GEOGRAPHY

XI-XII (2020-21)
(Code No. 029)

Geography is introduced as an elective subject at the senior secondary stage. After ten
years of general education, students branch out at the beginning of this stage and are
exposed to the rigors of the discipline for the first time. Being an entry point for the higher
education, students choose Geography for pursuing their academic interest and,
therefore, need a broader and deeper understanding of the subject. For others,
geographical knowledge is useful in daily lives because it is a valuable medium for the
education of young people. Its contribution lies in the content, cognitive processes, skills
and values that Geography promotes and thus helps the students explore, understand and
evaluate the environmental and social dimensions of the world in a better manner.

Since Geography explores the relationship between people and their environment, it
includes studies of physical and human environments and their interactions at different
scales-local, state/region, nation and the world. The fundamental principles responsible for
the varieties in the distributional pattern of physical and human features and phenomena
over the earth's surface need to be understood properly. Application of these principles
would be taken up through selected case studies from the world and India. Thus, the
physical and human environment of India and study of some issues from a geographical
point of view will be covered in greater detail. Students will be exposed to different
methods used in geographical investigations.

Objectives:
The course in Geography will help learners to:
Familiarize with key concepts, terminology and core principles of Geography.
Describe locations and correlate with Geographical Perspectives.
List/describe what students might see, hear, and smell at a place.
List/describe ways a place is linked with other places.
Compare conditions and connections in one place to another.
Analyze/describe how conditions in one place can affect nearby places.
Identify regions as places that are similar or connected.
Describe and interpret the spatial pattern features on a thematic map.
Search for, recognize and understand the processes and patterns of the spatial
arrangement of the natural features as well as human aspects and phenomena on
the earth's surface.
Understand and analyze the inter-relationship between physical and human
environments and utilize such knowledge in reflecting on issues related to
community.
Apply geographical knowledge and methods of inquiry to emerging situations or
problems at different levels-local, regional, national and global.
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 Develop geographical skills, relating to collection, processing and analysis of spatial
data/ information and preparation of report including maps and graphs and use of
computers where ever possible; and to be sensitive to issues.
The child will develop the competency to analyze, evaluate, interpret and apply the
acquired knowledge to determine the environmental issues effectively,

COURSE STRUCTURE
CLASS XI(2020-21)
OneTheoryPaper 70Marks
3Hours

Part Units No. of Marks

Periods
A Fundamentals of Physical Geography 87 35 Marks
Unit-1: Geography as a discipline 06
Unit-2: The Earth 11
Unit-3: Landforms 20
Unit-4: Climate 30 30
Unit-5: Water (Oceans) 10
Unit-6: Life on the Earth 07
Map and diagram 05 5
B India-Physical Environment 78 35 Marks
Unit-7: Introduction 04
Unit-8: Physiography 28
30
Unit-9: Climate, vegetation and soil 28
Unit-10: Natural hazards and disasters 14
Map and Diagram 04 5
Total 165 70 Marks
C Practical Work in Geography Part I 50 30 Marks
Unit-1: Fundamentals of Maps 20 10 Marks
Unit-2: Topographic and Weather Maps 30 15 Marks
Practical Record Book and Viva 5 Marks

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 COURSE CONTENT

Part A: Fundamentals of Physical Geography 87Periods

Unit 1: Geography as a Discipline 06Periods
Geography as an integrating discipline, as a science of
spatial attributes
Branches of Geography: Physical Geography and
Human Geography
Scope and Career Options (Non-evaluative)

11Periods
Unit 2: The Earth
Origin and evolution of the earth; interior of the earth
Wegener's continental drift theory and plate tectonics
Earthquakes and volcanoes: causes, types and effects

Unit 3: Landforms 20
Rocks: major types of rocks and their characteristics Periods
Geomorphic processes: weathering; mass wasting;
erosion and deposition; soil-formation
Landforms and their evolution- Brief erosional and
depositional features

Unit 4: Climate 30
Atmosphere- composition and structure; elements of Periods
weather and climate
Insolation-angle of incidence and distribution; heat
budget of the earth-heating and cooling of atmosphere
(conduction, convection, terrestrial radiation and
advection); temperature- factors controlling
temperature; distribution of temperature-horizontal and
vertical; inversion of temperature
Pressure-pressure belts; winds-planetary, seasonal
and local; air masses and fronts; tropical and extra
tropical cyclones
Precipitation-evaporation; condensation-dew, frost, fog,
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 mist and cloud; rainfall-types and world distribution
Climate and Global Concerns

