Inglese

Basic knowledge in statistics and mathematics is required.
The knowledge of the contents of a basic course of demography is suggested.

Lectures will be both theoretical and practical in contents.

Being provided with methodological and interpretative tools for the comprehension of the evolution of populations.

Being able of explaining demographic processes and population trends over time.
Being able of comparing different demographic settings.

Students will improve expertise, judgement and communication skills on population dynamics. The aim will be obtained by examples, classroom discussions, and possible assignments.

Part I. Theoretical issues
Introduction: The elements of the demographic system and the measurement of demographic behaviours.
Population growth models.
Models of population structure.
Stable and Stationary populations.
Part II. Historical and contemporary demographic regimes
Overview of the evolution of human population.
The demography of the “Ancient Régime”.
Modern and present demographic changes: Empirical paths and major explicative theories.
Part III. The future of populations
Theoretical considerations on potential population trends.

Written examination.

For students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disability (SLD) who have contacted the University Disability/SLD Info Point to request support for the specific curricular exam, please note that the way the exam is taken can be adapted in accordance with the University Guidelines (https://www.univpm.it/Entra/Accoglienza_diversamente_abili).

It is to demonstrate a solid knowledge of methodological and interpretative tools. Furthermore, it must be demonstrated to be able to apply them in the appropriate contexts.

Positive grades: from 18 to 30. Cum laude can be bestowed to an outstanding performance.

Questions are required to be answered in one hour. Evaluation is based on both answer completeness and elaboration quality.

CASELLI G., VALLIN J., “Demography: Analysis and Synthesis”, Elsevier, 2006. Vol. 1, Chapter 6.
CHESNAIS, J.C.; “The demographic transition”, Clarendon Press Oxford, 1992. Selected chapters and paragraphs.
HINDE A., “Demographic methods”, Arnold, London, 1998. Chapters 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, and 13.
LIU T., LEE J., REHER D.S., SAITO O., & FENG W. (Eds.), Asian population history, Oxford University Press, New York, 2001. Chapter 2.
LIVI BACCI M., “A concise history of world population”, Blackell Publishing, 2017. Chapters 3, 4, and 5.
Further readings be indicated during the course.