AP Human Geography : Symbolic Landscapes & Sense of Place

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Human Geography

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Symbolic Landscapes & Sense Of Place

The Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel serves as a symbolic landscape due to __________.

Possible Answers:

its readily apparent biological diversity

use of artificial elements to create a natural-looking environment

its religious significance for Muslims, Christians, and Jews

natural scenic wonder and beauty

housing of politically significant institutions

Correct answer:

its religious significance for Muslims, Christians, and Jews

Explanation:

A symbolic landscape is a landscape that has significant meaning beyond what it simply looks like due to cultural associations. The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is seen as the location of important religious moments for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, while also holding the remnants of the ancient Jewish temple and a medieval Islamic mosque. Due to these factors, the Temple Mount is more than just a part of an old city, which makes it a symbolic landscape.

Example Question #4 : Cultural Patterns & Processes

Which of these best describes the meaning of the word "toponymy"?

Possible Answers:

The study of religious influence on culture

The study of acculturation

The study of place names

The study of geographic features

The study of cultural interactions

Correct answer:

The study of place names

Explanation:

“Toponymy” is the study of place names. Toponymy is useful to cultural geographers because it can help illuminate certain conclusions about an area - such as who its original inhabitants were and where they came from. For example “Los Angeles” is a Spanish name of an American city. This suggests that some of its earlier inhabitants might have been Spanish, or that Los Angeles was once in territory held by the Spanish Empire and so on.

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