Winter Quarter 2006
Study Guide -- Midterm Examination

Introduction:

The midterm examination will consist of two kinds of questions -- short answer questions and a longer essay question.

Short Answer Questions: These questions will explore various aspects of the materials covered in the lectures, your sections and your readings (McMichaels and Riis). By short answer, we mean questions that can be answered in a paragraph or two.

Essay Questions: These questions will explore broad themes or concepts that are woven throughout the course. These questions will require that you synthesize the information presented and be able to apply the principles and concepts to the broad topic of human population and health.

The examination will consist of six short answer question (of which you will be required to select and answer four) and one essay question (out of two possible choices). Below are some samples of the kinds of question that may be asked. The first part is a set of short answer sample questions similar to (but not necessarily exactly like) those you will encounter on the midterm. Note that this is not an exhaustive list of questions, and some may appear unfamiliar because they will be covered this week in lecture. Your answers need be no longer than one paragraph. The second part is a set of essay questions, one of which will be on the test. These questions ask you to make an argument and support it with evidence. Your answers will be judged both on content and organization. It would be wise to outline and write drafts of your answers beforehand.

Sample Short Answer Questions

1. McMichael states that climate effects occur on two time scales: long term and shorter term. Describe the consequences of each and give an example of each.
   
2. Diseases have ravaged human populations since the dawn of time. Disease require a route of exposure or vector to infect the host. Describe how the management of a public trust resource can influence the spread of disease.
   
3. Describe a disease in terms of its infectivity, pathogenicity, and virulance.
   
4. Why is it becoming increasingly important to know the geographic origins of agricultural crops?
   
5. What are three ways to intensify agriculture, and what are the implications of one of them?
   
6. What are some of the difficulties associated with measuring past human populations, and why should we care? Why do the numbers matter?
   
7. What were some of the ways that Americans made connections between health and environment in the 19th century?
   
8. Consider the "Beholding Eye" exercise. How does our personal experience and background influence the way we view environmental health problems?
   
9. What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying an issue in stakeholders' perspectives?
   
10. In what ways do traditional homes differ from modern homes socially and/or environmentally? (name at least three). Then, describe three examples of ways in which traditional homes might adapt to their local environments.
    
11. We are using two different books (Riis and McMicheal) two lecturers and different articles from different authors in this class. Why is it important to use different modes of information when studying the environment? Are there any specific advantages of disadvantages of using one information source over the other?
    

Possible Essay Questions:

1. Both Chuck and Gail stressed the importance of recognizing that the "lenses" that we use to view any phenomena color the way we see things. Explain what they mean by "lenses", identifying at least three of the lenses that hav ebeen brought to bear on the subject of human population and health. Explain how the use of these lenses have sharpened our view of the subject and how they can also blind us to other possible explanations. Suggest at least one other lens that could be used to examine the interaction of various factors impacting populations and their health.
   
2. Critique McMichaels' approach to population and health. Referring to lectures, other readings, or internal contradictions in the book, what does he leave out?
   
3. 90% of homo sapiens’Äô existence has been as hunter gathers. Describe some of the consequences on population health as societies shifted to agriculture.
   
4. Over the last two hundred years the world’Äôs population has become increasingly urban. What has driven this shift in human living patterns? Using examples from the lectures, textbooks, readings and films, detail three ’Äúpush’Äù and three ’Äúpull’Äù factors that have contributed to this trend. What are some of the human health and ecological consequences of this shift in where people live? What can or should societies do to maximize the benefits and minimize the costs associated with urbanization?