93406 - International Demography (50)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows basic instruments to analyse structural and dynamic aspects of developed and underdeveloped populations. Particularly, the student is able: - to measure populations size, variation and distribution in time and space - to measure and analyse populations structural characteristics - to measure and analyse demographic dynamics components – to classify populations depending on their different levels of evolution and development.

Course contents

The course is organized with all the lectures taught in presence and simultaneously on MS TEAMS. The number of students allowed in class is determined on the basis of class capacity and by the health and safety provisions that deal with the pandemic emergency.

Contents. The course is composed by twoparts.

1st Part

a) Sources for demographic and social analysis, international databases.

b) Methodological tools for the measurements of population variables (growth rates; measures for mortality, fertility and migration, population structures and their evolution), census-type data analysis.

c) Population density and its geographical distribution.

d) The development of word population. UN scenarios for the future.

e) The theory of demographic transition.

f) XXth century demographic transitions.

g) Demographic challenges in PVS. The African case.

h) Word summits on population.

2nd Part

i) Economic development and population: Poverty and inequalities.

j) Development indicators and the Millenium Goals.

k) International migration: theories, demographic and socio-economic consequences.

Readings/Bibliography

1) G.A. Micheli, Demografie, McGraw-Hill, Milano, 2011, Capp. Da 1 a 5.

2) A. Angeli, S. Salvini, Popolazione mondiale e sviluppo sostenibile. Crescita, stagnazione e declino, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2018.

Teaching methods

Lessons can take place in person and remotely at the same time.

Labs will be organized to perform exercises with excel, since the 50 hours of lessons include both theory and exercises

2 partial exams will be organized during the course

All didactic materials and lesson recordings will be available on "Virtuale" platform

Assessment methods

The examination aims to assess the achievement of the following learning objectives: - know the main theories on the long period evolution of the population.
- calculate the main demographic indicators.
- interpret the data and indicators on population present in the political and social literature
- know the main international sources of demographic data
- know the demographic transition in the main areas of the world

The examination consists of written tests. The test is composed by theoretical questions and exercises in which the students can demonstrate that they can apply the methodological tools acquired and interpret the results.

The student can choose whether to take the partial exams during the course or the total exam at the end.

There are 2 partials tests, one for each teaching part of the course. To pass the tests, the student must obtain the sufficiency as average, without scoring less than 17 in one of the two tests. It is possible to recover only one partial test (due to absence, unsatisfaction or insufficiency) on the first calendar date of the summer session.

Alternatively, it is possible to carry out the full exam during all the other sessions.

The exams are performed with the use of EOL and Zoom.

The specific information about tests can be read at: -> organization [https://corsi.unibo.it/laurea/ScienzeInternazionaliDiplomatiche/organizzazione-della-didattica] and found on "Virtuale"

 

Teaching tools

Downlodable Power point files, readings and other documents used during the lessons will be at the student disposal on IOL.

Use of videos and web pages on the Internet.

Office hours

See the website of Rosella Rettaroli