Basic, introductory course of demography and population studies. Sources and methods are examined in connection with substantive issues. Specific attention is devoted to the study of the world population (past, present and future) and to its relations with economic growth. Limits to the demographic growth are also considered.
1) G. De Santis (2010) Demografia, Il Mulino, Bologna.
2) M. Livi Bacci (2011) Storia minima della popolazione del mondo, Il Mulino, Bologna. (4^ ed; 1^ ed. 1998)
3) Main Istat websites, that is http://www.istat.it/ (only the demographic part); http://demo.istat.it/
4) Neodemos website (www.neodemos.it)
Learning Objectives
a) understand demographic dynamics (interplay of stock and flows);
b) know where to retrieve demographic information
c) be capable of calculating autonomously the main demographic indicators, given the proper raw numbers
d) understand demographic problems; envisage possible solutions.
Prerequisites
Know how to read and interpret simple tables and graphs.
Teaching Methods
Lectures
Further information
Visit the website http://local.disia.unifi.it/desantis
for additional teaching material and a few examples of examination tests.
Type of Assessment
Written examination only, with open questions, on both theory and practical problems.
Course program
Module 1
definition of Demography: its purpose, methods, sources and data. Description of stocks, flows and demographic phenomena (mortality, couple formation and dissolution, fertility, migration
Module 2
Simple population models (Stationary population; Population projections). Overview of the demographic trends and situation of the world, in the past and today.