AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to understand the knowledge of international demographic contexts for the purpose of assessing the impact of demographic change on the socio-economic system with particular attention to the structure of the population in future dynamics. The importance of migratory phenomena is also analyzed.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The primary objective of the course is to provide students with an overview of the main demographic processes taking place worldwide, with particular emphasis on migration phenomena.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding Students will acquire a solid knowledge of the fundamental tools of demographic analysis and the ability to interpret ongoing demographic changes.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding Students will develop the ability to appropriately select demographic indicators and apply them in other fields of study such as economics, sociology, political science, and related disciplines.

Making Judgements Students will gain the ability to critically evaluate the quality of data available online, particularly in terms of whether the data collection and analysis meet the quality standards of official statistics. They will also be able to assess the methodological soundness of online materials and reports.

Communication Skills Students will acquire the fundamental statistical vocabulary necessary to communicate clearly and unambiguously with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Learning Skills Thanks to the skills and knowledge acquired, students will be able to independently pursue further studies on the implications of demographic change in their specific areas of interest.

TEACHING METHODS

Traditional in presence lessons.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Part 1 – Introduction to Demography

• Introduction to Demography
  • Objectives and definitions
• Time, Age, and Generations
  • Individuals and their life histories
  • Time and duration. The Lexis diagram
  • Generational histories and population status
  • Generations and contemporaries: longitudinal vs. cross-sectional observation
  • Analytical tools: events, rates and probabilities, intensity and timing
• Renewal Processes: The Extinction of Generations
  • Mortality and survival
  • The life table
  • Measures of longevity
• Renewal Processes: The Formation of New Generations
  • Determinants of human reproduction
  • Fertility measures by cohort: intensity, timing, and composition of offspring
  • Period fertility measures: cross-sectional vs. cohort analysis
  • Reproductivity and replacement levels
• Population Size and Structure
  • Age and sex composition: the population pyramid
  • Demographic structure indices
• Demographic Trends and Long-term Perspectives
  • Population stock and variation
  • The demographic balance and its components
  • Population change and its pace
  • Projections and forecasts
• The Demographic Transition
  • The Neolithic revolution and the pre-modern demographic regime
  • Stages of the demographic transition
  • Health transition
  • Reproductive transition
  • Transition towards what?

Part 2 – International Migration

• Fundamental concepts: migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, diaspora
• International statistical sources (UN, Eurostat, IOM, UNHCR)
• Theories of migration: push-pull, world-systems theory, neoclassical and institutional approach
• Historical and contemporary trends of global migration
• Demographic and socio-economic effects in countries of origin and destination
• Migration policies and international mobility governance
• Forced migration, climate change, and new challenges​

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

De Rose A., Rosina A. (2022). Introduzione alla demografia, Egea (cap. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8). 
Livi Bacci M. (2019). In cammino. Breve storia delle migrazioni. Il Mulino
Koser K. (2009). Le migrazioni internazionali. Il Mulino

Other titles and additional materials may be indicated during the course. Students are invited to regularly check the course page on Aulaweb for updates and announcements. International students may contact the instructor to request reading materials in English.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ENRICO DI BELLA (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

1st semester

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written part on Part 1 of the syllabus, including open-ended questions and exercises, and an oral part focusing on the international migration topics covered in Part 2 of the syllabus.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written exam will assess the knowledge acquired through the study of fundamental topics in demographic analysis and the interpretation of key demographic data. The oral exam will evaluate the ability to present, using appropriate technical language, the complexity of demographic and migration phenomena by discussing the materials presented during lectures and the readings indicated in the syllabus.

FURTHER INFORMATION

There are no variations in the program or assessment methods for non-attending students. However, these students are encouraged to contact their reference teacher.

Students with certification of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are advised to contact both the coordinator, Prof. Aristide Canepa (aristide.canepa@unige.it), and the course instructor at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the course objectives, take into account individual learning methods and provide suitable compensatory tools. For further information, please refer to the webpage: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/studenti-disabilità-informazioni-utili