Course Syllabus

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Syllabus World Geography A

Welcome

Welcome to World Geography A! We’re so glad you’re here.

Every lesson is designed to help you grow as a thinker, problem solver, and global learner. As a Mizzou Academy global student, you will complete lessons and assignments on your own schedule, interacting with course content, participating in interactives, and completing practice activities, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams.

To stay on track, we recommend using a pacing guide. You can find more information about pacing in the Course Resources section, along with helpful tools, technology support, and tips for online learning success.

As you begin, remember that online learning requires both independence and communication. Be curious, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher if you need support.

We’re excited to learn with you, and we’re happy you’re part of our Mizzou Academy community! 

Pacing

This course can be completed in as few as six weeks or take up to 6 months (180 calendar days). The six weeks are counted from the date of the first lesson submission and not the date of enrollment.

This course is asynchronous, meaning you can complete lessons and assignments at your own pace.

Most students spend approximately 10 hours per lesson interacting with course content, participating in interactive activities, and completing practice exercises, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams. Your time may vary depending on your goals and learning style. 

We encourage you to work at a consistent pace, allowing time to absorb new ideas, build skills, and reflect on what you’ve learned. Use a pacing guide to plan ahead, stay organized, and finish strong. 

Course Description

World Geography A looks at the Earth’s physical geography, such as landforms and oceans, as well as the human geography of people and cultures on Earth’s surface.  In this course, you will focus on the Americas, Europe, and Russia.

Course Essential Questions

  • How does geography shape the way people live, work, and interact with their environment?
  • How do location, place, movement, and region influence the development of societies and cultures?
  • How can geographers use maps, data, and geographic inquiry to understand the world and solve real-world problems?

Course Overview

World Geography A

Lesson

Objectives

Quiz

Assignment

1: Introduction to Geography

1.1 Explain the purpose of studying geography 

1.2 Identify the tools of geography 

1.3 Relate location to longitude and latitude 

1.4 Differentiate between physical and human geography 

1.5 Describe the 5 Themes of Geography 

10 MCQ

N/A

2: Geographic Literacy

2.1 Define the three I’s of geographic literacy

2.2 Summarize the concept of global citizenship 

2.3 Evaluate your role as global citizens

2.4 Compose geographic questions

N/A

Lesson 2 Assignment: Geography Literacy and Global Citizenship

3: Tools of Geographic Inquiry

3.1 Explain the steps of geographic inquiry.

3.2 Identify different types of maps and predict their uses. 

3.3 Assess multiple maps and resources to form an argument.

N/A

Lesson 3 Assignment: Use Maps to Tell Stories

4: North America (Canada and the US)

4.1 Describe important physical features in North America 

4.2 Assess the role of modernization and globalization in the movement of people across the North American continent. 

4.3 Analyze maps and resources to judge the role of globalization and modernization around the Dakota Access Pipeline debate. 

4.4 Develop a position that demonstrates the tenets of geographic literacy and global citizenship

10 MCQ

N/A

5: Geography of Missouri

5.1 Compare the five regions of Missouri 

5.2 Describe the connection between Missouri’s industries and its physical geography 

5.3 Describe the historical progression of Missouri’s borders

10 MCQ

N/A

6. Examining Missouri Borders: A Model of Geographic Inquiry

6.1 Summarize the historical progression of Missouri’s borders.

6.2 Analyze documents and maps to explain the effect borders on the lives of people. 

N/A

N/A

Midterm Exam - 2 parts

Part 1: Writing Assignment

Part 2: Objective Questions - 40 MCQ

7: Middle and South America

7.1 Identify the major physical geographic features of Middle and South America 

7.2 Describe early indigenous populations in Middle and South America 

7.3 Analyze the patterns of European colonization 

7.4 Assess the connection between movement and deforestation in Middle and South America using maps and documents 

10 MCQ

N/A

8: Europe

8.1 Describe the way place and location have affected the physical characteristics of Europe. 

8.2 Summarize the role of location and place in the development of European history 

8.3 Assess the role of location and place in the movement across, to, and out of Europe.

N/A

Lesson 8 Assignment: Develop a Geographic Inquiry Proposal

9: Russia

9.1 Describe the physical features of Russia

9.2 Compare different periods of Russian expansion

9.3 Analyze the current ways physical geography affects the people of Russia

9.4 Assess the way people of Russia have depended, modified, and adapted to life in Russia.

10 MCQ

N/A

10: The Geographic Inquiry Process

10.1 Develop a geographic question

10.2 Gather geographic data

10.3 Organize geographic data

10.4 Analyze geographic data

10.5 Answer a geographic question

N/A

N/A

Final Exam - 2 parts

Part 1: Writing Assignment

Part 2: Objective Questions - 40 MCQ

 

Grades

Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on submitted work and exams. The available points are distributed as follows:

Source Available Points
Lesson Assignments 75
Lesson Quizzes 50
Midterm Exam 80
Final Exam 80
Total 285

 

Textbook & Technology Requirements

To fully participate, make sure you have:

  • A computer that meets our Mizzou Academy technology requirements
  • A microphone and webcam for recording audio and video assignments
  • Any other required textbooks or materials for the course

Textbook

The World Geography A/B textbook is available online at no cost to you. It can be retrieved at https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Courses/Mizzou_Academy.Links to an external site.  For those students who prefer a paper copy, you can download a printable version or purchase a physical copy at the same link.     

ESRI, a geographic information system mapping tool, is accessible by clicking hereLinks to an external site..  You will need to register for a free account.  (In Lesson 2, you will learn how to create your first map using this tool, so there is no need to set up an account ahead of time.)

Technology

The most up-to-date requirements can be found here: 

Additional requirements for the course are below: 

  • audio and video recording capabilities (e.g., smartphone, camera)

If you ever have trouble accessing course materials or recording tools, reach out to your teacher for support. We are here to help!

Accessibility

If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.

Canvas Technical Support

Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due