Welcome to AP Human Geography Objectives: Students will be introduced to the AP Human Geography course. 2. Students will be introduced to Human Geography in order to determine the purpose of Human Geography.

The Basic Structure of the AP Geography Test 1. 75 MC Questions (50%) 75 Minutes 2. 3 Free response Questions (50%) 75 Minutes, 25 minutes each. You have to write in full sentences, it has never said “list 3 things”. Grade decisions change every year, best thing is to do is divide the number of questions by 5. Example: 15 out of 75 wrong is the bottom minimum for a 5. Argument is more for points not details, it’s the general argument that counts. Spelling and grammar doesn’t count as long as the reader knows what the student is talking about.

Getting to know Human Geography For our class each student will investigate One Developed Nation One Developing Nation Two US States The assigned nations and states will be different for each student. You cant select the US as your nation or New Jersey as your state.

First…What is Geography? The study of where things are found on Earth’s surface and why they are there. Geographers ALWAYS ask “Where” and “Why”?

Ok, But what exactly is it??? Well, it’s a way of thinking about intellectual problems, both natural and societal, which emphasizes the importance of spatial relationships. Take any social, environmental, or physical question or problem and ask yourself whether there is a spatial aspect to it. Chances are that space and place play a role in the explanation and distribution of that question. For Example: Why are so many plant and animal species becoming extinct? Why is corn such an important part of a traditional Mexican diet? Why is the desert so cold at night? Why do Muslims where the scarf covering their face? (also called a jilbab or hijab)

2 Types Physical Human (This is what our class is about!) Where and why natural forces occur as they do Ex: rocks, landforms, water, plants, climate, weather, etc. Human (This is what our class is about!) Where and why human activities are located where they are Ex: population, religion, economic systems, political systems, migration, social traditions, etc

5 Themes of Geography Know and love them!!! Place – can be human or physical a. A specific point on Earth distinguished by a particular characteristic Region a. An area distinguished by a distinctive combination of cultural and physical features Interaction a. How do people adapt to and change the environment Location a. Absolute v. Relative Movement – people and goods a. Travel and trade

Now… Take a minute and write down everything you have had for breakfast today

Where did your food come from? Food Place of Origin Current Production coffee Ethiopia Tropics oranges South Asia, India US, Mediterranean pork China, South Asia Worldwide wheat Near East US, Russia, Argentina tea China Asia oats Near East Temperate Climates What does this have to do with geography?

How did Geographers figure this out? How do geographers know where coffee grows the best? How do geographers know that coco only grows in tropical areas? Field Work

Why study Human Geography? To research other cultures and why they do the things they do in their location. Geographers study culture because it leaves dramatic imprints on the earth, both physical and cultural.

Globalization Because of the imprints left on the earth…this is the result… The process by which people of the world are unified into a single society and function together in common economic, political, and social ways.

Video: The Last Place Bhutan (This video is found on YouTube)

As you view the video Reflect on how Television is going to effect the Country Positives and Negatives Why can this be considered Human Geography?