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Course Overview
AP Human Geography is an introductory college-level human geography course. Students cultivate their understanding of human geography through data and geographic analyses as they explore topics like patterns and spatial organization, human impacts and interactions with their environment, and spatial processes and societal changes.
Click here to access AP Central information about this course.
HCC Equivalent Course
GEOG 1303 World Geography /Sem. Hr. 3
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for AP Human Geography. Students should be able to read collegelevel texts and write grammatically correct, complete sentences.
Course Content
Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, this course framework provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success. The framework specifies what students must know, understand, and be able to do, with a focus on big ideas that encompass core principles, theories, and processes of the discipline. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced geography coursework and active global citizenship.
The AP Human Geography framework is organized into seven commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like.
Unit
Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section)
Unit 1: Thinking Geographically 8%-10% Unit 2: Population and Migration Patterns and Processes 12%–17% Unit 3: Cultural Patterns and Processes 12%–17% Unit 4: Political Patterns and Processes 12%–17% Unit 5: Agriculture and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes 12%–17% Unit 6: Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes 12%–17% Unit 7: Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes 12%–17% Course Skills
The AP Human Geography framework included in the CED outlines distinct skills that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like geographers.
Skill
Description
Exam Weighting (Multiple-Choice Section)
Exam Weighting (Free-Response Section)
1. Concepts and Processes Analyze geographic theories, approaches, concepts, processes, or models in theoretical and applied contexts 25%–36% 23%–29% 2. Spatial Relationships Analyze geographic patterns, relationships, and outcomes in applied contexts 16%–25% 33%–43% 3. Data Analysis Analyze and interpret quantitative geographic data represented in maps, tables, charts, graphs, satellite images, and infographics 13%–20% 10%–19% 4. Source Analysis Analyze and interpret qualitative geographic information represented in maps, images (e.g., satellite, photographs, cartoons), and landscapes 13%–20% 10%–19% 5. Scale Analysis Analyze geographic theories, approaches, concepts, processes, and models across geographic scales to explain spatial relationships 13%–20% 10%–14% AP and Higher Education
Higher education professionals play a key role developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education site features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.
This chart shows recommended scores for granting credit, and how much credit should be awarded, for each AP course. Your students can look up credit and placement policies for colleges and universities on the AP Credit Policy Search.
Meet the Development Committee for AP Human Geography.