Unit 5: Water (Oceans) 10

Basics of Oceanography Periods
Oceans - distribution of temperature and salinity
Movements of ocean water-waves, tides and currents;
submarine reliefs
Ocean resources and pollution

Unit 6: Life on the Earth 07

Biosphere - importance of plants and other organisms; Periods
biodiversity and conservation; ecosystem and
ecological balance

Map work on identification of features based on 1 to 6 units on the 05

outline Physical/Political map of the world. Periods

Part B: India-Physical Environment 78

Periods
Unit 7: Introduction 04
Location, space relations, India's place in the world Periods

Unit 8: Physiography 28
Structure and Relief; Physiographic Divisions Periods
Drainage systems: Concept of river basins, watershed;
the Himalayan and the Peninsular rivers

Unit 9: Climate, Vegetation and Soil 28

Weather and climate - spatial and temporal distribution Periods
of temperature, pressure winds and rainfall, Indian
monsoon: mechanism, onset and withdrawal, variability
of rainfalls: spatial and temporal; use of weather charts
Natural vegetation-forest types and distribution; wild
life; conservation; biosphere reserves
Soils - major types (ICAR's classification) and their
distribution, soil degradation and conservation

Unit 10: Hazards and Disasters: Causes, Consequences and 14

Management Periods
Floods, Cloudbursts
Droughts: types and impact

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 Earthquakes and Tsunami
Cyclones: features and impact
Landslides

Map Work of features based on above units for locating and 04

labeling on the outline Political/Physical map of India Periods

Part C: Practical Work in Geography Part I 50

Periods
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Maps 20
Geo spatial data, Concept of Geographical data matrix; Periods
Point, line, area data
Maps -types; scales-types; construction of simple linear
scale, measuring distance; finding direction and use of
symbols
Map projection- Latitude, longitude and time, typology,
construction and properties of projection: Conical with
one standard parallel and Mercator's projection. (only
two projections)

Unit 2: Topographic and Weather Maps 30

Study of topographic maps (1 : 50,000 or 1 : 25,000 Periods
Survey of India maps); contour cross section and
identification of landforms-slopes, hills, valleys,
waterfall, cliffs; distribution of settlements
Aerial Photographs: Types and Geometry-vertical
aerial photographs; difference between maps and
aerial photographs; photo scale determination.
Identification of physical and cultural features
Satellite imageries, stages in remote sensing data-
acquisition, platform and sensors and data products,
(photographic and digital)
Use of weather instruments: thermometer, wet and
dry-bulb thermometer, barometer, wind vane, rain
gauge
Practical Record Book and Viva Voce
Viva to be based on Practical Unit I and II only.

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 COURSE STRUCTURE
Class XII (2020-21)
One Theory Paper 3Hours
70 Marks

Part Units No. of Marks

Periods
A Fundamentals of Human Geography 90 35 Marks
Unit 1: Human Geography 05
Unit 2: People 18
Unit 3: Human Activities 28 30
Unit 4: Transport, Communication and Trade 24
Unit 5: Human settlements 10
Map Work 05 5
B India: People and Economy 90 35 Marks
Unit 6: People 15
Unit 7: Human Settlements 10
Unit 8: Resources and Development 30 30
Unit 9: Transport, Communication and International 15
Trade
Unit 10: Geographical Perspective on selected 15
issues and problems
Map Work 05 5
Total 180 70 Marks
C Practical Work in Geography Part II 40 30 Marks
Unit 1: Processing of Data and Thematic Mapping 25 15
Unit 2: Field study or Spatial Information Technology 15 10
Practical Record Book and Viva Voce 5

