Chapter 20 Projects

Project Assignment

Purpose

Demography, or the study of population; population growth; and urbanization, or the process of large populations moving to cities, can help you understand how population influences the development of a society. The purpose of this project is to help you better define, understand, and examine the purpose and function of defining population, population growth, and urbanization and the impact and influence of population on a society and its environment.

Directions

First, review Malthusian theory. Then, create a short timeline that traces the growth of the world's population over the last one hundred years (1920–2020). Your timeline should demonstrate how demographic populations changed over time. Be sure to use credible sources during your research.

You can create this timeline digitally or on paper.

Last, include a one- to two-page summary of the population changes that have occurred. Your summary should answer the following questions:

• What was the population of the earth in 1920?

• What was the population of the earth in 2020?

• What factors that have led to the expansion of the population over the past one hundred years?

• Where is most of the world's population currently located? Explain.

• What is Malthusian theory?

• Do you believe that the world is threatened by continued population growth? Explain.

• Identify three sociological issues related to population expansion and growth.

• Explain some of the root sociological causes that have led to starvation.

• Propose two or three solutions that will address problems related to the expansion of the earth's population.

Materials

Access to sources that record population numbers, paper and writing tools (if applicable), digital timeline creator (if applicable)

Checklist

Writing Assignment

Purpose

Population patterns can differ depending on the size of the group and location. The purpose of this writing assignment is to examine the impact, influence, and importance of demographics and population migration, including immigration and emigration, on a national and global scale.

Directions

In an essay of two to three pages (APA style), consider the impact, influence, and significance of migration in the United States from both a historical and contemporary perspective.

First, write a brief history of migration in the United States. Then, examine three important policies implemented to address immigration in the United States. Finally, answer the following prompts:

• Why do you think immigration is a major issue in American society today?

• What roles do race and ethnicity play in how people perceive of immigrants and immigration policies?

• What, in your opinion, are some of the major misconceptions about immigrants in American society?

• Why do you think undocumented immigrants are viewed negatively in American society?

• How are asylum seekers and refugees perceived in American society?

• Do you think we can achieve zero growth population? Explain.

Materials

Access to sources on immigration

Checklist