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. Young people, the delayed transition to adulthood, 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

• M. Livi Bacci. Storia minima della popolazione del mondo. Il Mulino. Bologna. 2011.
• G. De Santis. Demografia. Il Mulino. 2010.
• A. Rosina e A. De Rose. Demografia. Egea. Milano. 2017.
• Online documents on the VIRTUALE platform

Suggested readings

• A. Rosina e A. De Rose. Demografia. Egea. Milano. 2017.
  
• AISP. Rapporto sulla popolazione. L’Italia e le sfide della demografia. Il Mulino. Bologna 2021

 

Teaching methods

Lectures (60 h) and laboratory exercises using Excel software (12 h). The lessons will all be held in a mixed mode with the possibility of following the lessons of the entire course remotely on MS Teams.
During the lectures, some classroom activities will be carried out, consisting in an in-depth study of demographic topics of the student's choice. The methods for carrying out the classroom activities will be explained during the course.
The highly applied nature of the course and the presence of interactive activities during the lessons mean that attendance of the lessons and exercises 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 examination + classroom activity

Written examination: students must carry out a number of exercises in which they demonstrate their ability to apply the tools acquired and interpret the results obtained (up to 15 points) and answer two theoretical questions (up to 10 points). The written test, which can be marked up to 25 points, must be completed within a maximum of 60 minutes. A calculator (non-programmable) may be used during the test, but it is not possible to consult texts, notes or electronic devices.

The classroom activity, which culminates in the oral presentation during the lessons, allows up to 6 points to be obtained, which will be added to the marks obtained in the written test.

Alternatively, students can obtain up to 6 points by answering (during the written test) to a question related to the following book:

• AISP. Rapporto sulla popolazione. L’Italia e le sfide della demografia. Il Mulino. Bologna 2021

There are no other intermediate tests. There is no distinction between attending and non-attending students in the test methods.


Notes on the teaching calendar

The first exam session (winter session) starts on 07/01/2022 at . The first call of the winter session can be brought forward to the period from 20/12/2021 to 22/12/2021 exclusively for students who are in one of these conditions:
- Erasmus/Overseas outgoing II semester;
- participants in the II semester Buenos Aires project;
- incoming Erasmus/Overseas I semester.

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