3-1: Human Population Trends and Controlling Factors

Importance of this Unit to the Course

Increase in global human population is the root cause of recent changes in atmospheric chemistry and land use that we have discussed in previous units. Estimates of future changes in these environmental conditions depends on projections of future global human populations as described in this unit.

Objectives

To review data on past global and regional population trends and demographic patterns.
To understand the relationship between economic development and demographic factors.

Preparation for Discussion (You must complete this section before class.)

Read the summary information. ( Images )

Take the Quiz over the summary information. (see your portfolio)

Review additional reading material (this material is not covered in the quiz, but offers more ideas for online discussion)

Population Policy Options in the Developing World.

Discussion (online / face-to-face) (See your portfolio for due dates and times)

A major component of the course is participation in the online dialog. The following types of comments are required:

Social Comments
Knowledge-building Comments
Ethical Comments

The following may be used as discussion starters for the online dialog:

Unit Problem to Ponder:

Look at the number on your ISU card. If every possible number were used by an ISU student, what would be the population of the student body? (See Essay on Being Unique.)
Unit exam questions from previous years
Unit discussions from previous years, available from the current online discussion page

Additional Reading