Academic Year 2022/2023

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in International Development and Cooperation (cod. 8890)

Learning outcomes

The course aims to develop the understanding of population dynamics and the relationships between individual demographic behaviours and contextual factors. It starts from the long-term analysis of the world’s population and the links between demographic and socio-economic factors in human history, in order to come up with current issues of topical interest. On the one hand, global concerns such as international migration, inequality, social policies and sustainable development are tackled, on the other hand the course addresses the recent trends that characterize the European and the Italian population such as aging, very low fertility, delay in the transition to adulthood and the spread of new forms of union. The approach used seeks to highlight the interdisciplinary character of demographic research and to develop skills in quantitative analysis.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

  • critically evaluate the demographic trends by inserting them within a suitable socio-demographic theory;
  • assess and apply the main demographic measures and population development indicators;
  • apply the appropriate quantitative research strategy for the analysis of data coming from the major demographic and social surveys at international level.

Course contents

Program

The course aims to develop the understanding of population dynamics and the relationships between individual demographic behaviours and contextual factors. It starts from the long-term analysis of the world’s population and the links between demographic and socio-economic factors in human history, in order to come up with current issues of topical interest. On the one hand, global concerns such as international migration, inequality, social policies and sustainable development are tackled, on the other hand the course addresses the recent trends that characterize the European and the Italian population such as aging, very low fertility, delay in the transition to adulthood and the spread of new forms of union. The approach used seeks to highlight the interdisciplinary character of demographic research and to develop skills in quantitative analysis.

Overall, at the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • critically evaluate the demographic trends by inserting them within a suitable socio-demographic theory;
  • assess and apply the main demographic measures and population development indicators;
  • apply the appropriate quantitative research strategy for the analysis of data coming from the major demographic and social surveys at international level.

 

Contents

The long-term evolution of the world’s population. The major epidemics (from plague to Covid-19) and demographic mechanisms of adaptation and self-regulation. Demographic growth and economic development. The demographic transition. Recent demographic trends in Europe and Italy (low fertility, mortality, aging). Reproductive choices and welfare system. Family-work conciliation in Italy. Young people, the delayed transition to adulthood, and family ties.

The sources of Demography. Population growth measures. Elements of Demographic Analysis (age, structure, Lexis diagram, rates and probabilities, fertility and reproductive measures). Life tables and survival analysis. Population projections.

International migration in a global perspective. Theories explaining human mobility. The Italian and Mediterranean framework. Climate change and demographic behaviors.The demographic future. Destiny and determination. Demographic trends and global sustainability.

Readings/Bibliography

 

  • M. Livi Bacci, Storia minima della popolazione del mondo. Il Mulino. Bologna.
  • De Rose A., Rosina A. Introduzione alla demografia. Analisi e interpretazione delle dinamiche di popolazione. Egea, Milano.
  • Online documents on the VIRTUALE platform

Suggested readings

  • AISP. Rapporto sulla popolazione. L’Italia e le sfide della demografia. Il Mulino. Bologna 2021
  • Further suggested readings and documents will be available on the VIRTUALE platform during the course

 

Teaching methods

Lectures (60 h) and laboratory exercises using Excel software (12 h).

Attendance is strongly recommended.


In view of the type of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance of this training activity requires the prior participation of all students in modules 1 and 2 of the training on safety in the workplace, [https://elearning-sicurezza.unibo.it/] in e-learning mode.


Assessment methods

Attending students

Written test divided in two parts. The first test is scheduled during the course, approximately halfway through the lessons. The mark obtained (up to 16 points) will be added to the second partial test (up to 16 pts) which can be taken in the two sittings shceduled for January and February.

Partial tests have a maximum duration of 40 minutes during which it is possible to use a calculator (non-programmable) but it is not possible to consult texts, notes and electronic devices.
A student is considered as attending if he/she has attended at least 70% of the lectures/exercises.

Non-attending students
One-session written test in one of the six official sittings. Students will have to carry out some exercises in which they demonstrate their ability to apply the tools acquired and interpret the results obtained (up to 15 points) and answer one or more theoretical questions (up to 15 points). The written test must be completed within a maximum time of 60 minutes. A calculator (non-programmable) may be used during the test, but texts, notes and electronic devices may not be consulted.


There are no online tests (for both attending and non-attending students) except for serious and justified reasons. The arrangements for the online test will be agreed on a case-by-case basis with the lecturer.


Teaching tools

Online materials (slides, papers, exercises, etc.) on the VIRTUALE platform.

Use of computing equipment for processing spreadsheets.

 

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Impicciatore

SDGs

Good health and well-being Quality education Gender equality Reduced inequalities

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.