Lecture Notes: AP Human Geography - Unit 3 Review

Introduction

• Welcome back to Mr. Sin Channel.
• Focus: Major concepts from Unit 3 of AP Human Geography.
• Recommend using the Ultimate Review Packet for study guides, practice quizzes, and more resources.

Culture

• Definition: Complex, no perfect definition.
  • Material Culture: Physical objects/artifacts significant to society.
  • Non-material Culture: Intangible elements - ideas, beliefs, values.
• Example: Japanese Tea Ceremony
  • Material: Tea utensils, room.
  • Non-material: Rules, social norms.

Subculture

• A group within a larger culture with distinct beliefs/practices.
  • Example: School culture vs. individual class cultures.

Types of Culture

• Modern (Pop) Culture: Economically developed origins, spreads through hierarchical diffusion.
• Folk Culture: Homogeneous, uses relocation diffusion, emphasizes community.
• Indigenous Culture: Tied to specific regions, emphasizes traditional values.

Cultural Perspectives

• Ethnocentrism: Viewing other cultures through one's cultural lens.
• Cultural Relativism: Evaluating cultures by their own standards.

Cultural Landscape

• Definition: Visible modifications of the natural environment by humans.
  • Includes religious practices, architectural styles, land use.

Architectural Styles

• Traditional Architecture: Local resources, cultural incorporation.
• Modern Architecture: Function over design, less cultural incorporation.
• Post-modern Architecture: Unique look, incorporates local culture.

Sequent Occupancy

• Cultures' impacts over time on a geographic location.

Human and Physical Characteristics

• Human: Demographics, languages, religions.
• Physical: Natural features, climate, man-made structures.

Sense of Place

• Emotional connection to a geographic area.
• Influenced by architecture, history, interactions.

Placelessness

• Lack of unique characteristics and identity.

Placemaking

• Community transformation of public spaces for activities/events.

Forces Affecting Culture

• Centripetal Forces: Promote unity (shared history, language).
• Centrifugal Forces: Divide (cultural differences, language barriers).

Cultural Diffusion

• Relocation Diffusion: Physical movement of people/culture.
• Expansion Diffusion: Spreads through person-to-person contact.
  • Contagious: Spreads in all directions.
  • Hierarchical: Top-down approach.
  • Reverse Hierarchical: Bottom-up approach.
  • Stimulus: Concept spreads, but is adapted.

Historical Causes of Diffusion

• Colonialism/Imperialism: Languages, religions spread through colonies.
• Trade and Commerce: Colombian Exchange, Triangular Trade.
• Diaspora: Dispersion of people due to trade/commerce.

Contemporary Causes of Diffusion

• Technology/Globalization: Breaks barriers, connects people globally.
• Urbanization: Diverse lifestyles and ideas spread in urban areas.
• Global Trends: Global culture influencing local practices.

Religion and Language

• Universalizing Religions: Seek to appeal to all (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism).
• Ethnic Religions: Tied to specific cultures (Hinduism, Judaism).

Language

• Proto-Lingua: Earliest language form.
• Language Family/Branch/Group: Hierarchical structure from common ancestors.
• Dialects: Regional variations in language.

Effects of Diffusion

• Assimilation: Adoption of dominant culture at expense of one's own.
• Acculturation: Adoption of traits without losing original identity.
• Syncretism: Cultures blend, evolve, yet remain distinct.
• Cultural Resistance: Barriers to diffusion (religious, linguistic).
• Multiculturalism: Coexistence of diverse cultures in a society.

Conclusion

• Encouraged to use study guides and practice quizzes.
• Aim for understanding and success in exams.