ITALIAN DEMOGRAPHY AND SOCIETY

The course aims to: - provide students with knowledge of the main basic concepts of demography and the quantitative tools used to analyse demographic phenomena; - examine the evolution of the Italian population, with particular attention to territorial differences and changes over time; - analyse the interrelationships between demographic, economic, and social changes, with particular attention to the mechanisms underlying their evolution.

Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of statistics and a general familiarity with the main concepts and issues related to social and economic change. No specific prior knowledge of demography is required.

Knowledge and Understanding By the end of the course, students will have acquired: knowledge of the main concepts, methods, measures, and theoretical and analytical tools of demography; knowledge of the main stages of demographic development in Italy, as well as the demographic processes and mechanisms underlying its evolution; an understanding of the relationships between demographic dynamics and social, economic, and cultural changes in Italy, and in a comparative perspective. knowledge of the main sources of demographic data and of how statistical information can be used to analyse population phenomena. Application of Knowledge and Understanding By the end of the course, students will be able to: apply demographic concepts, methods, and indicators to the analysis and interpretation of major population phenomena; read, interpret, and discuss demographic data, identifying major trends and relationships between demographic dynamics and social, economic, and cultural transformations; identify, retrieve, and appropriately use the main official sources of demographic data; read, interpret, and critically discuss scientific articles and research reports on demographic issues; critically interpret and assess documents and reports on population policies, relating them to the available empirical evidence; formulate and develop a research project on a demographic topic, identifying a research question, appropriate data sources, and suitable methodologies. Making Judgements By the end of the course, students will be able to: - integrate the knowledge acquired in order to analyse and interpret complex demographic phenomena; - critically assess data, sources, and research findings, recognising their strengths and limitations for the interpretation of demographic phenomena; - critically compare different theoretical interpretations and empirical evidence concerning major demographic issues; - formulate independent and well-grounded judgements on demographic phenomena and issues, distinguishing empirical evidence from its interpretation; - critically assess the adequacy of policy responses to major demographic challenges, taking into account empirical evidence, the socioeconomic context, and different interpretative perspectives. Communication Skills By the end of the course, students will be able to: - communicate the knowledge acquired in an effective, clear, and rigorous manner, appropriately organising and synthesising information; - present and discuss the results of demographic analyses and research in a clear and critically argued manner; - use the language and terminology specific to the discipline in both written and oral communication. Learning Skills By the end of the course, students will be able to: independently explore demographic topics and issues through the consultation of books, scientific articles, research reports, and specialised statistical sources; critically compare different interpretations and perspectives on demographic issues, making appropriate use of the scientific literature; conduct research by collecting, organising, and critically analysing data and information from different sources; produce scientific reports and written contributions, organising their work independently and meeting assigned deadlines; organise and manage individual and group work, developing skills in collaboration, time management, responsibility, and adapting to new problems and situations.

The course introduces the main concepts, methods, and tools of demography and examines the evolution of the Italian population from a historical and comparative European perspective. Particular attention will be paid to the main demographic phenomena—including fertility, mortality, migration, population structure, and population ageing—and to their interrelationships with social, economic, and cultural changes in Italian society. The course will also address transformations in family structures, migration dynamics, demographic inequalities, and major population issues and policies.

Required Readings for All Students Blangiardo, G. (2025). Elementi di demografia. Il Mulino. New edition. Articles and additional materials covered during the course, available on the course page on the myLuiss platform.

Teaching and Learning Methods The course combines the following teaching and learning methods: - lectures, introducing key concepts and the main theoretical approaches; - data analysis, with particular attention to Italian demographic indicators; - case studies, focusing on concrete public policies; - seminars, dedicated to comparing different interpretations and perspectives; - policy workshops, in which students will move from demographic diagnosis to the formulation of public policy interventions; - student presentations. A significant part of the course will therefore focus on developing students’ ability to use demography as a tool for analysing public policies, rather than merely as a descriptive discipline.

Assessment Methods For students who regularly attend the course, assessment will be based on: 1. Group project work, accounting for 15% of the final grade; 2. Group project presentation, accounting for 15% of the final grade; 3. Individual oral examination, accounting for 70% of the final grade. Preparation for the oral examination will be based on the textbook (Blangiardo) and the material presented in class during the course. For attending students, the final grade will be calculated as the weighted average of the above components. For non-attending students, assessment will be based on: 1. Written examination, accounting for 30% of the final grade. The examination will last three hours. Students may consult the textbook and the course teaching materials. The topic will be assigned by the instructor on the day of the examination; 2. Oral examination, accounting for 70% of the final grade. To pass the examination, students are expected to prepare the entire course syllabus and the required textbook (Blangiardo). Students who are unable to attend classes regularly are strongly encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course. Students who do not regularly attend classes will not be eligible to take part in any in-class or continuous assessment activities.

Interest in the subject. Quality of the research proposal. Grade obtained in the examination.