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.

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/

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.