Module overview
The module studies key population issues specific to high income countries, such as international migration, population ageing and low fertility.
The module examines the causes, consequences and policy implications of the current population processes. The module offers a focus on the UK in a comparative perspective with other developed countries.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Presenting and evaluating findings, explanations and theoretical perspectives through written work, discussion in seminars, and group presentation.
- Reading critically, analysing and summarising literature.
- Self-management by combining your learning in lectures, presentation and discussion and independent study.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the main recent patterns and trends in demographic processes in the developed world (Europe, North America and other industrialised countries)
- Comment upon the policy implications of recent demographic trends in high income countries and on the feasibility of various policy responses to demographic challenges
- Discussing alternative viewpoints in written work and in seminars.
- Describe future population prospects in high income countries.
- Critically evaluate the merits of differing potential explanations for the observed demographic patterns and trends
Syllabus
The course investigates demographic processes in the UK and other developed countries. We examine the explanations offered for recent changes along with their current and future consequences.
The module covers a range of topics including: Transition to adulthood; Fertility decline; Family change; Population ageing; Health inequalities; Gender differences in mortality; International and internal migration patterns.
Most of the reading for this module is in the form of research papers published in journals. For seminars, we also make use of video interviews and documentaries.
Key questions that the module will address: - What implications do the changes in life expectancy observed in the UK in the past decades have for policy?
- How are statistics on international migration and asylum seekers collected in the UK?
- How have the economic prospects of young people changed today as compared to the past?
- Why has non-marital cohabitation increased in Europe over the past decades?
- Why do women in developed countries tend to live longer than men?
- Why is fertility higher in Scandinavian countries than in Mediterranean countries?
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The course will be taught via lectures, seminars, group work, and independent study.
You will be asked to do specific tasks in preparation for the seminars, e.g. reading a journal article or analysing demographic trends.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 122 |
| Teaching | 28 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Note. Most of the reading for this module is in the form of research papers published in academic journals, accessible from the library website.
Internet Resources
Population Europe Youtube Channel.
Textbooks
Champion, A. and Falkingham , J. (2016). Population Change in the United Kingdom.. London: Rowman & Littlefield International.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Report | 40% |
| Essay | 40% |
| Group presentation | 20% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External