It covers the main bodies of demographic, social and economic theory informing contemporary demographic research and the understanding of population change. Topics covered include classical population theory, demographic transition, theories of fertility decline, epidemiological and health transition, demographic homeostasis, low fertility regimes, evolutionary demography, population and environment, culture, institutions and population. The course is primarily intended for students taking the Master of Population Studies, but is open to students within any graduate program of the University. The unit assumes a familiarity with the main subject matter of demography, such as is provided by the course Population and Society. This is a graduate research seminar unit.
Students undertake directed readings, seminar presentations, and preparation of a paper or project.
Such methods, known as indirect techniques, are used to detect errors and to provide best estimates of demographic indices and trends. The models underlying the techniques are also covered. The unit covers techniques for the estimation of infant and child mortality, adult mortality, and fertility, and includes estimation of the time points to which estimates refer. Instruction in relevant computer software is given. This is a graduate research seminar unit.