00211 - Demography

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. The Italian demographic history. The delayed transition to adulthood. Familism 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

 

• Massimo Livi Bacci, Storia minima della popolazione del mondo. Il Mulino, Bologna.
• Alessandro Rosina e Roberto Impicciatore, Storia demografica d’Italia. Crescita, crisi, sfide. Carocci, Roma.
• Alessandra De Rose e Alessandro Rosina. Introduzione alla demografia. Analisi e interpretazione delle dinamiche di popolazione. Egea, Milano.
• Online documents on the Virtuale platform

 

 

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

Written test divided in two parts. The first test is scheduled during the course, approximately halfway through the lessons. The result obtained in the first partial test will be averaged with that of the second partial examination.

Partial tests have a maximum duration of 30 minutes during which it is possible to use a calculator (non-programmable) but it is not possible to consult texts, notes and electronic devices.

Those who do not participate at partial tests, can take one-session written test in any of the official sittings.The written test must be completed within a maximum time of 60 minutes.

Students who do not wish to take part of the partial examination may take the written examination in one go at any official call. The written test must be taken within a maximum time limit of 60 minutes.

In both the partial and single-solution tests, a calculator (non-programmable) may be used, but texts, notes and electronic devices may not be consulted. The tests include exercises, methodological questions and theoretical questions.

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