APES
Name
Date
Period
Human Population Seminar
The questions listed below will be the focus of a Socratic Seminar. Use background class information and
research to prepare. You won’t know which question your group will discuss, so take notes and prepare
responses for all questions. Good preparation involves understanding the various perspective associated with
each question. Use the links provided as well as other references to research the questions below.
Questions: Each question will be discussed for at least 10 minutes with a group of 6 or more students.
1. Is There a Human Overpopulation Problem? Be prepared to argue both sides of this issue. Examine the
issue from both a global and regional perspective. Consider both the environment and the economy.
http://www.crf-usa.org/bill-of-rights-in-action/bria-26-2-the-debate-over-world-population-was-malthusright.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/14/opinion/overpopulation-is-not-theproblem.html?_r=4&&pagewanted=print
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alon-tal/overpopulation-is-still-t_b_3990646.html
2. Survivorship Curves: Explain what survivorship curves tell us. How do each of the curves differ and what
do they tell us about animal populations? Give examples of species that follow Type I, II, and III
survivorship curves. What curve would you expect for r-strategists and K-strategists? How would a
survivorship curve differ in MDCs and LDCs? How would it be impacted by war, drought, or disease?
A survivorship curve shows the probability that an individual
of a particular species, age, and gender will survive to a
certain age. Survivorship curves show variations in the
relation between the age group in a population and its rate of
survivorship. A Type I curve reflects most individuals
surviving to maturity and beyond, while Type III curves
describe very high early-life mortality followed by a steadying
rate of survival.
3. China’s One Child Policy: Knowing what we know now, was China’s one child policy worth it, or did
it have too many unintended consequences? Given the current demographic situation in China, is the one
child policy still necessary or was China correct in ending the policy?
http://www.meteor.iastate.edu/gccourse/issues/pop/reurl.asp_2.pdf
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/the-one-child-policy-has-hurt-parents-and-theeconomy/article15469480/
1
4. Environmental Impact: Consider the equation I=PAT. How does the I=PAT equation relate to the
concept of sustainability? What can / should be done to minimize the environmental impact of humans?
Consider this on the level of individuals, companies/organizations, and governments. What is cultural
carrying capacity and how does it relate to the I=PAT equation? Is it ethical to try to control human
population?
http://www.cengage.com/resource_uploads/static_resources/0534496725/4791/Hardin_Moral_Implicati
ons.doc
Grading
During the seminar, you will be graded on involvement, preparation, clarity, and inclusivity based on a fourpoint rubric. A score of 4 will indicate excellent work, 3 is good, 2 is fair, and 1 is minimal based on the
participant guidelines below. The guidelines describe excellent work (score of 4).
• Involved: Frequently and meaningfully contributes to the discussion.
• Knowledgeable and prepared: Makes specific and appropriate reference to researched scientific facts and/or
statistics. Explains points thoroughly. Builds on another’s point and/or initiates new ideas.
• Clear and Succinct: Makes on-topic points clearly and without rambling.
• Inclusive and Attentive: Pays attention when others speak (including note-taking as an audience member).
Includes others through verbal exchange or invitation into the conversation. Comments are appropriate and
respectful (you can attack ideas, but don’t attack people).
2