DEMOGRAPHY AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES

The course provides students with essential demographic tools and an in-depth understanding of key geo-demographic trends needed to interpret today’s social challenges. Demography plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary societies. Population dynamics and their relationship with territory increasingly influence academic, political, and public debates, touching on issues such as urbanization, migration, environmental sustainability, resource use, human capital mobility, and geopolitical and geo-economic competition. While the idea that “demography is destiny” should not be understood deterministically, population trends have significantly shaped the political, economic, and social development of societies. Today, demographic analysis is more important than ever for understanding change in a globalized world. Our planet has undergone a profound geo-demographic revolution, marked by successive phases that have shaped—and will continue to shape—territorial structures and human relations. The course examines the links between demographic trends and political and socio-economic processes, with particular attention to sustainability and the Euro-Mediterranean region, especially Italy.

A sound understanding of fundamental statistical concepts is recommended.

- Knowledge and understanding Through lectures and practical activities, students will become familiar with the principles of demography and its links to international relations, urbanization, geopolitics, economic development, and the environment. They will gain in-depth knowledge of demographic change at the global level, with particular emphasis on the Euro-Mediterranean region and Italy. - Applying knowledge and understanding Students will become familiar with key demographic methods and techniques, as well as with the main challenges related to population change. They will develop the ability to identify and critically assess demographic issues and potential solutions. The ability to apply knowledge and understanding will be assessed during the course through the analysis of reports and papers focused on specific demographic topics, and at the end of the course through an oral colloquium. - Making judgments Students will develop analytical skills enabling them to engage with contemporary research on demography and social challenges. They will acquire a critical approach to the study of demographic phenomena and their social and economic interrelations. Using the methods learned during the course, students will be able to select appropriate demographic data, literature, and sources, independently assess their quality and reliability, and critically evaluate their application to population-related challenges. - Communication skills Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to communicate demographic challenges clearly, rigorously, and with methodological consistency across different socio-economic and geopolitical contexts. Through course activities—including interactive lectures, debates, and group work—students will practice communication skills in a variety of settings. They will learn to adapt their language to specific audiences and contexts, developing advanced rhetorical skills relevant to their professional careers. - Learning skills Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to apply the methodologies learned in lectures and seminars to analyze various demographic issues and conduct research using specialist texts and journals. They will acquire a solid understanding of the fundamental aspects of demography and related social challenges. Furthermore, they will be prepared to pursue independent research in population studies and engage in a range of postgraduate training activities, including those focused on demographic topics.

Mandatory textbook: Lundquist, J.H., Anderton D.L., Yaukey B. (2015), Demography. The study of Human Population. Fourth Edition. Waveland Press - Statistical datasheets, reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and lecture slides will be made available to students on Moodle (myLuiss course webpage). These materials will complement the textbooks and support students in achieving the intended learning outcomes.

- Lectures with the support of audio-visuals; - Lectures by external experts; - Case studies and simulations; - Inquiry based learning; - Problem based learning; - Peer education; - Flipped classroom.

Exam and Assessment: - Team project (30% total: 15% written work, 15% oral presentation) on a topic chosen with the professor’s approval - Oral exam (individual) – 70%. Content: textbook and lecture slides - Students who maintain regular attendance and actively participate in class may earn up to two bonus points, which will be added to their final score. Grades are expressed on a 30-point scale, ranging from 17 to 31. The performance levels are categorized as follows: insufficient (17); sufficient (18–20); good (21–23); very good (24–26); excellent (27–29); outstanding (30–31). Regular attendance is required. Any absence must be communicated and justified. Students unable to attend for valid reasons are expected to notify the instructor at the beginning of the course. Students who are unable to attend the course regularly will not be considered attending students. To pass the exam, non-attending students must write an essay on a topic assigned by the professor and take an oral interview on the day of the exam. The oral interview will cover the content of the textbook as well as the lecture slides. The essay topic will be selected by the professor from those discussed in the lessons. Students unable to ensure regular attendance are strongly encouraged to contact the professor within the first two weeks of the semester.

Active attendance of the course. Quality of the proposed research topic. Grade received at the exam “Demography and Social Challenges”.