AP Human Geography

Course Syllabus: AP Human Geography

Mrs. Nolan

[email protected]

Course Description

AP  Human Geography is designed to fulfill the curriculum expectations of a university human geography course. The course focuses on the processes and cause and effect relationships of human populations. Emphasis throughout the course is on the spatial distribution, differences in scale and cultural determinants influenced by global interaction and integration. Major themes that transcend the course of study at multiple levels of scale include globalization, diffusion, assimilation, acculturation, integration and interaction. The course provides a systematic study of human geography in a prescribed set of topics:

• Thinking Geographically
• Population and Migration Patterns and Processes
• Cultural Patterns and Processes
• Political Patterns and Processes
• Agricultural and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes
• Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes
• Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes

Course Objectives:

• Students will develop a spatial perspective to better understand the intricate relationships between human organization and its environmental consequences. [SPS]
• Students will explain how political, historical, cultural, and economic factors have shaped  

       spatial patterns and organization of human society. [PSO]

• Students will analyze the complex relationships of cause and effect that exist among people, their environments, and historical and contemporary actions. [IMP]

Selected Resources:

Rubenstein, James M.  The Cultural Landscape – An Introduction to Human Geography, 7th  

2002. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2002.

Sample Ancillary Materials:

-McGraw Hill Annual Editions, various

-Jordan-Bychcov, Domosh, Neumann, & Price The Human Mosaic: A Thematic    

      Introduction to Cultural Geography 10th ed. (Freeman)

-Bjelland et al. Human Geography: Landscapes of Human Activity. New York: McGraw Hill

-National Geographic Magazine

-The Economist Magazine

• Thinking Geographically – (8 – 10%; 4 Weeks)

1. Geography as a field of inquiry
2. Major geographical concepts underlying the geographical perspective:  location, space, place, scale, pattern, nature and society, regionalization, globalization, and gender issues
3. Key geographical skills

1. How to use and think about maps [IMP3]

1.  Identify types of data found in maps and other geospatial data (3.A)
2. Describe spatial patterns presented in maps and other geospatial data (3.B)

1. How to understand and interpret the implications of associations among phenomena in places [PSO3]
2. How to recognize and interpret at different scales the relational patterns and processes that result from human societal interactions with the surrounding environment [PSO1]
3. How to define regions and evaluate the regionalization process [SPS1]

1. Use of geospatial technologies, such as GIS, remote sensing, global positioning systems (GPS) and online maps
2. sources of geographical information and ideas:  the field, census data, online data, aerial photography, and satellite imagery
3. Identification of major world regions (see handout)

1. Unit 1 Big Ideas

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (PSO):Why do geographers study relationships and patterns among and between places?
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): How do geographers use maps to help them discover patterns and relationships in the world?
3. Spatial Processes and Social Change (SPS): How do geographers use a spatial perspective to analyze complex issues and relationships?

1. Unit I Geography Skills

1. Describe geographic concepts, processes, models and theories.1.A 
2.  Identify the different types of data presented in maps and in quantitative and geospatial data. 3.A 
3.  Describe spatial patterns presented in maps and in quantitative and geospatial data. 3.B 

1. Population and Migration patterns and processes – (12 – 17%; 5 weeks)

1. Geographical analysis of population (PSO -2)

1. Density, distribution, and scale (PSO -2.A) (PSO -2.B)
2. Implications of various densities and distributions (PSO-2.C)
3. Composition:  age, sex, income, education, and ethnicity (PSO -2.E.1)
4. Patterns of fertility, mortality, and health (IMP -2.A.1) (IMP -2.A.3)
5. Geography Skills
1. Explain a likely outcome in a geographic scenario using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.C 
2. Describe spatial patterns presented in maps and other geospatial data (3.B)

1. Population growth and decline over time and space (IMP -2)

1. Historical trends and projections for the future (IMP -2.A)
2. Theories of population growth and decline, including the Demographic Transition Model (DTM)  (IMP -2.B.1) (IMP -2.B.2)
3. Regional variations of demographic transition 
4. Effects of national population policies: promoting population growth in some countries or reducing fertility rates in others (SPS -2)
5. Environmental impacts of population change on water use, food supplies, biodiversity, the atmosphere, and climate (PSO -2.A.1) (PSO -2.D.2) 
6. Population and natural hazards: impacts on policy, economy, and society (SPS -2.A.1)
7. Geography Skills 
1. Explain spatial relationships in a specified context or region of the world, using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.B
2. Explain a likely outcome in a geographic scenario using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.C 

