Poverty is a universal economic condition spanning both poorer and richer countries. Surviving on limited resources demands extraordinary decision-making and adaptability. This course examines how people living in poverty make choices under severe constraints, focusing on risk management, health, and education. While external interventions often dominate policy debates, we will highlight innovative strategies individuals in poverty develop to navigate their circumstances, recognizing how seemingly irrational choices often make sense within context. Key questions include: How is poverty defined and measured? How does poverty relate to inequality? What is the distinction between absolute and relative poverty? How do the poor organize their social and economic lives? How do households prepare for emergencies and old age with limited resources? An interdisciplinary perspective complements the economic lens to foster deeper understanding. Students gain an appreciation of complex constraints shaping the lives of the poor and how these insights can inform effective policy.