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Interdisciplinary World Geography
Course Objective
To develop an interdisciplinary understanding of geography
Curricular Components
Selected Texts, News Articles, Instructor-Designed Lectures, Weekly Quizzes and Written Responses
Class Routine
5min Quiz
5min Review
10min Warm Up Activity
20min Lecture
35min Reading, Discussion & Vocabulary
15min Writing Instruction
Subject-Specific Knowledge
Geography, Earth Science and Current Events
Skills Development
Critical Reading, Analytical & Spatial Thinking and Academic Writing
About The Course
Designed as an interdisciplinary introduction to world geography, this course is meant to provide students with an overview of geographic concepts, ignite an interest in the world and provide the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the Earth from multiple perspectives. Students will explore a broad range of topics including earth science, geology, global geography and anthropology. Additionally, all concepts will be linked back to real world events, issues and problems - to provide students with clarity on each topic’s importance.
About The Instructor
John Dietrich
Mr. John Dietrich is a certified teacher with nearly fifteen years of education-industry experience in the US and China. He has taught small groups and tutored individuals in subjects ranging from elementary school English and middle school science through high school geography and standardized exam preparation. Mr.Dietrich holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning with a specialization in sustainable development, a Bachelors of Science in Anthropology, Certificate in Environmental Studies and a Teaching License (General Science G5-9 & Biology G6-12).
Lesson Components & Structure
This course is designed to provide instruction on a range of important geographic concepts, including aspects of physical and human geography. There is also a strong emphasis on the utilization of geographic knowledge to understand and explain contemporary issues.
Each 1.5hr lesson will focus on a particular topic, building cumulative knowledge that can be used to understand increasingly complex ideas. The classes will follow roughly the same structure from week to week. Lessons will begin with a short review and quiz designed to reinforce knowledge and test student’s cumulative retention. Next, students will engage in an inquiry-based activity meant to “launch” the day’s concept. This concept will then be explored through lecture, reading and discussion. Finally, students will receive a short writing lesson and introduction to the day’s assignment.
Course Outline
The following course outline has been designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth, with a particular focus on the planet’s abiotic characteristics, biotic interactions and human impacts.
An Introduction to Geography
Earth’s History and Structure
Latitude, Longitude and Altitude
Plate Tectonics & Geographic Change
Weather and Climate
The Concept of the Ecosystem
Earth’s Biomes
Ecosystem Succession
Marine Ecosystems
Freshwater Ecosystems
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Human-Environment Historical Interaction
Human-Environment Contemporary Interaction
Semester Case-Study
Review & Wrap-up
Course Materials
This is a purely instructor-designed course, and uses various components of different geography and science curricula. This means that there is not a standard textbook for the course. Instead, students will receive instructor-selected and designed materials - including lecture notes, textbook sections, maps and current events articles. All materials will be shared with students before the weekly lesson, so that they can be printed and used for notetaking.
Deliverables
Weekly deliverables will include the completion of homework designed to reinforce conceptual understanding, develop critical thinking skills and hone academic writing. This homework will often include both worksheets and essay assignments. Additionally, parents will receive weekly progress reports - including both quantitative and qualitative feedback.
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