AP Human Geography Unit 3.2 Flashcards

Cultural Landscape

• Represents the interaction of physical features, agricultural practices, religious characteristics, and cultural expressions.
• Includes traditional and postmodern architecture, as well as land-use patterns.

Features of Cultural Landscapes

• Influenced by place names, such as Spanish names in California or "Saint" names in various cities.
• Architectural styles play a significant role in reflecting cultural identity.

National Parks in the United States

• Designated areas that aim to preserve unique environmental characteristics and biodiversity.

Signage in Quebec

• Bilingual signs in French and English showcase the commitment of French Canadians to maintaining their cultural heritage.

Gender-segregated Schools in Pakistan

• Reflects traditional attitudes towards gender roles within society.

Office Buildings in Shanghai

• Structures symbolize economic power and the importance of centralizing business operations in recognizable locations.

Ethnic Enclaves

• Comprised of cultural groups surrounded by a dominant culture, fostering a distinct cultural community.

Elements of Ethnic Enclaves

• Include residences, stores, religious institutions, characteristic signage, and architecture reflecting the group's cultural roots.

Causes of Ethnic Enclaves

• Often result from the dominant culture's desire to segregate or the minority culture seeking a buffer against discrimination.

Borders and Barriers

• Represent transition zones between different cultures, serving as boundaries that define cultural interaction.

Examples of Borders and Barriers

• The US-Mexico border, particularly in areas like El Paso, Texas, where bilingualism thrives.

Cultural Realms

• Broad cultural areas comprising several regions sharing key attributes such as language families, religions, food preferences, architecture, and historical experiences.

Religion and Physical Landscape

• Spiritual beliefs lead to reverence for natural features, such as mountains and rivers, considered sacred in various religions (e.g., Shinto, Judaism, Islam).

Religion and Cultural Landscape

• Cultural expressions such as cemeteries near places of worship and markets selling religiously approved food underpin community identities.

Christianity's Architectural Influence

• Churches often feature tall steeples and unique roof designs adapted to local climates.
• Cemeteries vary in structure, with some regions (e.g., New Orleans) utilizing above-ground graves.

Hinduism's Architectural Significance

• Temples showcase detailed carvings and are often situated near rivers for sacred rituals.
• Cremation practices highlight the belief in purification through water, particularly the Ganges River.

Buddhism's Connection to Nature

• Stupas symbolize natural elements and serve as meditation sites, promoting harmony with the environment.

Judaism's Global Distribution

• Communities evolved due to historical exiles and migrations, leading to diverse temple sizes and burial customs emphasizing timely interment.

Islam's Architectural Elements

• Mosques, usually centrally located with prominent domes and minarets, are key community structures that prioritize congregational worship and prompt burial practices.

Shinto Practices in Japan

• Emphasizes a connection with nature and ancestry, often marked by torii gates leading to sacred spaces.

Changing Gender Roles

• Women's roles have evolved, with diminishing strict gender roles and increasing opportunities for property ownership and leadership in developed regions.
• Historically, men experienced greater freedom in public life compared to women.