COURSE CONTENT

Part Fundamentals of Physical Geography 90Periods

A:
Unit Human Geography: Nature and Scope 05Periods
1:
Unit People
18Periods
2: Population-distribution, density and growth
Population change-spatial patterns and structure;
determinants of population change
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 Population Composition - age-sex ratio; rural-urban
composition
Human development - concept; selected indicators,
international comparisons
Unit Human Activities 28Periods
3:
Primary activities - concept and changing trends;
gathering, pastoral, mining, subsistence agriculture,
modern agriculture; people engaged in agricultural and
allied activities - some examples from selected countries
Secondary activities-concept; manufacturing: types -
household, small scale, large scale; agro based and
mineral based industries; people engaged in secondary
activities - some examples from selected countries
Tertiary activities-concept; trade, transport and tourism;
services; people engaged in tertiary activities - some
examples from selected countries
Quaternary activities-concept; people engaged in
quaternary activities - case study from selected countries
Unit Transport, Communication and Trade 24 Periods
4:
Land transport - roads, railways; trans-continental railways
Water transport- inland waterways; major ocean routes
Air transport- Intercontinental air routes
Oil and gas pipelines
Satellite communication and cyber space- importance and
usage for geographical information; use of GPS
International trade- bases and changing patterns; ports as
gateways of international trade; role of WTO in
international trade
Unit Human Settlements 10 Periods
5:
Settlement types - rural and urban; morphology of cities
(case study); distribution of mega cities; problems of
human settlements in developing countries

Map Work on identification of features based on 1-5 units on the 05 Periods

outline Physical/Political map of World.

Part India: People and Economy 90 Periods

B:
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Unit People 15 Periods
6:
Population: distribution, density and growth; composition of
population - linguistic, religious; sex, rural-urban and
occupational-regional variations in growth of population
Migration: international, national-causes and
consequences
Human development: selected indicators and regional
patterns
Population, environment and development
Unit Human Settlements 10 Periods
7:
Rural settlements - types and distribution
Urban settlements - types, distribution and functional
classification
Unit Resources and Development 30 Periods
8:
Land resources- general land use; agricultural land use;
geographical conditions and distribution of major crops
(Wheat, Rice, Tea, Coffee, Cotton, Jute, Sugarcane and
Rubber); agricultural development and problems
Water resources-availability and utilization-irrigation,
domestic, industrial and other uses; scarcity of water and
conservation methods-rain water harvesting and
watershed management
Mineral and energy resources- distribution of metallic (Iron
ore, Copper, Bauxite, Manganese); non-metallic (Mica,
Salt) minerals; conventional (Coal, Petroleum, Natural gas
and Hydroelectricity) and non-conventional energy sources
(solar, wind, biogas) and conservation
Industries - types, factors of industrial location; distribution
and changing pattern of selected industries-iron and steel,
cotton textiles, sugar, petrochemicals, and knowledge
based industries; impact of liberalization, privatization and
globalization on industrial location; industrial clusters
Planning in India- target group area planning (case study);
idea of sustainable development (case study)
Unit Transport, Communication and International Trade 15 Periods
9:
Transport and communication-roads, railways, waterways
and airways: oil and gas pipelines; Geographical
information and communication net works
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 International trade- changing pattern of India's foreign
trade; sea ports and their hinterland and airports
Unit Geographical Perspective on selected issues and 15 Periods
10: problems
Environmental pollution; urban-waste disposal
Urbanization, rural-urban migration; problems of slums
Land degradation
Map work on locating and labeling of features based on above 05 Periods
units on outline map of India.

Part Practical Work in Geography Part II 40 Periods

C:
Unit Processing of Data and Thematic Mapping 25 Periods
1:
Type and Sources of data: Primary, Secondary and other
sources
Tabulating and processing of data; calculation of averages,
measures of central tendency
Representation of data- construction of diagrams: bars,
circles and flowchart; thematic maps; construction of dot;
choropleth and isopleths maps
Data analysis and generation of diagrams, graphs and
other visual diagrams using computers
Unit Field Study or Spatial Information Technology 15 Periods
2:
Field visit and study: map orientation, observation and
preparation of sketch; survey on any one of the local
concerns; pollution, ground water changes, land use and
land-use changes, poverty, energy issues, soil
degradation, impact of floods and drought, catchment area
of school, Market survey and Household survey (any one
topic of local concern may be taken up for the study;
observation and questionnaire survey may be adopted for
the data collection; collected data may be tabulated and
analyzed with diagrams and maps). Students can be given
different topics to get more insight into various problems of
society.
OR
Spatial Information Technology
Introduction to GIS; hardware requirements and software
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 modules; data formats; raster and vector data, data input,
editing and topology building; data analysis; overlay and
buffer.

