AP Human Geography students need to develop an understanding of what it means to examine the world around them from a geographic perspective. Focusing attention on geography's concern with spatial relationships, place characteristics, and geographic context helps student appreciate the nature of the discipline and the insights it offers. These…

William Pattison's seminal 1964 article outlining geography's four core traditions provided an informative overview of distinct strands of research and teaching in geography. His article enhanced appreciation of the discipline's intellectual diversity, but it did not address why the identified traditions should be grouped together…

Introduces this special issue of "Journal of Geography" focusing on the teaching of Advanced Placement (AP) human geography. States that essays were developed by members of the AP Human Geography Development Committee focusing on areas in the human geography course outline which are included in the appendix. (CMK)

Explores the political geography aspect of the Advanced Placement (AP) human geography course that provides students with an understanding of the nature and significance of political organization of territory. Focuses on issues such as the nature and significance of political boundaries and the evolution of the contemporary political pattern. (CMK)

Argues that the creation of a College Board Advanced Placement examination in geography is an indicator of the resurgence of interest in geographic education. Traces the history of the Advanced Placement Program and the place negotiated for geography within it. Discusses continuing challenges that exist for geography educators. (DSK)