AP Human Geography Mr. Slevcove mslevcove@pylusd.org www.mslevcove.weebly.com Geography is the why of where. AP Human Geography Exam, 2001 Course Overview The AP Human Geography course is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in human geography. The course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. Suggested Materials Students should have the following materials to be successful in the classroom. Blue or Black ink pens Number 2 pencils Highlighters Colored pencils A three-ring binder dedicated to APHuG Spiral notebook or composition book Grading Policies Grading Breakdown All grades are earned. Students grades will be evaluated based on the following: Grading Scale: Grading Categories: 89.5% - 100% = A Chapter Assessments: 70% 79.5% - 89.49 = B Classwork and Homework: 30% 69.5% - 79.49% = C 59.5% - 69.49% = D 0% - 59.49% = F Late Work Policy: Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late work is accepted one day late for a maximum of 50% credit. After that, the work is not accepted.
Absent Work: After an excused absence, it is the student s responsibility to: Visit the class website or ask a classmate for any assignment information or notes. Check the absent work bin for handouts or assignments Schedule make-up exams or quizzes. The due dates for absent work are as follows: If the assignment was due the day the student was absent, the assignment is due the day a student returns from an excused absence. A student gets two days per day of excused absence to make up an assignment after returning to class before it is considered late. It is up to the student to monitor this deadline. No additional time is given to major projects or assignments unless there is an extreme circumstance. Extra Credit Extra Credit is rarely, if ever, given. Assignment Expectations This is a college-level course. As such, students will need to be self-motivated and willing to complete any and all homework and other assignments in order to be successful in this course. In-class instructional activities are mostly application-based, so it is expected that students have already completed any assigned readings or homework before class. Students are expected to balance the workload of this class with any other academic, extracurricular, or personal responsibilities. Students are expected to directly communicate with Mr. Slevcove if they are having any difficulties. Academic Honesty There is a ZERO tolerance policy on plagiarism or cheating of any kind. Students are always expected to turn in any work that is completely their own. All assignments are to be completed individually and in students own words unless otherwise indicated. Please be advised that it is considered plagiarism to paraphrase or copy from a source or individual without proper citation or to paraphrase or copy from a source or individual when the assignment is supposed to be completed in a student s own words. When outside sources are permitted, proper citations must always be used. Any form of cheating or plagiarism results in an automatic zero, no ability to make up the assignment or assessment, and a referral to the student s counselor. Subsequent offenses will result in further disciplinary actions. Please see the Esperanza Student Handbook for the full policy on academic honesty and the list of potential consequences. Use of Electronic Devices The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District is a bring your own device district. Students are permitted to bring electronic devices at their own risk. All electronic devices must always be on silent (not vibrate) in the classroom. Students may not use their electronic devices, such as cell phones, in class for any reason without Mr. Slevcove s explicit permission. When the use of electronic devices is allowed with Mr. Slevcove s explicit permission during instruction, students may only use their electronic devices as instructed. They may not use electronic devices to access social media, text, send or share pictures, browse the Internet freely, etc. Using electronic devices improperly for any reason will result in the confiscation of the device. For more information about accessing the Wi-Fi, the acceptable usage of electronic devices, and the consequences for not following the school and district policies regarding electronic devices, please see the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District website.
Communication The best way to contact Mr. Slevcove is via email at mslevcove@pylusd.org. Emails are typically responded to within 24 business hours on Monday through Friday only. Each student has a district-issued Gmail account. Students are expected to check their district-issued Gmail account regularly. Mr. Slevcove will only email students or send class reminders using students district-issued emails. Students must also be logged in to this account to access Google Classroom, which will contain many of their assignments. Class Policies and Behavior Expectations Classroom Expectations: Students are to arrive on time, prepared with the necessary supplies, and ready to learn. Students must be actively engaged during class. Participation is required for success in this course. There are no stupid questions. All students, teachers, staff, and inanimate objects are to be given total respect. Students are expected to come into the classroom with an open mind and ready to learn. Respect the opinions and thoughts of others. Students are expected to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills. Class Policies and Procedures School Policies: Please refer to the Esperanza Student Handbook for any policies or procedures that are not noted in this syllabus. Talking: Listen quietly while the teacher or another student is speaking. Students must raise their hand and wait to be called on to speak. Electronic Devices: Students may use laptops, cell phones, or other electronic devices exclusively to take notes or for certain classwork activities only with the teacher s explicit prior permission. Bathroom: Students must raise their hand and ask for permission to use the restroom or to get a drink of water during class time. Students may not leave the classroom while they are taking an assessment. Eating/Drinking: Students may not eat, drink, or chew gum in the classroom. Only water is allowed. Classroom Behavior: Students are to remain seated in class and may get up by raising their hand and getting the teacher s permission. Students may no pack up until the ball rings and must wait for the teacher to dismiss them. Purses and Backpacks: Please keep all backpacks, purses, bags, etc. under the desk at all times.
Disciplinary Action for Failure to Adhere to Class Policies: Failure to adhere to the class policies can result in any of the following disciplinary actions in any sequence or combination: Verbal Warning Seat Change Warning with parent/guardian contact Before school or lunch detention Referral to Administration Behavior contracts Class or school suspension Tardies: Students must be in their assigned seat when the bell rings. If a student is not in his or her assigned seat when the bell rings, he or she is tardy. Please see the Esperanza Student Handbook for more information on attendance policies. Unexcused Absences: Please see the Esperanza Student Handbook for more information on attendance policies.
Parent-Student Agreement Form Please detach this form, read the student and parent/guardian agreements, fill it out completely, and turn in to Mr. Slevcove by Thursday, September 1, 2016. You are required to turn in this form. Failure to turn in this mandatory parent-student agreement form will result in a loss of classwork/homework points! Student Agreement I have read and understood all of the rules, policies, and expectations of Mr. Slevcove s AP Human Geography class. I understand that I must follow the rules, policies, and expectations outlined both by this syllabus and the Esperanza Student Handbook at all times. I understand that I am enrolled in a college-level class. I understand that by choosing to take this rigorous and rewarding class, I need to be self-motivated and willing to complete any and all homework, such as the regular reading assignments, and other assignments in order to be successful in this course. I understand that it is my responsibility as the student to manage my time wisely and balance the workload of this class with any other academic, extracurricular, or personal responsibilities. I understand that it is also my responsibility as the student to communicate with Mr. Slevcove if I am struggling to keep up with this class and attend any review sessions or tutoring opportunities that are offered. Student s Printed Name: Period: Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Agreement I have read and understand all of the rules, policies, and expectations of Mr. Slevcove s AP Human Geography class, including the policies on the use of electronic devices and plagiarism. I also understand that my student is enrolled in a college-level class, which means that my student is expected to complete all assignment in order to be successful. Additionally, I understand that it is my student s responsibility to manage deadlines, communicate with Mr. Slevcove when needed, attend any review sessions or tutoring opportunities that are offered, and balance the workload in this class with any other academic, extracurricular, or personal responsibilities. Parent/Guardian s Printed Name: Signature: Date: Parent E-Mail: Preferred Phone Number: