit assessments will be given at the end of each unit to track overall mastery.

• Regular participation in discussion boards and class activities will be an important part of your learning experience.

• All live sessions will be recorded and posted for review.

AP Exam Preparation: Throughout the course, we will focus not only on mastering the content but also on developing the critical thinking, writing, and time management skills needed to succeed on the AP Human Geography Exam in May.

Who should enroll?

AP Human Geography is a perfect course for motivated students in grades 9–12 who are curious about the world and ready to take on an exciting academic challenge. Whether you are brand new to AP-level coursework or looking to build your college readiness, this course provides a supportive and structured environment to help you succeed. We explore real-world topics like migration, culture, cities, and globalization, making the material both engaging and relevant. With weekly guidance, clear expectations, and regular feedback, students will build the critical thinking, writing, and study skills needed for future academic success — all while preparing for the AP Exam in May. If you are eager to explore how humans shape our world and ready to develop your academic skills in a welcoming online community, this is the course for you!

Technology Requirements

• High-speed, broadband Internet
• Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures

Evaluation and Feedback

Students will receive feedback on assignments to best support their progress in the course, including written comments and individualized feedback. This will all be tracked in the Canvas grading system. Students will also participate on the College Board website where their progress will be tracked throughout the course.

Communication

I try to respond to all student and parent messages within 24 hours and will have assignments graded within a week, depending on the size of the assignment. Remember to use the Canvas messaging system to receive the quickest response.