The course aims to deepen students’ theoretical knowledge of Population research and to enhance students’ practical skills in comparative analysis and generalisation of demographic data. Students learn about the interrelation between the demographic and socio-economic development of society and what are the peculiarities of demographic situation in EU member states/different regions of Europe in the context of global Population development trends.
Students will be equipped with knowledge and skills necessary for advanced Demographic research:
- demographic terminology, definitions and system of statistical indicators;
- the basic theoretical concepts and contemporary Demographic discourse;
- understanding of the main variables underlying population change (fertility, mortality and migration);
- history of Population processes and cross-country comparison of the present demographic situation in Europe, growing regional imbalances and Europe’s demographic future;
- identification of the main demographic challenges for the socio-economic development of EU member states;
- understanding the definition and basic trends of Population policies, interrelation between Population and Social policies.

Introductory lectures during COSOPO intensive period in Linz, Austria in September. Afterwards, the course continues in Moodle.