Demography

Welcome to "Demography," a course exploring core concepts, theories, and global population issues, with a focus on the European Union and Central and Eastern Europe perspectives. Throughout the semester, students will gain proficiency in demographic data sources, analytical tools, and key areas in social demography. The course emphasizes the application of these insights to public policy, providing a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the factors influencing demographic processes at local and global levels.

This course delves into the demographic approach, exploring fundamental elements of population change such as fertility, family dynamics, migration, mobility, mortality, and morbidity. Drawing on a diverse body of literature spanning multiple disciplines, we aim to acquaint students with ongoing scientific debates on population change. The curriculum equips students with essential technical skills in demographic research by introducing basic methods and analyzing specific research articles. Despite varying definitions and debates, demography extends beyond statistical description and mathematical techniques, incorporating insights from anthropology, economics, public health, and sociology. This semester's materials reflect this interdisciplinary nature, emphasizing the field's breadth and diverse theoretical and policy perspectives.

* This syllabus is a tentative plan and is subject to change with advance notice.

At the conclusion of the semester, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and measures within the field of population studies. They will be adept at articulating the course's introduction and scope, demonstrating proficiency in defining fundamental concepts and measures essential to population studies (K_W02, K_U03). Additionally, students will acquire the skills to identify and utilize various sources of population and demographic data (K_W02). Their knowledge will extend to grasping the significance of three critical temporal dimensions in demography: age, period, and cohort, enabling them to analyze and interpret demographic data effectively.

Furthermore, students will hone their ability to critically discuss and explain socio-demographic phenomena, drawing on relevant theories to elucidate the social, political, economic, and cultural determinants influencing population dynamics (K_U03 , K_W04). Their comprehension will extend beyond local contexts, allowing them to engage in insightful discussions about the demographic processes across Europe and globally (K_U03). Equipped with introductory methods of demographic and population analysis, students will be prepared to explore population changes at both regional and global scales, including fertility measurements and family dynamics (K_W02, K_W03).They will also delve into health inequalities, mortality patterns, and the specific challenges faced by populations in the developing world. Moreover, students will gain insight into the complexities of aging populations, migration, urbanization, and the broader implications of population policies (K_W02, K_W04). This comprehensive skill set will empower our students to critically engage with and contribute to discussions surrounding demographic trends and challenges in a holistic manner.

The class evaluation system is designed to comprehensively assess students' engagement and understanding throughout the semester. Class participation and attentiveness carry a significant weight of 100 points, emphasizing the importance of active involvement in discussions and lectures. To accommodate unforeseen circumstances, the system allows for two absences without penalty, but any subsequent absences require redemption during office hours. Exceeding four absences results in the forfeiture of credits for the class, emphasizing the value of consistent attendance.

The evaluation also includes in-class frequent quizzes, with a total of 10 quizzes contributing 50 points each. These quizzes serve as regular assessments to gauge students' grasp of the ongoing coursework. Additionally, mid-term and final exams constitute major components, each carrying 150 points. These assessments provide a comprehensive measure of students' understanding of the course material at crucial points in the semester.

To further enhance critical thinking and analytical skills, the evaluation system includes analytical short essays, each valued at 100 points. These essays provide students with the opportunity to synthesize information, apply concepts learned, and articulate their insights in a structured manner. The diversified components of the evaluation system aim to holistically capture students' performance, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of their engagement, knowledge retention, and analytical capabilities throughout the duration of the course.