• 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 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.