LV EN RU DE FR

Demography

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Soci1005, Basics of Research

Soci1014, General Sociological Theory

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide knowledge and develop an understanding of the dynamics, regularities and differentiation of demographic processes at the global, regional and local levels, and the ability to link it to the development of society.
The course provides basic knowledge about the science of demography, the demographic structure of society, its research, the main demographic processes - births, deaths, marriage, migration; measurement and analysis of demographic processes, demographic regularities, theories and concepts. It develops understanding of the latest demographic forecasts and the basics of demographic policy. Students acquire skills and abilities to independently analyze demographical data for the analysis of various demographic scenarios.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge. Knowledge of demographic processes, their coefficients, demographic theories and concepts, demographic data sources; understands demographic regularities, demographic forecasts and demographic policy tools for the analysis of various demographic scenarios (individual tasks, seminars, discussions, test)
Skills. Ability to independently analyze the dynamics of demographic processes, link it to the development of society; ability to collect, process and analyze a variety of demographic data; ability to analyze different demographic scenarios, link them to different types of demographic policies (individual task, seminars, test)
Competence. Ability to independently analyze various demographic processes, develop reasonable proposals for the development of society; ability to independently analyze various demographic processes, develop reasonable proposals for the development of society (individual task, seminars, discussions, test)

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Subject and method of demography. - 2 hours
2. Population number and distribution. – 1 hour
3. Age and sex structure of the population. - 2 hours
4. Birth rate and reproductive behavior. – 1 hour
5. Population mortality and life expectancy. - 2 hours
6. Population migration. - 2 hours
7. Demographic forecasts. - 2 hours
8. Demographic concepts and theories. - 2 hours
9. Demographic policy. - 2 hours
List of seminar and practical topics (16 hours)
1. Gender and age structure of the population. Practical work. -2 hours
2. Birth and reproductive behavior. Practical work. – 2 hours
3. Population mortality and life expectancy. Practical work. - 2 hours
4. Population migration. Practical work. - 2 hours
5. Demographic forecasts. Discussion. - 2 hours
6. Demographic theories and concepts. Practical work. Seminar. - 2 hours
7. Demographic policy. Practical work. Seminar. - 2 hours
8. Test. - 2 hours

Requirements for awarding credit points

At the end of the study course master students must pass a test. The final assessment is cumulative on the following topics and tasks: 1) A set of individual tasks on all main demographic processes and discussions (40%); 2) Test (60%).

Study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with the Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-5/59 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and independent work, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Literature studies, individual tasks, preparation of presentations and for the test on all topics covered in the course.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Students must prepare a practical tasks, discussions (40%), test all topics covered in the course (60%). 10% corresponds to one point on the 10-point assessment scale.

Compulsory reading

1. Zvidriņš P. Demogrāfija, 2003. Rīga: Latvijas Universitāte, 279 lpp.
2. Demogrāfisko terminu skaidrojošā vārdnīca: latviešu un angl̦u valodā, Latvijas Universitāte, 2001. 129 lpp.
3. Bērziņš A. Iedzīvotāju dzimuma un vecuma struktūra Latvijā, Nacionālā enciklopēdija. Pieejams: https://enciklopedija.lv/skirklis/20820-iedz%C4%ABvot%C4%81ju-dzimuma-un-vecuma-strukt%C5%ABra-Latvij%C4%81
4. Demogrāfija 2020: statistisko datu krājums. CSB, Rīga: Centrālā statistikas pārvalde. 2020. 127 lpp. Piejams: https://www.csb.gov.lv/lv/statistika/statistikas-temas/iedzivotaji/iedzivotaju-skaits/meklet-tema/417-demografija-2020
5. Lundquist J., Anderton D., Yaukey D. Demography: The Study of Human Population, Long Grove, Illinois, 2015. 498 p. Pieejams: http://www.ru.ac.bd/stat/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2019/03/402_10_00_Lundquist_Demography.pdf

Further reading

1. Tautas ataudze Latvijā un sabiedrības atjaunošanas izaicinājumi, red. Juris Krūmiņš, Zaiga Krišjāne, LU Akadēmiskais apgāds 2019, 300 lpp. Pieejams: https://www.apgads.lu.lv/fileadmin/user_upload/lu_portal/apgads/PDF/Tautas_ataudze/talsai_viss.pdf
2. Latvijas emigrantu kopienas, red. Inta Mieriņa, LU Filozofijas un socioloģijas institūts, 2015, 240 lpp.
3. Hartmann M. Demographic Methods for the Statistical Offices, Sweeden, 154 p.
4. Smas L., Fredricsson C., Clasessen H. (2013) Demografhic Changes, Housing Policies and Urban Planning, Nordregio Working Paper, 2009., 48.p.
5. World population to 2300, United Nations 2004 Pieejams: http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/longrange2/WorldPop2300final.pdf
6. World Population Data Sheet, Piejams: http://www.prb.org/pdf16/prb-wpds2016-web-2016.pdf

Periodicals and other sources

1. Journal of Population Research, Pieejams: https://www.springer.com/journal/12546
2. ISSN: 1443-2447 (Print) 1835-9469 (Online)
3. Journal Demographic Research, Pieejams: https://www.demographic-research.org/
4. Population, Space and Place, Pieejams: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/15448452 Online ISSN:1544-8452

Notes

Compulsory study course in the ESAF academic bachelor study programme “Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”