1. Migration (Population Movement) (IMP -2)

1. Types of migration:  transnational, internal, chain, step, seasonal agriculture

(e.g. transhumance), and rural to urban  (IMP -2..D.2)

1. Major historical migrations (IMP -2.D.1)
2. Push and pull factors, and migration in relation to employment and quality of life IMP-2 C.1)
3. Refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons (IMP-2.D.1)
4. Consequences of migration:  socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, and political; immigration policies, remittances (IMP-2.E.1) (IMP -2.E) (IMP -2)
5. Key Geography Skills
1. Explain spatial relationships in a specified context or region of the world, using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.B
2. Describe a relevant geographic concept, process, model or theory in a specified context 1.D

1. Unit II Big Ideas

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization PSO:  How does where and how people live impact global cultural, political, and economic patterns? 
2. Impacts and Interactions IMP: How does the interplay of environmental, economic, cultural, and political factors influence changes in population? 
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change SPS: How do changes in population affect a place’s economy, culture, and politics?

1. Unit II Geography Suggested Skills 

1. Describe a relevant geographic concept, process, model or theory in a specified context 1.D 
2. Describe spatial patterns, networks, and relationships 2.A 
3. Explain spatial relationships in a specified context or region of the world, using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.B
4. Explain a likely outcome in a geographic scenario using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.C 
5.  Identify types of data found in maps and other geospatial data (3.A)
6. Describe spatial patterns presented in maps and other geospatial data (3.B)
7. Explain patterns and trends in maps and in quantitative and geospatial data to draw conclusions. 3.C  

• Patterns of Population: Manipulating Population Growth-Predicting the Future

• Choropleth Map construction of World demographic data; Regional analysis based on data from the current Population Reference Bureau World Data Sheet (activity)
• The Demographic Transition Model
• Case study: Modern Refugees

III. Cultural Patterns and Processes – (12 – 17% 6 weeks)

1. Concepts of Culture (PSO 3)

1. Culture traits (PSO - 3.A 13)
2. Language and communications (PSO - 3.D.1) (PSO 3.D.2)
3. Religion and sacred space (PSO 3.D.1) (PSO 3.D.2)
4. Cultural differences in attitudes toward gender (PSO 3.A.3) (PSO 3.C.1)
5. Geography Skills
1. Explain a likely outcome in a geographic scenario using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.C 

1. Cultural landscapes and cultural identity (PSO 3) 

1. Symbolic landscapes and sense of place (PSO 3.B.1) 
2. The formation of identity and place making (PSO 3.B.2) 
3. Differences in cultural attitudes and practices toward the environment  (PSO 3.C.1) (PSO 3.D.1)
4. Geography Skills
1. Describe the spatial patterns presented in visual sources. 4.B  

1. Diffusion Patterns (IMP. 3)

1. Types of diffusion (IMP. 3.A.1)
2. Causes of diffusion  (IMP 3.A.1-4)
3. Diffusion of religion and language (IMP.3.B)
4. Effects of diffusion (IMP.3.B)
5. Geography Skills
1. Describe a relevant geographic concept, process, model or theory in a specified context 1.D

1. Unit III Big Ideas

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (SPO): How does where people live and what resources they have access to impact their cultural practices?
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): HOw does the interaction of people contribute to the spread of cultural practices?
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change (SPS): How and why do cultural ideas, practices and innovations change over time? 

1. Unit III Geography Suggested Skills 

1. Describe a relevant geographic concept, process, model or theory in a specified context 1.D 
2. Explain spatial relationships in a specified context or region of the world, using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.B
3. Explain a likely outcome in a geographic scenario using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.C 
4. Identify the different types of information presented in visual sources.4.A  
5. Describe the spatial patterns presented in visual sources. 4.B  
6. Explain patterns and trends in visual sources to draw conclusions. 4.C  
7. Explain how maps, images, and landscapes illustrate or relate to geographic principles, processes, and outcomes. 4.E  

