00211 - Demography

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have acquired the fundamental concepts and analytical tools required to describe, measure, and interpret population dynamics and population structures, as well as to understand the interactions among the main demographic processes.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• measure population size, change, and spatial distribution;
• analyse the structural characteristics of populations;
• measure and interpret the main components of demographic change.

Course contents

The course explores the fundamental concepts of demography and introduces the theoretical and quantitative tools used to describe, measure, and interpret population change. Through the analysis of demographic data, statistical indicators, and analytical models, students will develop the skills required to understand demographic processes and their economic and social implications.

The course covers the following topics:

1. Introduction to Demography

• scope and objectives of demographic analysis;
• demographic data sources.

2. Population and Development

• world population growth;
• demographic change and socio-economic development;
• theories of population growth and their critical appraisal;
• demographic policies and public intervention.

3. Population Size and Structure

• measuring population size;
• population change;
• population composition and structure.

4. Components of Population Change

• fertility, mortality, and migration;
• crude and specific demographic rates;
• comparison and interpretation of demographic indicators.

5. Analysing Demographic Processes

• concepts and methods of demographic analysis;
• mortality;
• nuptiality;
• fertility;
• mobility and migration.

6. Population Projections

• objectives and applications of demographic projections;
• aggregate methods;
• cohort-component methods;
• derived projections.

Readings/Bibliography

Required readings

• Blangiardo G.C. (2006). Elementi di demografia. Bologna: Il Mulino.
• Vignoli D., Paterno A. (2025). Rapporto sulla popolazione. Verso una demografia positiva. Bologna: Il Mulino.
• Teaching materials made available by the instructor through the University’s Virtuale platform.

Recommended readings

• Billari F. (2023). Domani è oggi. Costruire il futuro con le lenti della demografia. Milan: Egea.
• Livi Bacci M. (2016). Storia minima della popolazione del mondo. Bologna: Il Mulino.
• Rosina A., Impicciatore R. (2022). Storia demografica d’Italia. Crescita, crisi e sfide. Rome: Carocci.
• Rosina A., De Rose A. (2017). Demografia (2nd ed.). Milan: Egea.
• Graeber D., Wengrow D. (2022). L’alba di tutto. Una nuova storia dell’umanità. Milan: Rizzoli.

Teaching methods

The course combines lectures with weekly laboratory sessions designed to integrate theoretical learning with the practical application of demographic methods.

Lectures introduce the main concepts of demographic analysis, the principal sources of demographic data, and the methods used to measure and interpret population dynamics.

During the laboratory sessions, students will apply demographic methods to real-world data, developing practical skills in the use and interpretation of demographic indicators.

Laboratory activities constitute an integral part of the course.

Due to the nature of the laboratory activities, students are required to complete Modules 1 and 2 of the University’s mandatory health and safety training before attending the laboratory sessions. The training is available online at:

https://site.unibo.it/tutela-promozione-salute-sicurezza/it/corsi-di-formazione/formazione-obbligatoria-su-sicurezza-e-salute-per-svolgimento-di-tirocinio-tesi-laboratorio

Assessment methods

The course is offered during the first semester and does not include mid-term assessments.

Four examination sessions are scheduled each academic year: two during the winter examination period (January and February), one in June, and one in September.

Assessment is designed to evaluate students’ understanding of the fundamental concepts of demography, their ability to apply demographic methods, and their capacity to interpret demographic processes critically.

The examination consists of a 90-minute written test including both quantitative exercises and theoretical questions.

Assessment will take into account the correctness of the analytical procedures, the ability to interpret demographic indicators, the understanding of the theoretical concepts discussed during the course, and the appropriate use of demographic terminology.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Generative Artificial Intelligence can be a valuable tool to support independent learning, for example by helping students deepen their understanding of course topics, produce summaries, or engage in self-assessment activities.

During in-person examinations, the use of Generative AI is not permitted. Any use of AI during the examination will be considered a violation of the University’s academic integrity policy.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities

Students requiring accommodations are encouraged to contact the University’s Disability and Specific Learning Disorders Office as early as possible:

https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en

The Office will propose appropriate accommodations, which must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. Approval will be granted where the proposed accommodations are compatible with the learning objectives of the course.

Grading criteria

• 18–23: satisfactory knowledge and analytical skills, although limited to a restricted range of course topics.
• 24–27: good knowledge of the course contents and adequate command of demographic methods, with some limitations in the depth of analysis and integration of topics.
• 28–30: very good knowledge of a broad range of course topics, combined with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• 30 with honours (30 cum laude): outstanding and comprehensive knowledge of the course contents, excellent command of demographic methods, and exceptional analytical, critical, and integrative abilities.

Students must register for examinations through the AlmaEsami platform.

Teaching tools

Lectures and laboratory sessions will be supported by PowerPoint presentations, Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and demographic datasets from official statistical sources.

Additional learning resources will be provided throughout the course, including datasets, scientific articles, reports, infographics, data visualisations, indicator dashboards, interactive web applications, data and metadata repositories, opinion surveys, web resources, newspaper articles, and investigative journalism materials.

All teaching materials will be made available through the University’s Virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Tosi

See the website of Rosella Rettaroli