This course is intended to provide students with a systematic study of the earth and its inhabitants; students will be discovering how humans use and impact the earth. Using geographic methods of observation, data gathering and reporting, interpreting maps, and employing spatial concepts students will study a variety of global issues from the past and present while also looking at future implications. Topics of study include; how to think geographically and use maps, population issues, culture, political geography, agricultural and rural land use, industrialization and economic development, cities and urban land use and globalization and the environment. With this course students will develop knowledge of geography as a social science and be better prepared for the global marketplace. This course has a summer assignment requirement. Grade weighted upon successful completion of course.