Course Background and Description
This course will teach students about the geography of the world and its individual regions. Students will understand the role geography plays in shaping the culture and history of the world’s individual regions and peoples. Each unit will study the geography of a specific continent, focusing on location, topography, weather and climate, natural resources, wildlife, and the people that live there. Students will also learn brief histories influential nations. Throughout the semester students will develop the geographical vocabulary and map-reading skills necessary for success in higher-level social studies courses. Students will also be taught study and test taking skills.

Class Materials

• Textbook - Ashbaugh, Brian World Geography: In Christian Perspective Laurel Hicks ed. A Beka Book. Pensacola Christian College, 2005
• Notebook - Used to log all vocabulary words and section summaries
• Blue or Black ink pens

Evaluation
Students will be evaluated on the following through a direct point-scoring system:

• Homework - book work, worksheets, outlines, notebook completion, etc.
• Quizzes - reading quizzes, in-class essays
• Presentation - students will have one opportunity to teach their classmates a given section from their textbook
• Tests - one per unit
• Midterm - after approximately 9 weeks, worth roughly 2 tests
• Final - heavier focus on material covered after the midterm, worth roughly 20% of the student's final grade

Classroom Rules
Refer mostly to the PLHS student handbook, 2009. General rules such as being seated before the bell, raising a hand for permission to speak, and refraining from social chatter all apply. Rules specific to the teacher will be explicitly stated (and repeated when necessary) in class. Respect and courtesy to both the teacher and fellow students will be enforced to ensure a classroom environment that is cohesive to learning.

Tardies and Absences
Unexcused tardies and absences will be treated equally in regards to their negative affect on a student’s grade. Two unexcused tardies or absences per quarter will be forgiven; however, every instance thereafter will drop the student’s quarter grade by 1%.

Extra Credit
These opportunities vary each year and are scattered throughout the course. Each opportunity will come with clear instructions and ample time for completion. Students are encouraged to take advantage of extra credit.