• The student should be able to describe the three demographic variables that influence population growth, describe current patterns of population growth in the world, and explain why such growth has occurred.

• The student should be able to trace the pattern of urbanization and suburbanization in the United States and cities of less developed countries and describe what is distinct about postindustrial cities.

• The student should be able to state what the three sociological perspectives have to say about the reasons for population problems and urban problems.

• The student should be able to assess the consequences of population growth in terms of its impact on crowding, food shortages, depletion of resources, and intergroup conflict.

• The student should be able to describe and assess the problems confronting cities in the United States today.

• The student should be able to describe the policies, practices, and laws that have been implemented to alleviate population problems and urban problems and assess how well they work.

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