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Analytic Demography

Course developer

Prior knowledge

PolZ5009, Public Administration

Soci5043, Sociological Theory

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to develop an in-depth understanding of the role of the analysis of demographic processes in the development and planning of society and territories, the practical application of demographic knowledge for the needs and forecasting of various fields. Study course presents demographic science that studies the human natural movement (births, deaths, marital), mechanical movement (migration) and different population structures (sex structure, age structure, ethnical structure, family structure, etc.) interconnected with biological, spatial, social, economic, historical and political etc. aspects as well as principles of demographical policy. It provides practical guidance of data analysis and practical use in governance, planning, demographic projection and policy development

Learning outcomes and their assessment

In-depth knowledge and understanding of the main demographic processes, their impact on the development of society and territories. Understanding of demographic regularities, demographic concepts and theories of different scales (seminar, independent work).
Skills - able to use demographic information in the analysis of modern social processes. Able to develop recommendations for solving demographic problems in the context of management, various types of planning, forecasting and policy development, based on the assessment of the current situation (independent work).
Competence - able to independently analyze and apply demographic data in management, various types of planning, forecasting and policy development (independent work, presentation).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. The subject of demography (1h).
2. Population and its composition (1h).
3. Framework of demographic theories and concepts (1h).
4. Demographic structure of the society, its role in the development of the society (1h).
5. Analysis of population life expectancy and mortality (1h).
6. Population health research (1h).
7. Interaction of demographic, economic and social processes (2h).
8. Demography and planning (1h).
9. Demographic forecasting, types and methods (1h).
10. Demographic policy, its types and instruments(2h).
List of seminar topics and practical work (12 h):
1. Demographic theories and concepts (2 h)
2. Creating demographic profiles. Pyramids of gender and age (2 h)
3. Life expectancy of the population, calculation of healthy life expectancy (2 h)
4. Population mobility indicators, their research, calculations and interpretation (2 h)
5. Use of demographic data in planning (2 h)
6. Demographic projections and demographic policy (2 h)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Formal test with grade.

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

The study course evaluates the acquisition of literature, participation in seminars, discussions, development of independent work, results and presentation. The proportion of evaluations of independent work is 30%, 30% and 40%.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Graded test. Cumulative assessment of study results (100%). A score of 10 is equal to one point on a 10-point marking scale.

Compulsory 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. Moultrie T., Dorrington R. e.g. Tools for Demographic Estimation, Paris Cedex, France. 2013. 433 p. Pieejams: http://demographicestimation.iussp.org/sites/demographicestimation.iussp.org/files/TDE_2013_2ndImpression_0.pdf

3. Zvidriņš P. Demogrāfija. Rīga: LU, 2003. 279 lpp. Demogrāfija 2020: statistisko datu krājums. CSB. Rīga: Centrālā statistikas pārvalde. 2020. 132 lpp. Pieejams: https://www.csb.gov.lv/lv/statistika/statistikas-temas/iedzivotaji/iedzivotaju-skaits/meklet-tema/417-demografija-2020

Further reading

1. Smith D.P., Keyfitz N. Mathematical Demography. Springer, 2013. 341 p. ISBN 978-3-642-35858-6 (eBook) Pieejams: https://www.demogr.mpg.de/books/drm/011/978-3-642-35858-6_Book_Online.pdf
2. Caselli G., Vallin J., Wunsch G. Demography: Analysis and Synthesis. Four Volume Set: A Treatise in Population. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2006.
3. Hartmann M. Demographic Methods for the Statistical Offices. Sweeden, 2009. 154 p. Pieejams: http://share.scb.se/ov9993/data/publikationer/statistik/_publikationer/ov9999_2009a01_br_x103br0902.pdf
4. Smas L., Fredricsson C., Clasessen H. Demographic changes, housing policies and urban planning. Working Paper. Nordregio, 2013. 48 p. Pieejams: https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A700286&dswid=-3271
5. World Population Data Sheet 2020 Pieejams: https://www.prb.org/2020-world-population-data-sheet/
6. World population to 2300. United Nations 2004 Pieejams:https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf

Periodicals and other sources

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

Notes

Compulsory study course in the academic master study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration".