The Scottish tongue is one of the oldest in Britain, a Northern variety of English that, but for the accidents of history, might have become a separate language. This classic PBS program deals with the influence of the Scots in spreading the language of their historic enemies-the Sassenachs of the South-around the world. The program begins in the 15th century, the golden age of the Scottish tongue; it follows the linguistic path of the Scots as they...

Heqing and Heping Fan are responsible for China's economic miracle - they and millions like them who reluctantly left their homes in the countryside for steady wages in the Cixi Industrial Zone. This program follows the Fans during their seven-day workweek and a rare, difficult trip home to visit the children they had to leave behind. The impact of what is essentially an instant industrial revolution has China coping with social and psychological...

People are the life-blood of cities. Its transport links are its veins and arteries. If they're cut-off the city will die. Thousands of people work every day at making it possible for city dwellers to be where they need to be, when they need to be there. It's an endless task demanding brain and brawn. Without the army of drivers, diggers, planners, thinkers, our great cities would come to a halt.

Birth rates in the industrialized world are lower than ever, and many people are concerned. This program, hosted by Ben Wattenberg, explores the phenomenon, and what it may mean in social and human terms. Wattenberg and a panel of population experts are fearful that programs such as Social Security, which rely on taxes paid into the system by younger workers, may be jeopardized. On location in France and Italy-two countries with the lowest birth rates-experts...

As the world's population reaches staggering numbers, the populations of Europe, Japan, and Canada have fallen to unprecedented lows. This program analyzes why more and more young women and men from these regions are postponing or altogether skipping having children. But as many twenty-somethings opt to pursue career ambitions, enjoy the pleasures of leisure time, or seek the comfort of living with parents, these same regions are supporting huge senior...

Guatemala City is one of the most dangerous places in the world. Fewer than 15 out of 5,000 murders result in a conviction. A culture of political repression and intimidation has left people reluctant to trust the judiciary. But - with the help of CSI training - an elite group of officers hope to change things. This documentary follows the special homicide task force as it processes up to 30 killings a night. We also hear from the killers and victims,...

In 2005, the Republic of Guinea sold its interest in one of the richest gold fields in the world to an Anglo-Canadian combine. Mining equipment in Borneo was dismantled and reassembled in West Africa, causing massive upheavals to a traditional way of life-some that eventually benefited local communities, but most to the advantage of the corporation and Guinea's ruling elite. This program documents the transfer of the mine, providing an unusually balanced...

Western countries throw out nearly half of their food - not because it's inedible, but because it doesn't look appealing. In this TEDTalk, author and activist Tristram Stuart delves into the shocking data of wasted food, calling for a more responsible use of global resources.

An old building is a volume of human history - with every story containing countless stories. Building 173, a high-rise in downtown Shanghai, has witnessed tumultuous changes over three-quarters of a century. This film weaves together the intimate tales of many of the tower's residents, casting light on China's political and historical events from angles that are by turns poignant, amusing, and chilling. Characters include a British-American author,...

Stripped of their culture and forced to live in squalor, the Innu Mushua of Labrador spiraled downward into addiction, chronic disease, and a shockingly high rate of suicide. This program explores the devastating impact that living under church and government rule has had on the Innu (once known as the Naskapi), and serves as a case study in the degradation of a nomadic hunting culture made to give up its traditional ways. With insights from community...