© CSCOPE 2007 Introduction to Cultural Geography Also known as Human Geography

© CSCOPE 2007 Physical v. Cultural Geography Physical GeographyCultural Geography Rocks/MineralsPopulation/Settlements/Urbanization LandformsEconomic and Political Systems Animal and Plant LifeTransportation SoilsHuman Migration Atmosphere/Climate/WeatherSocial Systems EnvironmentRecreation Rivers/Oceans/Other bodies of WaterReligion/Belief System Cultural Geography is the study of the Earth’s human landscape.

© CSCOPE 2007 Definition: Shared patterns of learned behavior that are passed on from generation to generation. Components: Beliefs, Values, Customs Languages, Ethnicity, Religion Institutions (Economic, Political, Educational) Art, Music, and Technology CULTURE

© CSCOPE 2007 A field that studies spatial aspects of human cultures. Major components focus on:  Cultural Landscapes  Culture Hearths  Cultural Diffusion  Culture Regions CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY

© CSCOPE 2007 Cultural Landscape The composite of human imprints on the earth’s surface. Carl Sauer’s definition: “the forms superimposed on the physical landscape by the activities of man” from Recent Developments in Cultural Geography, 1927

© CSCOPE 2007 Cultural Diffusion: The spreading of a culture element (ex: technological innovation) Culture Region: Distinct, culturally discrete spatial unit; a region where certain cultural norms prevail.

© CSCOPE 2007 Ethnicity Q: What is ethnicity? A: Common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural origin or background An Example of Ethnic and Religious Conflict: The Balkans: Ethnic war between the Croatian Catholics, the Bosnian Muslims, and the Serbian Orthodox.

© CSCOPE 2007 Conclusion Think about your own culture: your belief system, institutions that you are part of, technology you use everyday. Cultures change over time, but the historical aspects are very important for understanding today’s cultures. Culture must be examined from different perspectives. Write a half-page reflection on your own culture present in the home. Identify traditions, religion, language, etc.