General description

Insight in the Demographic theoretical concepts, definitions and statistical indicators; comparative analysis and assessment of demographic and socio-economic developments of EU member states, the major demographic challenges for the European societies and the policy approaches that EU member states have adopted to solve these challenges.

Learning outcomes

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

Contents

The course deepens students’ knowledge of the basic theoretical concepts and methodologies of Population research. Its major focus is a comparative analysis and assessment of Population development trends in Europe and examination of the social consequences of demographic changes. The main topics are: the treatment of Demographic statistics; Population processes and their understanding in terms of a range of social factors; Fertility and Mortality levels and historical changes; Epidemiological and Demographic transition, theoretical explanations; Present regional fertility and mortality differences in Europe; Demographic ageing of society, its socio-economic and demographic consequences; Family transformation, new partnership patterns, Second demographic transition; Migration theories, historic developments of migration of European population; Population policies (definition, structure, measures), Population policies in EU member states.

Teaching methods

Introduction course at the beginning of the semester during the IP, afterwards the use of methods of distance learning (discussion boards and individual tutoring, supported by Moodle).

Teaching language

English

Evaluation and evaluation criteria

Numeric 1-5.
70% paper and 30% active participation in discussions.

Study materials

Reading list will be announced at the beginning of the course.

Belongs to following study modules