SCH-21306 Demography and Global Population Issues

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

Many of the most pressing contemporary social and economic issues (like poverty, unemployment, slums, environmental degradation) are narrowly linked with demo¬graphical processes (population growth or decline, migration, epidemics) and the functioning of the family. These demographic processes diverge widely across the globe. For example, while many European countries face a future of population decline and an ageing population, many African countries experience rapid population growth and have a very young population structure. Such demographic trends and situations have huge effects on both the opportunities and problems they are faced with, in for example health care, education, employment and welfare systems.
This course addresses these issues and connections in a global and dynamic perspective. It does not aim at producing demographers. But it does introduce you to the basics of demographic analysis and data collection, necessary for students to be able to understand demographic trends and their implications, and to be able to participate in the debate on global population issues. Several specific issues and examples, taken from all parts of the world and from different periods in time, are discussed, as well as their implications for policy, institutions (including healthcare) and business.

Learning outcomes:

After this course students are expected to:
- be familiar with basic demographic concepts, theory and measurements;
- be able to interpret demographic figures;
- have a basic knowledge about demographic data collection;
- have knowledge about important demographic trends and issues in different parts of the world;
- be able to assess the role of demographic trends and realities within contemporary economic, social, cultural processes.

Activities:

- lectures;
- assignments;
- literature study;
- discussion;
Attendance during lectures and discussion meetings is compulsory.

Examination:

- written examination;
- assignments;
- active participation in discussion.

Literature:

- to be announced.