• Collecting data for population studies • To be able to apply different concepts covered in the course • Develop analytical skills in demography • Synthesise demographic information to understand population dynamics in a given territory • Explain the population dynamics studied • Developing critical thinking skills • Positioning yourself as a global citizen
Competencies developed during this course Disciplinary competencies #3. Concepts and Theories in Geography: Beginner Level #4. Geographer's tools: intermediate level #5. Scientific approach in geography: advanced level Personal skills #6. Collaboration - teamwork: intermediate level #7. Autonomy: beginner level #8. Communication - Writing: intermediate level #9. Civic engagement: beginner level
Course outline, Sabine Henry, S42 and Magellan Pool (10 sessions of 3h) 1. The changing spatial distribution of the population • State of the land settlement • Major trends since the beginning of humanity • The main settlement areas 2. Data source: international, Europe, Belgium • Censuses • Civil status • Surveys and polls 3. Population dynamics and structures • Population growth • Demographic transition • Structural changes and disparities by age and gender 4. Fertility and birth rate • Family demographic policies 5. Mortality • Ageing in Europe and the South 6. Migration • Migration policies in Europe and the world • Environmental migration 7. Introduction to demographic projections • Extrapolation methods (exponential law, logistic) and component method • Review of world population projections • Ageing: the result of declining fertility and increasing life expectancy 8. Special population geography questions 9. A "BUMP" module: training in bibliographic research, including the use of bibliographic software
The courses (the so-called theoretical part) will be given by integrating ex-cathedra lectures and exercises. The practical work will be given in a computer pool.
The evaluation in the first and second sessions will be based on two reports integrating theory and practical work. The first report will be on a country of the South and the second on a country of the North, of your choice. The final individual score is composed of: 40% by report 1 and 60% by report 2. Report 1 is due on the 20th of October. Report 2 is due on the first day of the examination session. In the second session, both reports are due on the first day of the session.
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in History | Standard | 0 | 4 | |
| Bachelor in Law | Standard | 0 | 4 | |
| Bachelor in Geography : General | Standard | 0 | 4 | |
| Bachelor in History | Standard | 2 | 4 | |
| Bachelor in Geography : General | Standard | 2 | 4 | |
| Bachelor in Law | Standard | 3 | 4 | |
| Bachelor in Geography : General | Standard | 3 | 4 |