79188 - Demography

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows basic instruments to analyse structural and dynamic aspects of populations. Particularly, the student is able: - to measure population size, variation and distribution in time and space - to measure and analyse population structural characteristics - to measure and analyse demographic dynamics components

Course contents

Introduction to population studies.

Sources of demographic data.

Population composition and variation. Relations between demographic dynamics and structures.

Basic elements of demographic analysis: crude and age-specific rates, standardization methods.

Period and cohort analysis.

Life tables.

Fertility and reproduction measures.

Migration in population analysis.

The demographic transition (elements).

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested readings:

- Jennifer Hickes Lundquist, Douglas L. Anderton, David Yaukey,
"Demography: The Study of Human Population", Fourth Edition 4th Edition Waveland Press, Inc, 2015

Teaching methods

All topics are illustrated with demographic data using some demographic software packages and Excel.

Assessment methods

The final exam aims at evaluating the achievement of the following educational targets:

- to know the main international sources of demographic data

- to calculate the main demographic indicators

- to measure and analyze the components of population dynamics.

The exam is a written test of the duration of 1h30 with 4-5 questions, including both practical exercises and open questions.

Teaching tools

Video projector, computer lab.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Ludovica Comolli

See the website of Francesco Scalone