Part I: Foundational Concepts
Chapter 1: This Is Geography
Question 1: Defining Human Geography
Q: Human geography can best be defined as:
A) ✓ CORRECT ANSWER: A tool to study factors such as site, place, location, region, and
community
B) Humans in medieval times creating maps to travel between villages
C) The identification of the when and why of important human events
D) The study of where people and activities are on Earth and why they are there
E) A social science concerned with Earth's physical features
Explanation: Human geography fundamentally examines the spatial distribution of human activities and
the relationships between people and their environments. It focuses on understanding patterns of human
settlement, cultural practices, economic activities, and political organizations across different
scales—from local communities to global regions.
Part II: Cultural Geography - Ethnicity
Chapter 7: Ethnicity
From: The Cultural Landscape, 10th Edition
Key Terms and Comprehensive Definitions
1. Apartheid
Definition: A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced through
legislation in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.
Extended Context: This policy physically separated different racial groups into designated geographic
areas, creating separate residential zones, public facilities, and economic opportunities. The system
classified people into four racial categories: White, Black, Coloured, and Indian. Under apartheid,
, non-white South Africans were forced to live in designated areas, required to carry pass books, and
denied basic political and civil rights. The policy resulted in severe economic disparities, social
fragmentation, and human rights violations. International sanctions and internal resistance eventually led
to its dismantling in the early 1990s, culminating in South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994.
Current Status: No longer in effect (officially ended 1994)
2. Balkanization
Definition: The fragmentation of a larger region or state into smaller, hostile, and often ethnically
homogeneous units.
Extended Context: Named after the Balkan Peninsula, where the Ottoman Empire's collapse led to the
creation of multiple rival nations. This process typically involves:
● Political fragmentation along ethnic, religious, or linguistic lines
● Heightened tensions and conflicts among newly formed entities
● Economic disruption due to broken trade networks
● Potential for ongoing instability and violence
Historical Examples: The breakup of Yugoslavia (1991-1992), dissolution of the Soviet Union (1991),
and the partition of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I.
Geographic Significance: Demonstrates how ethnic diversity without integrative governance structures
can lead to state failure and regional instability.
3. Balkanized
Definition: Descriptive of a small geographic area fragmented into multiple political units that cannot
successfully organize into stable states due to deep-seated ethnic antagonisms.
Extended Context: Balkanized regions exhibit several characteristics:
● Complex ethnic mosaics with interspersed populations
● Historical grievances and competing territorial claims
● Weak institutions unable to mediate conflicts
● External powers often exploiting divisions
● Cyclical patterns of violence and temporary peace
Contemporary Relevance: Understanding balkanization helps geographers analyze ongoing conflicts in
regions like the Caucasus, the Middle East, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
Chapter 1: This Is Geography
Question 1: Defining Human Geography
Q: Human geography can best be defined as:
A) ✓ CORRECT ANSWER: A tool to study factors such as site, place, location, region, and
community
B) Humans in medieval times creating maps to travel between villages
C) The identification of the when and why of important human events
D) The study of where people and activities are on Earth and why they are there
E) A social science concerned with Earth's physical features
Explanation: Human geography fundamentally examines the spatial distribution of human activities and
the relationships between people and their environments. It focuses on understanding patterns of human
settlement, cultural practices, economic activities, and political organizations across different
scales—from local communities to global regions.
Part II: Cultural Geography - Ethnicity
Chapter 7: Ethnicity
From: The Cultural Landscape, 10th Edition
Key Terms and Comprehensive Definitions
1. Apartheid
Definition: A system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced through
legislation in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.
Extended Context: This policy physically separated different racial groups into designated geographic
areas, creating separate residential zones, public facilities, and economic opportunities. The system
classified people into four racial categories: White, Black, Coloured, and Indian. Under apartheid,
, non-white South Africans were forced to live in designated areas, required to carry pass books, and
denied basic political and civil rights. The policy resulted in severe economic disparities, social
fragmentation, and human rights violations. International sanctions and internal resistance eventually led
to its dismantling in the early 1990s, culminating in South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994.
Current Status: No longer in effect (officially ended 1994)
2. Balkanization
Definition: The fragmentation of a larger region or state into smaller, hostile, and often ethnically
homogeneous units.
Extended Context: Named after the Balkan Peninsula, where the Ottoman Empire's collapse led to the
creation of multiple rival nations. This process typically involves:
● Political fragmentation along ethnic, religious, or linguistic lines
● Heightened tensions and conflicts among newly formed entities
● Economic disruption due to broken trade networks
● Potential for ongoing instability and violence
Historical Examples: The breakup of Yugoslavia (1991-1992), dissolution of the Soviet Union (1991),
and the partition of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I.
Geographic Significance: Demonstrates how ethnic diversity without integrative governance structures
can lead to state failure and regional instability.
3. Balkanized
Definition: Descriptive of a small geographic area fragmented into multiple political units that cannot
successfully organize into stable states due to deep-seated ethnic antagonisms.
Extended Context: Balkanized regions exhibit several characteristics:
● Complex ethnic mosaics with interspersed populations
● Historical grievances and competing territorial claims
● Weak institutions unable to mediate conflicts
● External powers often exploiting divisions
● Cyclical patterns of violence and temporary peace
Contemporary Relevance: Understanding balkanization helps geographers analyze ongoing conflicts in
regions like the Caucasus, the Middle East, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
