negatives

Negative Aspects

  1. Memorization Heavy: While the course is more concept-based, it does require a fair amount of memorization, especially in terms of geographic terms, models, and regions. Some students find the memorization of specific facts, like place names, statistical terms, or the details of geographic models, to be tedious.

  2. Not Always Hands-On: Some students express that the course can feel a bit theoretical and abstract, especially when studying things like models of urbanization or agricultural practices. They may wish there were more fieldwork or hands-on experiences to complement the classroom learning.

  3. Variable Teaching Styles: The quality of the experience can greatly depend on the teacher. In some cases, students report that the course was not as engaging as they had hoped, with some teachers focusing too much on rote memorization rather than fostering critical thinking or connection to the real world.

  4. Exam Format: The combination of multiple-choice questions and free-response essays can be challenging for some students. Particularly, students may find the free-response section difficult if they haven’t practiced writing well-structured essays under time constraints. The multiple-choice questions can also be tricky, requiring a deep understanding of subtle concepts or applying knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios.

Overall Sentiment

  • Positive but Challenging: Many students feel that APHG is a fun and interesting course, but it can be a challenge, especially in terms of the sheer amount of content to learn and memorize. Students often appreciate the exposure to new ideas and global issues but sometimes struggle with the breadth of topics and the difficulty of synthesizing the information for the exam.

  • A Good AP Starter: Because it is considered one of the more accessible AP classes, students often recommend it to others who are looking for a manageable introduction to the AP program. The course also provides a solid foundation for further studies in social sciences, such as AP World History, AP Psychology, or even environmental science.

In summary, AP Human Geography is generally well-regarded, especially for students with an interest in understanding the world and its patterns. However, its mix of memorization, abstract concepts, and testing format can make it challenging for some.