World Regional Geography Exam 1

Exam 1 on 9/18

What is Geography?

The study of spatial patterns in the human and natural world.

What are the 3 questions We as Geographers should ask?

Where? Why there? Why do we care?

What is a Region?

A refined level of spatial classification characterized by one or more features.

What is a Realm?

A large area, usually with multiple regions, typically share geographic locations

What are some cautions one should have when it comes to Regions?

No region is homogenous throughout, regional borders are fuzzy, they are often stereotypes

What are the 3 Region Types?

Vernacular, Formal, Functional

What is a Vernacular Region?

Vernacular Regions exist only in the perceptions of the population. They are vague and general. They evoke a sense of place.

What is a Formal Region?

Distinct boundaries constructed using one specific trait. Extent is generally not open for debate.

What are some examples of Cultural Formal Regions?

Political Regions, Linguistic Regions, Religious Regions

What are some examples of Environmental Formal Regions?

Climatic Regions, Vegetative Regions

What is a Functional Region?

Region made by an Activity or Organization. Like transportation and communication systems.

What is Yi-Fu Tuan’s definition of Space?

“Space is Abstract and needs Places and Objects to give it Definition”

What does Geometry have to do with Geography?

Geometry measures and gives dimensions to space. Makes space less abstract, more conceptual.

What is a Place?

A human invention in an attempt to make sense of the world around us. We organize space into bounded settings where social relations and identity (characteristics) are maintained.

What is the Purpose of a Place?

Places create Meaning for many individuals, and they produce Memories.

What is a Sense of Place?

The subjective and emotional attachments people have towards specific places.