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 connection with economic growth. Limits to population growth are also discussed.
1) G. De Santis (2010) Demografia, Il Mulino, Bologna.
2) M. Livi Bacci (2012) 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 flow data);
b) know where to retrieve demographic information
c) be capable of calculating autonomously the main demographic indicators, cross-sectionally and longitudinally, 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, and occasional lab sessions to learn how to “play” with demographic data
Further information
For additional teaching material and a few examples of examination tests
visit the website http://local.disia.unifi.it/desantis
Type of Assessment
Written examination only, with open questions, on both theoretical issues and practical problems. Same for all students, including those who could not attend classes.
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 (e.g. Stationary population). Population projections with variants. Overview of the demographic trends and situation of the world, in the past and today.