Purpose

This one semester course is designed to broaden the student's knowledge of physical and cultural geography so that the student can better understand the people, places, and issues in the world around them.  By studying basic geographic knowledge and engaging in a region by region study of the world, students will achieve an applicable knowledge of the planet they live on, the people that inhabit that planet, and the physical, political, and cultural traits that come together to form the world as we know it.

By the end of the course, students will understand.

• The basic geographic features of the earth and the skills and concepts used in the study of geography.
• The various landforms, climates, and natural resources that exist in different areas of the world (Physical Geography).
• The various cultures that exist in different areas of the world (Cultural Geography).
• How the geography of a region is related to the challenges faced by the people of that region.
• Various environmental problems facing different regions of the world.

Describe how major world issues and events affect various people, societies, places, cultures and settlements.

• Students will examine the impact of colonial settlement on various native cultures both in the past and the lasting legacy of the colonization in those areas.
• Students will examine the impact of WWII on the population of Europe as well as the political changes that occurred in Europe and the Middle East after the war.

Explain how culture might affect women's and men's perspectives

• Students will examine various cultures in the world and compare and contrast the role of men and women in the various cultures.

Describe the environmental consequences of major world processes and events.

• Students examine the history of industrialization in the world and analyze the impact of industrialization throughout history.
• Students will examine the impact of invasive species in various places in the world.

Assess the relationship between property ownership and the management of natural resources.

• Students will examine the impact of human progress on the rainforests of Latin America.  Focus will be on debating the importance of human needs and property management vs. the importance of preserving the environment.

Suggest ways the people can help improve their environment.

• Students will identify environmental problems in various parts of the world and look at current and past attempts to rectify these issues and then offer there own solutions to the problems.

Describe major world patterns of economic activity and explain the reasons for the patterns.

• Using charts and graphs, students will examine changes in economic activity in the United States and use that information to predict future economic sector of growth and downfall.
• Students will create worldwide economic activity maps that visually present patterns of economic activity across the world and allow for them to analyze global trade patterns.

Explain how events have causes and consequences in different parts of the world.

• Students examine the causes and consequences of the Tsunami of 2004 on South Asia and the rest of the world.
• Students will examine the impact of human development in different parts of the world.

Explain how major world processes affect different world regions

• Students should be able to explain the effects of the rapid industrialization and urbanization on the industrializing region as well as other regions around it.

Explain how major world regions are changing.

• Students examine several regions of the worlds that have undergone significant change in the last 25 years.
• Students will examine the impact of the collapse of the Soviet Union on the 15 nations that at one time made up the superpower.  By examining the newly independent nations, students will better be able to understand the real impact of independence and the struggles and advancements experienced by the people in the former Soviet republics.

Explain how processes like population growth, economic development, urbanization, resource use, international trade, global communication, and environmental impact are affecting different world regions.

• Students will examine current global environmental problems and debate the role the United States should have in the solving the problems affecting different world regions.
• For each unit studied, students will examine current issues that unit faces.

Describe major patterns of economic development and political systems and explain some of the factors causing them.

• Students will examine the causes and effects of the shift from command economies to market economies.

Explain how geography and major world processes influence major world events

• While studying the history of Russia and the Eurasian Republics, students will examine the role that the geography (esp. climate) has played in protecting Russia from succumbing to invasion from outside forces.
• Students examine the role and make-up of several international alliances and determine the role geography plays in their make-up and mission.

Explain the causes and importance of global issues involving cultural stability and change, economic development and international trade, resource use, environmental impact, conflict and cooperation, and explain how they may affect the future.

• Students will examine the perceived positives and negatives of international trade agreements.
• Students will engage in an ongoing analysis of current issues in each region of the world as they study them in class.