Population is a lens through which to look at the world. To follow current events and to be able to plan for the future, the changing size, age structure, growth, and distribution of a country’s population is critical information, as is the overall global picture. This course will provide an awareness of the different demographics of developed and developing countries, with an emphasis on learning from comparisons, and specific discussions of Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North America. This class will review population history to provide a basis for assessing the future, analyze changes in population determinants, explore variations in birth rates and life expectancy, impact of HIV/AIDS, and shifts in migration. The class will discuss policy implications for areas such as health care, education, employment, environment, national security, and economic development.