69515 - Historical Demography (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to deal with the knowledge of the main demographic measures and to give to the students the methodological instruments for evaluating the changes in the demographic regime in the long run.

Course contents

1. SOURCES: The sources of historical and of contemporary demography in Italy: vital registrations and censuses.

2 METHODS: The sources of contemporary demography: vital registrations and censuses. Basic instruments of demographic analysis: evaluation of the growth rate, analysis of the demographic structure (age and sex); crude and specific demographic rates; period and cohort analysis; the Lexis diagram; the concept of probability of death and the life table; the analysis of fertility. A mention to the analysis of migrations.

3. TOPICS: The evolution of the European populations in the long run and the regulatory mechanisms of the historical communities. Patterns and timing of the demographic transition in Europe and in the contemporary populations in the world.

Readings/Bibliography

For attending student:

Required Books:

- Notes of the lectures will be given during the course. It is possible to download them from the web site https://virtuale.unibo.it/

- G.C. Blangiardo (2006), Elementi di demografia, Il Mulino, Bologna.

- A. Rosina, R. Impicciatore (2023), Storia demografica d’Italia, Carocci, Roma

 

Optional Readings:

- G. Caselli, V. Egidi, C. Strozza (2021), L'Italia longeva. Dinamiche e diseguaglianze a cavallo di due secoli, Il Mulino Bologna

- G. Da Molin (2020), Vivere nel passato. Famiglia, infanzia e società, Cacucci, Bari.

- L. Del Panta (2021), Le epidemie nella storia demografica italiana, Clueb, Bologna.

- M. Livi Bacci (2010), In cammino. Breve storia delle migrazioni, Il Mulino, Bologna.

- Billari F.C., Tomassini C. (2021). Rapporto sulla popolazione. L'Italia e le sfide della demografia, Il Mulino Bologna

 

For non-attending students:

Required Books:

- Notes of the lectures will be given during the course. It is possible to download them from the web site https://virtuale.unibo.it/

- G.C. Blangiardo (2006), Elementi di demografia, Il Mulino, Bologna.

- A. Rosina, R. Impicciatore (2023), Storia demografica d’Italia, Carocci, Roma.

- M. Livi Bacci (2005), Storia minima della popolazione del mondo, Il Mulino, Bologna.

 

Optional Readings:

- G. Caselli, V. Egidi, C. Strozza (2021), L'Italia longeva. Dinamiche e diseguaglianze a cavallo di due secoli, Il Mulino Bologna

- G. Da Molin (2020), Vivere nel passato. Famiglia, infanzia e società, Cacucci, Bari.

- L. Del Panta (2021), Le epidemie nella storia demografica italiana, Clueb, Bologna.

- M. Livi Bacci (2010), In cammino. Breve storia delle migrazioni, Il Mulino, Bologna.

- Billari F.C., Tomassini C. (2021). Rapporto sulla popolazione. L'Italia e le sfide della demografia, Il Mulino Bologna.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and practices

Assessment methods

The historical demography exam will be evaluated through an oral interview, during which the student will have the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired during the course. The discussion will cover three fundamental areas: sources, methods, and issues.


The precision and depth of knowledge related to historical-demographic sources used to study past populations will be assessed in the verification phase. It will be essential to show a comprehensive understanding of demographic analysis tools, demonstrating the ability to apply quantitative methods and indicators accurately and coherently.


During the interview, the student must present the main issues related to the historical aspects of populations with clarity and language proficiency. These issues include the long-term evolution of European populations, self-regulatory mechanisms throughout history, and the interrelationships between the economic system, demographic system, and natural environment. It will be crucial to showcase analytical and argumentative skills, highlighting a critical and in-depth perspective.


In conclusion, the oral interview represents a significant opportunity for the student to demonstrate the preparation acquired in historical demography. The evaluation will assess the ability to articulate the quantitative methods of this discipline with precision and clarity, as well as express with language proficiency the knowledge acquired regarding the history of populations.

Teaching tools

Slides and power point presentation

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Scalone