COURSE DESCRIPTION

World Geography and Cultures is a survey course beginning with a review of basic concepts of geography.  Once the basics are mastered, students will study a variety of regions and cultures.  Particular attention will be placed on the study of the United States, Canada; Mexico; Central America; South America; Europe and the Middle East;

Content

1^st Marking Period

Exploring Geography   

• Why study geography?
• Compass Rose
• Legends
• Latitude/ Longitude
• Map projections
• Types of maps
• Charts, diagrams, tables
• Five Themes of Geography: Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement, Regions
• Land forms- “Changes Within the Earth”: Section 2

Vegetation Regions

Population and Culture

• Human geography
• Political and economic systems

Resources and Land Use

• World resources
• Economics

United States

• Physical geography

• Culture

• Economy

• Current issues

• Regions

2^nd Marking Period  

Canada

• Physical geography
• Culture
• Economy
• Current issues
• Regions

 Mexico and Central America

•  Physical geography

• Culture and the arts

• Economy

• Current issues

Central America and Caribbean

• Physical geography
• Economy
• Political unrest
• Culture
• Migration
• Current issues

South America

• Brazil
• Other South American nations
• Physical geography
• Economy and resources
• Culture  

3rd Marking Period

South America ( continuation)

• Brazil
• Other South American nations
• Physical geography
• Economy and resources
• Culture  

The Middle East

• Physical Geography
• Culture
• Economy and resources
• Current Issues
• Political Unrest

4th Marking Period  

The Middle East (continuation)

• Physical Geography
• Culture
• Economy and resources
• Current Issues
• Political Unrest

Europe

• Physical Geography
• Culture
• Economy and resources
• Current Issues
• Political Shifts
• Migration

Key Concepts

• Five Themes of Geography
• Government
• Economic Systems
• World Religions
• Natural Resources and Environment
• Culture
• Interdependence
• Urbanization
• Diversity
• Imperialism

Course Materials

• Textbook—World Geography: Building a Global Perspective, Prentice Hall, 2000
• Nystrom Desk Atlas
• Films and Videos
• Internet