Introduction: In the 21st century, human beings around the world are facing a variety of population problems, such as population growth and environmental issues, population aging, low birth rates, health inequalities, racial discrimination and segregation, and immigration challenges. This course analyzes these issues through the lens of demography, sociology, and epidemiology. It aims to help students understand key population issues, comprehend their causes, patterns, and impacts, engage with related theoretical debates and policy discussions, and reflect on how we can reduce social inequality in practice.
Students' comments:
(1) About the course:
“It has been really helpful to understand a lot of the policy changes happening in the US and how our population is changing.”
“This class has made me think of the economy especially along with voting in a more knowledgeable light. I understand population more than I ever did before.”
“Just over spring break, I had a very interesting conversation with my parents- we talked about some of the concepts I learned in class and I was able to educate them about what I have learned, specifically in regards to aging populations. I have found this class very applicable to my real life.”
“This course has caused me to rethink some of my previous biases (both good and bad).”
“I find myself using what we learn when I read news or have discussions about our world/country.”
“I have noticed myself thinking about knowledge I have learned when my friends have said something racist or stereotypical, intentional or not, and correcting or brought up the opposing viewpoint on why they could be wrong or should consider the other point of view.”
“I have thought of how this class can be applied to my own life. Since I want to go into the med field and care for everyone, it is extremely important to practice with no bias and understand everyone has a different story and to respect their differences. These are some things I have learned from this class and plan to apply to my own life.”
"I think that the topics that we cover in class are especially relevant right now with immigration and reproductive justice being hot topics."
"I have seen that a lot of what I've learned in this class carries over to my kinesiology class. The topics we've discussed in class have definitely provided a new lense when I observe the world around me."
"Comparing the statistical data obtained from this class has helped me in everyday life to realize the advantages and disadvantages of some people over others as well as the larger factors affecting our society."
"Since taking this class, I have been able to apply concepts I have learned surprisingly much more often than I expected to. I find myself using the knowledge in both other classes and in real life discussion."
"This course has helped me understand demographic science much better than previously. I have a stronger background in the physical and natural sciences, and rounding out my understanding of social science has been helpful. The things I've been learning in this course is very helpful for reading articles outside of class and understanding the history and measures of a lot of controversial topics, like racial discrimination."
"I view the world with more sociological and racial lenses to analyze when there could be discriminatory practices that otherwise go unnoticed."
"The course was pretty useful and you can see how the course materials is reflected in real life. It's a pretty good class to take to better understand the world right now, especially as a young adult."
"Great and insightful course, very clear and concise."
"Just great overall."
"I think the course is structured well and has a fair amount of assignments to evaluate learning."
"I enjoy the two quizzes assigned each week. I get a lot out of the readings."
"I like the lectures & powerpoints; they make it easy to follow along and to take notes."
"I enjoy the readings and the course content in general, I think using graphs to show the trends makes the content very interesting."
"The articles that are linked are very useful and the slides are a great summary."
"I enjoy the content of this course - I find it very interesting!"
"Very good course planning, great structure."
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(2) About the instructor:
"Great job. Could see the passion from the instructor. Very considerate and explained controversial topics well."
"loved the professor."
"I think the course way planned out very well and I thoroughly enjoyed the professor and all the things she implemented to make this course better! Incredible job!"
"I loved the course and I did learn a lot about population, she was a great teacher and was always available to help and gave adequate resources to study."
"I loved this course along with the professor and TAs."
"Lots of relevant topics so I was able to engage, instructor is also great, really wanted students to learn and do well."
"I think the instructor is really well spoken and respects us as students."
"I really enjoy the diversity of perspectives this course covers! Instructor Qin does a great job of presenting information in a clear way and I enjoy going to her lectures."
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