◊Case study: Ethnic Cleansing; Genocide; Cultural landscapes

1. Political Patterns and Processes – (12-17%; 5 weeks)
2. Territorial dimensions of politics (PSO - 4)

1. The concepts of political power and territoriality (PSO 4.C.2)
2. The nature, meaning, and function of boundaries (IMP-4) (IMP-4.A)(IMP-4.B)
3. Influences of boundaries on identity, interaction, and exchange (PSO-4.C.2.) (IMP-4.B.2)
4. Federal and unitary states, confederations, centralized government, and forms of governance (IMP-4.C)
5. Spatial relationships between political systems and patterns of ethnicity, economy, and gender (IMP-4.D) 
6. Political ecology:  impacts of law and policy on the environment and environmental justice
7. Suggested geography Skills
1. Describe spatial patterns, networks, and relationships 2.A 
2. Explain what maps or data imply or illustrate about geographic principles, processes, and outcomes.3.E  

1. Evolution of the contemporary political pattern ()

1. The nation-state concept (PSO- 4.B.1)
2. Colonialism and imperialism (PSO-4.B.2)
3. Democratization (SPS-4.B.2)
4. Geography Skills
1. Compare geographic characteristics and processes at various scales. 5.C

1. Changes and challenges to political-territorial arrangements (SPS-4)

1. Changing nature of sovereignty(SPS-4.B)
2. Fragmentation, unification, and cooperation (SPS-4.B.1)
3. Supranationalism and international alliances (SPS-4.B.3)
4. Devolution of countries:  centripetal and centrifugal forces (SPS-4.C) (SPS-4.C.1)(SPS-4.C.2)
5. Electoral geography:  redistricting and gerrymandering (IMP-4.B.5.)
6. Geography Skill
1. Identify the scales of analysis presented by maps, quantitative and geospatial data, images, and landscapes. 5.A
7. Armed conflicts, war, and terrorism (SPS-4.A.1)
8. Geography Skills
1. Compare geographic characteristics and processes at various scales. 5.C\

1. Unit IV Big Ideas 

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (SPO): How do historical and current events influence political structures around the world?
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): HOw are the balances of power reflected in political boundaries and government power structures?
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change (SPS): How can political, economic, cultural or technological changes challenge state sovereignty?

1. Unit IV Geography Suggested Skills

1. Describe geographic concepts, processes, models and theories.1.A 
2. Describe spatial patterns, networks, and relationships 2A 
3.  Explain what maps or data imply or illustrate about geographic principles, processes, and outcomes.3.E 
4. Identify the different types of information presented in visual sources.4.A  
5. Identify the scales of analysis presented by maps, quantitative and geospatial data, images, and landscapes. 5.A 
6. Explain spatial relationships across various geographic scales using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 5.B  
7.  Compare geographic characteristics and processes at various scales. 5.C 
8.  Explain the degree to which a geographic concept, process, model, or theory effectively explains geographic effects across various geographic scales. 5.D 

◊Case Study: Terrorist organizations, motivation & operandi /or Genocide (choice)

EXAM:  Chapters 4, 5, 6 & 7

1. Agriculture, Food Production, and Rural Land Use Patterns and Processes – (12– 17%; 3 weeks) 
2. Development and diffusion of agriculture (SPS-5)

1. Neolithic Agricultural Revolution (SPS-5.A.1)
2. Second Agricultural Revolution (SPS-5)
3. Green Revolution (SPS-5.D)(SPS-5.D.1)(SPS-5.D.2)
4. Large-scale commercial agriculture and agribusiness (PSO -5.C.3)
5. Geography Skill
1. Explain the significance of geographic similarities and differences among different locations and/or at different times. 2.D 

1. Major agricultural production regions (PSO -5

1. Agricultural systems associated with major bioclimatic zones ()
2. Variations within major zones and effects of markets
3. Interdependence among regions of food production and consumption
4. Geography Skills
1. Explain the degree to which a geographic concept, process, model, or theory effectively explains geographic effects in different contexts and regions of the world 2.E 

1. Rural land use and settlement patterns (PSO -5)

1. Models of agricultural land use, including von Thünen’s model (PSO -5>D)
2. Settlement patterns associated with major agricultural types:  subsistence, cash cropping, plantation, mixed farming, monoculture, pastoralism, ranching, forestry, fishing, and aquaculture (PSO -5.C.1)
3. Land use/land cover change, irrigation,  desertification, deforestation, wetland destruction, conservation efforts to protect or restore natural land cover, and global impacts (IMP -5.A.1)
4. Roles of women in agricultural production and farming communities (SPS-7)
5. Geography Skill
1. Explain spatial relationships across various geographic scales using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 5.B 
2. Explain the degree to which a geographic concept, process, model, or theory effectively explains geographic effects in different contexts and regions of the world 2.E 

