DEMOGRAPHY, SOCIETY AND POLICY IN EUROPE

The course aims to provide students with fundamental theoretical and methodological tools in demography, as well as in-depth knowledge of population-related public policies. A core component of the course is the interplay between population change and policy issues. The course examines demographic change and the key societal and policy challenges facing contemporary Europe. Particular emphasis is placed on the interrelationship between demographic dynamics and policy change, analysed in a cross-national comparative perspective and over time. Demography shapes many aspects of our world. Population-related issues are increasingly prominent in academic, political, and public debates, including population ageing, depopulation, pollution, environmental change, and migration flows. The course addresses these themes and offers an overview of the interconnections between population trends, on the one hand, and socioeconomic and political change, on the other.

Knowledge and understanding: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be familiar with the key concepts and methods of demography. They will also have a solid understanding of the major challenges related to population change and the links between these challenges and population governance. The course prepares students to undertake doctoral-level research in demography and social policy. Applying knowledge and understanding: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to adopt a critical approach to materials related to demographic change and population governance. They will also be able to develop an in-depth understanding of demographic change from a cross-national comparative perspective and to identify key population issues, proposing potential solutions grounded in empirical evidence. Finally, students will be able to address demography-related topics through analytical and argumentative writing. Making judgements: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to apply the appropriate methods acquired during the course. They will be capable of collecting, selecting, and interpreting population data and other high-quality demographic materials (such as reports, research articles, and data sheets) from a wide range of available sources. Students will also be able to evaluate demographic data and research materials independently, develop their own positions based on empirical evidence, and formulate critical judgements on specific population and policy issues in Europe. Communications Skills: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to use the technical vocabulary of demography to address population-related issues with terminological accuracy. They will be able to present complex demographic empirical material with clarity and rigor. Through the various course activities—such as lectures with discussion, debates, and group work—students will put these communication skills into practice across different demography-related contexts, adapting their terminology to specific audiences and thereby developing advanced rhetorical skills essential for their professional careers. Learning skills: Upon successful completion of the course, students will have acquired the skills necessary to access, understand, and discuss contemporary research in the multidisciplinary field of demography, and will be familiar with key demographic contributions. They will be prepared to undertake doctoral-level work in demography and social policy and to conduct research through the consultation of specialist texts and academic journals. Students will develop a solid foundation in the fundamental aspects of demography and will be able to pursue further independent study in demography and population policies, as well as engage in a range of postgraduate training activities that include demography-related subjects.

A basic understanding of statistical concepts is recommended.

The course focuses on the changing demography of Europe, examined from both a long-term perspective (demographic transition processes) and a short-term perspective (short time series). The analysis of demographic trends is combined with an examination of major policy and societal changes, with the aim of identifying the driving forces underlying both processes. The study is conducted at multiple levels—individual (micro), national (macro), and regional or local (meso). The objective is to analyse the mutual relationships across these levels and the interactions between them. The course examines the main features of demographic dynamics in Europe, such as population ageing, depopulation, changing family types and structures, and migration flows, and analyses how these population processes affect policy-making and (re)shape societies. Another key component of the course is the examination of the effects of population policies on demographic trends. The course places strong emphasis on cross-national comparisons while providing in-depth analysis of selected country cases. Key issues addressed include the relationship between population and welfare systems, as well as the interconnections among demography, policy, governance, and societal change.

- Lundquist, J.H., Anderton D.L., Yaukey B. (2015), Demography. The study of Human Population. Fourth Edition. Waveland Press. - Statistical datasheets and official reports; journal articles and book chapters; and lectures slides will be distributed to the students throughout the course.

- Lectures with testimonials; - Case studies; - 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.

1. Active participation in the course. 2. Quality of the proposed research topic. 3. Grade on the exam Demography, Society and Policy in Europe.