
POPST201-22A (HAM)
Population Studies
15 Points
Staff
Convenor(s)
Shefali Pawar
9198
K.3.26
shefali.pawar@waikato.ac.nz
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Yara Jarallah
4685
K.3.02
yara.jarallah@waikato.ac.nz
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Administrator(s)
Librarian(s)
You can contact staff by:
- Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
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Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
- For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
- For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
- For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
- For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
Paper Description
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the exciting multi-disciplinary field of Population Studies. Students will gain a sound understanding of the demographic foundations of Population Studies, and explore some of the rich theories and methods drawn from related fields such as economics, geography, sociology and anthropology. This course includes local, national and global content to ensure that students understand both the population dynamics of Aotearoa New Zealand – including the distinctive nature of indigenous Māori demography - and the broader international context.
The paper has five modules.
●Module 1 introduces students to Population Studies as a discipline, as well as a central concept, The Demographic Transition.
●Module 2 explores the underlying building blocks of population change: fertility, family formation, mortality and migration.
●Module 3 explores different forms of migration and the impacts that immigration has had on New Zealand’s population growth and composition.
●Module 4 covers the applications and implications of population research with a particular focus on the policy implications of population composition. We also examine why and how populations are projected into the future.
●Module 5 introduces students to the relationship between Population Studies and other core contributing disciplines, and are encouraged to develop a critical lens about how populations are studied and represented.
A new module will be made available in Moodle fortnightly and includes self-paced lectures (uploaded weekly) and course readings. Each module is accompanied by a quiz devoted to related concepts, indices, theories, and analytical techniques.
Paper Structure
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:
Assessment
This paper utilises a mix of traditional and practical assessment. Traditional assessment refers to conventional short answer quizzes, discursive essays, etc. By contrast, practical assessment is an integrated form of teaching, learning and assessment via which students are required to perform real-world tasks that demonstrate a meaningful understanding and application of the knowledge and skills that they are acquiring. The course does not require mathematical ability. The focus is on communicating the ‘what’, ‘when’, ‘where’, ‘who’, ‘why’ and ‘so what?’ of population change. If nothing else, this should make you an interesting dinner guest.
Assessment Schedule
Quizzes are uploaded to Moodle Mondays at 2pm. Completed Quizzes are due on Fridays at 5pm.
All assessments are to be accessed and submitted through Moodle.
Note: a very useful site for checking your knowledge is: http://quizlet.com/529702/population-and-migration-flash-cards/
Assessment Components
The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam.
Required and Recommended Readings
Required Readings
Optional textbook:
Weeks JR. 2015. Population. An Introduction to Concepts and Issues, Twelfth Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
(10th and 11th Editions are suitable).
There are copies of the 2015 edition as well as earlier editions in the University of Waikato library. The e-book can be purchased from Cengage online for $74.95 - https://cengage.co.nz/product/title/population-an-introduction-to-concepts-and-is/isbn/9781305094505
Additional Resources: available on Moodle
There will be assigned readings for each lecture available on Moodle – ensure that you do the readings before the lecture. Throughout the course, supplementary items (e.g. related to emerging issues) will be provided as issues arise. Students are encouraged to keep an eye on the mass media generally for relevant, topical material. Use should also be made of the internet to keep abreast of major debates in the area of population and development: websites for the United Nations, the International Labour Organisation, and the World Bank are particularly useful. Statistics New Zealand and the Australian Bureau of Statistics websites are also valuable sources of freely available demographic data.
Online Support
Workload
This 15 point course requires approximately 150 hours of active engagement, reading and preparation over the 14 week period (break included). This translates to about 10-11 hours per week, inclusive of the 2 * 1 hour lectures. Allocate your time to allow for a heavier workload in the weeks leading up to assignments.
The lectures should be seen as an entry point for deeper inquiry. You will be expected to use your initiative, and to read and reflect to gain a deeper understanding of the topics introduced in the lectures.
Linkages to Other Papers
Restriction(s)
Restricted papers: POPS201