Prescribed Books:
1. Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Class XI, Published byNCERT
2. India, Physical Environment, Class XI, Published byNCERT
3. Practical Work in Geography Part I, Class XI, Published byNCERT
4. Fundamentals of Human Geography, Class XII, Published byNCERT
5. India - People and Economy, Class XII, Published byNCERT
6. Practical Work in Geography Part II, Class XII, Published byNCERT

Note: The above textbooks are also available in Hindi medium.

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QUESTION PAPER DESIGN GEOGRAPHY THEORY CLASS XI & XII
COMPETENCIES Total Marks and %

70 Marks

DEMONSTRATE 29marks- 41%

APPLICATION 26marks - 37%

FORMULATE 15marks – 22%

TOTAL 70marks – 100%

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 Fundamentals of Human Geography
Class XII - Textbook I (NCERT)
Map Items for identification only on outline political map of the World.

Unit-1 Ch.-1 Nil

Unit-2 Ch. 2 to 4 1 The largest country in each continent in terms of area

Unit-3 Ch. 5 to 7 1 Areas of subsistence gathering
Primary Activities 2 Major areas of nomadic herding of the world
3 Major areas of commercial livestock rearing
4 Major areas of extensive commercial grain faming
5 Major areas of mixed farming of the World
Secondary Activities 1 Ruhr region, Silicon Valley, Appalachian region, Great
lakes region
Unit - 4 Ch. 8 to 9 2 Transcontinental Railways: Terminal Stations
of transcontinental railways– Trans Siberian, Trans
Canad Canadian, Trans-Australian Railways
3 Major Sea Ports :

Europe: North Cape, London, Hamburg

North America: Vancouver, San Francisco, New
Orleans
South America: Rio De Janeiro, Colon, Valparaiso
Africa: Suez and Cape Town
Asia: Yokohama, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Aden,
Karachi, Kolkata
Australia: Perth, Sydney, Melbourne
4. Inland Waterways: Suez canal, Panama canal, Rhine
waterway and St. Lawrence Seaway
5. Major Airports:

Asia: Tokyo, Beijing, Mumbai, Jeddah, Aden

Africa: Johannesburg & Nairobi
Europe: Moscow, London, Paris, Berlin and Rome

North America: Chicago, New Orleans, Mexico City

South America: Buenos Aires, Santiago
Australia: Darwin and Wellington
Unit - 5 Ch. 10 Mega cities of the world – Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai,
Mumbai, Sao Paulo

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 India - People and Economy
Class XII-Textbook II (NCERT)
Map Items for locating and labeling only on the outline political map of India

Units - 6 & Ch. 1 to 4 • State with highest level of urbanization and lowest level of
7 urbanization
• One state with highest level of HDI & One lowest level of HDI
• State with higher level of population density & one state with
lowest level of population density (2011)
• Any city with more than 10 million population – Greater Mumbai,
Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
Unit - 8 Ch. 5 to 9 Leading producing states of the following crops:
(a) Rice (b) Wheat (c) Cotton (d) Jute (e) Sugarcane (f) Tea and (g)
Coffee
Mines:
• Iron-ore mines: Mayurbhanj, Bailadila, Ratnagiri, Bellary
• Manganese mines: Balaghat, Shimoga
• Copper mines: Hazaribagh, Singhbhum, Khetari
• Bauxite mines: Katni, Bilaspur and Koraput
• Coal mines: Jharia, Bokaro, Raniganj, Neyveli
• Oil Refineries: Mathura, Jamnager, Barauni
Iron and Steel Plants:Bhadravati, Bhilai, Bokaro, Durgapur,
Rourkela and Jameshedpur
Cotton Textile: Surat, Varanasi, Murshidabad, Solapur and
Coimbatore
Software Technology Parks: Gandhinagar, Shrinagar, Mohali,
Noida, Indore, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Major Industrial
Regions
Unit - 9 Ch. 10 - 11 Transport:

(i) Important nodes on north south corridor, East west corridor &
golden quadrilateral
(ii) Major Sea Ports: Kandla, Mumbai, Marmagao, Kochi,
Mangalore, Tuticorin, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam,
Paradwip,Haldia
(iii) International Air ports: Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru,
Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Amritsar,
Thiruvananthapuram & Hyderabad
Unit-10 Ch.12 NIL

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