1. Issues in contemporary commercial agriculture (IMP-5)

1. Biotechnology, including genetically modified plants and animals (GMOs) (IMP-5.B.1)
2. Spatial organization of industrial agriculture, including the transition in land use to large-scale commercial farming and factors affecting the location of processing facilities (IMP -5.C.3)
3. Environmental issues:  soil degradation, overgrazing, river and aquifer depletion, animal wastes, and extensive fertilizer and pesticide use (IMP -5.B.1)
4. Organic farming, crop rotation, value-added specialty foods, regional appellations, fair trade, and eat-local-food movements (IMP -5.B.2)
5. Global food distribution, malnutrition, and famine (IMP -5.B.2)
6. Geography Skill
1. Explain the significance of geographic similarities and differences among different locations and/or at different times. 2.D 

1. Unit V Big Ideas

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (SPO): How do people’s culture and the resources amiable to them influence how they grow food?
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): HOw does what people produce and consume vary in different locations?
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change (SPS): What king of cultural changes and technological advances have impacted the way people grow and consume food. 

1. Unit V Geography Suggested Skills

1. Explain spatial relationships in a specified context or region of the world, using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.B
2. Explain the significance of geographic similarities and differences among different locations and/or at different times. 2.D 
3. Explain the degree to which a geographic concept, process, model, or theory effectively explains geographic effects in different contexts and regions of the world 2.E 
4. Compare patterns and trends in maps and in quantitative and geospatial data to draw conclusions. 3.D  
5. Compare patterns and trends in visual sources to draw conclusions. 4.D 
6. Explain spatial relationships across various geographic scales using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 5.B 
7. Explain the degree to which a geographic concept, process, model, or theory effectively explains geographic effects across various geographic scale 5.D 

◊Case Study:  Globalization (TBD)

EXAM:  Chapters 8, 9, 10, & 11

1. VI Cities and Urban Land Use Patterns and Processes - (12 – 17%; 4 weeks)
2. Development and character of cities (PSO -6)

1. Origins of cities; site and situation characteristics (PSO -6.A.1)
2. Forces driving urbanization (PSO 0 6.A)
3. World cities and megacities (PSO -6.A.3
4. Suburbanization processes (PSO - 6.A.4)
5. Geography Skills 
1. Explain the significance of geographic similarities and differences among different locations and/or at different times. 2.D 

1. Models of urban hierarchies:  reasons for the distribution and size of cities (PSO -6)

1. Gravity model (PSO - 6.C.1)
2. Christaller’s Central Place theory  (PSO - 6.C.1)
3. Rank-size rule  (PSO - 6.C.1)
4. Primate cities  (PSO - 6.C.1)
5. Geography Skills
1. Explain a likely outcome in a geographic scenario using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.C 

1. Models of internal city structure and urban development:  strengths and limitations of models (PSO-6)

1. Burgess Concentric zone model (PSO -6.D.1)
2. Hoyt Sector model (PSO -6.D.1)
3. Harris and Ullman Multiple-nuclei model (PSO -6.D.1)
4. Galactic city model (PSO -6.D.1)
5. Models of cities in Latin America, North Africa, and the Middle East, sub- Saharan Africa, East Asia, and South Asia (PSO -6.D.1)
6. Geographic Skill
1. Explain the strengths , weaknesses of different models and theories in a specific context.1.E 

1. Built environment and social space (IMP -6)

1. Types of residential buildings (IMP -6A.1)
2. Transportation and utility infrastructure (IMP -6.D.1)
3. Political organization of urban areas (SPS 6.A.5)
4. Urban planning and design (e.g. gated communities, New Urbanism, and smart-growth policies) (IMP - 6.E.1)
5. Census data on urban ethnicity, gender, migration, and socioeconomic status (IMP 6.E.1)
6. Characteristics and types of edge cities:  boomburbs, greenfields, uptowns (PSO -6.A.4)
1. Explain how maps, images, and landscapes illustrate or relate to geographic principles, processes, and outcomes. 4.E  

1. Contemporary urban issues (SPS - 6)

1. Housing and insurance discrimination, and access to food stores (SPS - 6.A.1)
2. Uneven development, zones of abandonment, disamenity, and gentrification (SPS -6.A.4)
3. Suburban sprawl and urban sustainability problems:  land and energy use, cost of expanding public education services, home financing and debt crises (SPS -6.B.1)
4. Urban environmental issues:  transportation, sanitation, air and water quality, remediation of brownfields, and farmland protections (SPS -6.B.2)
5. Geography Skill
1. Explain the significance of geographic similarities and differences among different locations and/or at different times. 2.D 

1. Unit VI Big Ideas.

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (SPO): How do physical geography and resources impact teh presence and growth of cities?
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): How are the attitudes values and balances of power of a population reflected in the built landscape?
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change (SPS): How are urban areas affected by unique economic, political, cultural and environmental challenges? 

