Theory and method in demography

SOST70012 Theory and method in demography 15 Semester 2 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Tina Hannemann Unit coordinator Social Statistics 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 Set within the framework of the basic demographic equation (population change = births – deaths +/- net migration) the course unpacks the demographer’s tool kit. We consider the derivation, use and interpretation of advanced measures used in the study of population structure and the components of population change (fertility, mortality and migration). The course has a strong practical component using a wide range of real-world data from UK and overseas. There is a strong emphasis on developing a creative and critically reflective approach to the use of methods in real world applications, and a critical awareness of the strengths and limitations of measures and data used.    Set within the framework of the basic demographic equation (population change = births – deaths +/- net migration) the course unpacks the demographer’s tool kit. We consider the derivation, use and interpretation of advanced measures used in the study of population structure and the components of population change (fertility, mortality and migration). The course has a strong practical component using a wide range of real-world data from UK and overseas. There is a strong emphasis on developing a creative and critically reflective approach to the use of methods in real world applications, and a critical awareness of the strengths and limitations of measures and data used.    To develop knowledge and theoretical understanding about the components and processes of demographic systems and advanced methods for the analysis of demographic data. To develop skills in the critical selection of demographic method (and data requirements) for demographic analysis in a range of research and policy applications. To develop skills in the critical interpretation of demographic measures and analyses including aspects relating to data quality   As well as developing skills in analytical thinking students will leave the course with a wide range of practical and transferable skills in the use of data all of which are increasingly in demand from graduate employers .   These include: skills in sourcing data from a wide range of on-line sources; Evaluating data quality, Competencies in the use of a range of software to manipulate and analyse large scale data, skills in presenting and visualising data outputs, skills in the critical interpretation of quantitative outputs    <ul><li>Understand the way demographic pattern and process influences our understanding of changing populations and of related social issues </li><li>Show advanced knowledge and understanding of the key theory and principles underlying demographic analysis </li><li>To have knowledge of a range of different sources and types of demographic data and understanding of data quality issues </li><li>To have knowledge and understanding of a wide range of demographic measures including their derivation, data requirements and interpretation</li></ul> <ul><li>Make appropriate selection of demographic techniques and measures to answer questions on population patterns, trends and projection </li><li>Ability to bring critical judgment to the use and interpretation of measures in a range of real world settings</li><li>Be able to demonstrate awareness of data quality issues in the evaluation of demographic analysis</li><li>Be able to formulate clearly specified research questions from the study of complex demographic systems</li></ul> <ul><li>the ability to access and use appropriate data sources for demographic analysis  </li><li>ability to calculate a range of advanced demographic measures from source data  </li><li>to be able to present demographic outputs with appropriate data visualisations</li></ul> <ul><li>Skills in sourcing and manipulation of a range of data used in demographic analysis including surveys and administrative data    </li><li>Advanced skills in the use of a  range of software for manipulating and analysing demographic data  </li><li>Skills in data visualisation techniques </li><li>Skills in communicating the results of analysis orally and in writing </li></ul> The Demographic Equation  Demographic Data  Fertility 1  Fertility 2   Mortality 1  Mortality 2  Migration  Population Projections  Demographic Transition  Lectures are used to introduce demographic methods within a framing of demographic theory These include topic based video lectures (providing core content and instruction in the range of methods and techniques covered each week) with live lectures then discussing the interpretation of measures and relating the material covered in the video lectures to applications that are illustrated through a range of real world examples   Weekly computer based exercises are undertaken as part of independent study to provide practical experience calculating and interpreting the methods taught in the lectures. A student journal is kept to record results and reflections on these weekly exercises, with journals submitted regularly for (formative) feedback.   The journals alongside additional guided reading provide the input to weekly seminars where students present on and discuss the methods in more depth, with attention to data quality issues and their strengths and limitations in various applied settings.  The seminar readings, used to inform student-led discussion in seminars enable students to extend their understanding of methods beyond the basics covered in the lecture material, with consideration of how methods can be adapted to the particular needs of a research application. The seminars are also used to help students formulate researchable questions from the substantive demographic issues that frame the training in methods  (all students on the SRMS Demography pathway undertake a research dissertation (SOST65000) involving application of demographic methods taught on the course)    0 Other 100% Written assignment - 1,500 words & graphs (30%)Exam - 2 hours (70%) Formative assessment feedback is a mixture of auto feedback on all answers, model answers provided for self-checking, and regular personalised feedback (journals submitted after each topic block.Summative assessment feedback is personalised written feedback. N The recommended key text covering most of the methods taught in the course is:   Rowland, D. T. (2003) Demographic Concepts and Methods Oxford: OUP  Preston, S., Heuveline, P., & Guillot, M. (2000). Demography: measuring and  modeling population processes.  Students should complement this with directed reading provided weekly by topic. As mentioned in (9) above this includes a lot of very accessible non-academic sources with on-line public and practitioner facing reports and resources that provide numerous examples of the way methods taught on the course are applied in real world settings      Lectures 22 Seminars 8 0 120