1. Unit VI Geography Suggested Skills

1. Explain the strengths , weaknesses of different models and theories in a specific context.1.E 
2. Explain a likely outcome in a geographic scenario using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.C 
3. Explain the significance of geographic similarities and differences among different locations and/or at different times. 2.D 
4. Explain patterns and trends in maps and in quantitative and geospatial data to draw conclusions. 3.C  
5. Compare patterns and trends in maps and in quantitative and geospatial data to draw conclusions. 3.D  
6. Explain what maps or data imply or illustrate about geographic principles, processes, and outcomes.
7. Explain how maps, images, and landscapes illustrate or relate to geographic principles, processes, and outcomes. 4.E  
8.  Explain spatial relationships across various geographic scales using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 5.B 

◊Case Study: Urban Land Use – The Urban Models and how they apply to real cities of today. (TBD)

EXAM:  Chapters 12 & 13 (if there is time)

VII. Industrialization and Economic Development Patterns and Processes – (12 – 17%; 4 weeks)

1. Growth and diffusion of industrialization (SPS -7))

1. The changing roles of energy and technology (SPS-7.A.1)
2. Industrial Revolution (SPS - 7.A)
3. Models of economic development:  Rostow’s Stages of Economic Growth and Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory (SPS - 7.E.1)
4. Geographic critiques of models of industrial location:  bid rent, Weber’s comparative costs of transportation and industrial location in relation to resources, location of retailing and service industries, and local economic development within competitive global systems of corporations and finance. (SPS -7)
5. Suggested Skills
1. Explain the strengths , weaknesses of different models and theories in a specific context.1.E 

1. Social and economic measures of development SPS -7)

1. Gross domestic product and GDP per capita (SPS -7.C.1)
2. Human Development Index (HDI) (SPS - 7.C.3)
3. Gender Inequality Index (GII) (SPS -7.C.2)
4. Income disparity and the Gini coefficient (SPS 07))
5. Natural resources and environmental concerns (SPS -7.A.a)
6. Changes in fertility and mortality (SPS -7.C.1)
7. Access to health care, education, utilities, and sanitation (SPS -7.C.1)
8. Suggested Skil
1. Explain possible limitations of the data provided. 3.F  
2. Compare patterns and trends in maps and in quantitative and geospatial data to draw conclusions. 3.D  

1. Contemporary patterns and impacts of industrialization and development (SPS -7)

1. Spatial organization of the world economy (PSO -7.A.2)
2. Variations in levels of development (uneven development) 
3. Deindustrialization, economic restructuring, and the rise of service and high technology economies (PSO -7.A)
4. Globalization, manufacturing in newly industrialized countries (NICs), and the international division of labor (PS0 -7.A.2)
5. Natural resource depletion, pollution, and climate change (IMP - 7.A.1)
6. Sustainable development (IMP -7.A.1)
7. Government development initiatives:  local, regional, and national policies
8. Women in development and gender equity in the workforce (SPS - 7.D.2)
9. Suggested Skills
1. Explain spatial relationships across various geographic scales using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 5.B  

F.Unit VII Big Ideas.

1. Patterns and Spatial Organization (SPO): Why does economic and social development happen at different times and rates in different places?
2. Impacts and Interactions (IMP): How might environmental problems stemming from industrialization be remedied through sustainable development strategies?
3. Spatial Patterns and Societal Change (SPS): Why has industrialization helped improve standards of living while also contributing to geographically uneven development?

1. Unit VII Geography Suggested Skills

1. Explain the strengths , weaknesses of different models and theories in a specific context.1.E 
2. Explain spatial relationships in a specified context or region of the world, using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 2.B 
3. Compare patterns and trends in maps and in quantitative and geospatial data to draw conclusions. 3.D  
4. Explain possible limitations of the data provided. 3.F  
5. Compare patterns and trends in visual sources to draw conclusions. 4.D  
6. Explain possible limitations of visual sources provided4.F  
7. Explain spatial relationships across various geographic scales using geographic concepts, processes, models, or theories. 5.B  
8. Explain the degree to which a geographic concept, process, model, or theory effectively explains geographic effects across various geographic scales. 5.D