This course provides the basic analytical foundation for understanding societal change. It focuses on the key measures and techniques used to study the diversity of demographic change occurring in Australia and throughout the world. This includes methods for analysing fertility, mortality, migration and population compositions. The construction of life tables and populations projections are also introduced.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. understand the processes that cause demographic change;
2. apply various methods and concepts to study population change;
3. interpret various demographic measures;
4. analyse demographic data; and
5. access various demographic data sources and understand their relative strengths and weaknesses.
   

Required Resources

The prescribed textbook for this course is:

Preston, S.H., Heuveline, P., and Guillot, M. (2001). Demography: Measuring and Modeling Population Processes. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers Ltd.

The textbook can be purchased in hardcopy (from the Kambri Bookshop on campus).

In addition to the textbook readings, students are required to have read the assigned weekly readings prior to class. All non-textbook readings can be downloaded from the course Wattle site. Further, it is expected that students will read more widely to support their assessment tasks.

Additional resources, which support weekly topics, are provided on Wattle.

Recommended Resources

For students interested in a less technical presentation:

Rowland, D. T. (2003).Demographic Methods and Concepts. New York: Oxford University Press.

Please note that notation and equations vary between the Preston et al. book and the Rowland book. The course will follow the notation and equations of the Preston et al. book.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

1. Written feedback for all assessment tasks
2. Written feedback on lab presentations
3. General (verbal) feedback following the return of marked assessments about overall performance and common issues

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Assessments should not exceed the assigned word (or time, where applicable) limit and should be formatted as per below:

Use the in-text American Psychological Association (APA) citation format (see for example http://guides.is.uwa.edu.au/apa).

Where applicable, number pages and use 1.5 spaced typing.

Always proofread your written work prior to submission.

Students must appropriately cite and reference all sources used in assessment. Failure to do so will result in formal consideration of poor academic performance and/or academic

misconduct by the Course Convener. The Course Convener, when deemed necessary, will refer cases to the Academic Standards & Quality Office.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course introduction Basic concepts and rates
2	Population structure Sources of data
3	Demographic rates and probabilities Person years and Lexis diagrams	Assignment 1 Opens (Friday)
4	Age standardisation, decomposition
5	Life table construction	Assignment 1 Due (Friday by 5pm) Assignment 2 Opens (Friday)
6	Interpreting the life table Applications of the life table
7	Fertility concepts and measures Demographic Transition, period interpretation	Assignment 2 Due (Friday by 5pm)
8	Human fertility Second Demographic Transition, marriage and divorce
9	Migration
10	Population projection Population ageing
11	Health and illness measures Epidemiological Transition	Take-home Opens (Wednesday)
12	World demography	Take-home Due (Friday by 5pm)

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Problem Set 1	20 %	29/03/2019	23/04/2019	1,2,3,4,5
Problem set 2	20 %	26/04/2019	16/05/2019	1,2,3,4,5
Lab presentation	10 %	31/05/2019	04/07/2019	1,2,3,5
Take-home exam	35 %	31/05/2019	04/07/2019	1,2,3,4,5
In-class group exercises	15 %	31/05/2019	04/07/2019	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Active student participation and attendance at lab each week is expected

Examination(s)

Take-home exam

Assessment Task 1

Problem Set 1

Each problem set provides the opportunity for students to apply demographic methods and interpret the results. The problem sets are a key component of the course, as methods are best understood by applying them to data. Problem sets will require the use of Excel or another spreadsheet program. Students will work through exercises and respond to questions. Each problem set is due on the date listed in the Course Schedule by 5pm.

Students may work together in groups of up to 2 to answer the Excel portion of the problem set. For students who wish to work in a group they will select their group on Wattle, and submit one file to the Wattle dropbox. Students who choose to solve the Excel portion of the problem set on their own will not need to select a group on Wattle and will just submit their file to the Wattle dropbox.

The write-up of responses to the questions is to be done independently by each student and submitted individually to Turnitin.

Word limit: Students should adhere to the word limit indicated for each question (if applicable).

Value: 20%

Presentation requirements: Each assignment is to be completed in a format similar to the assignment, with question numbers and the question reproduced, followed by the student answer. Any graphs or tables created in Excel should be reproduced along with the student answer. The Excel file used by the student (or group of students) to answer the questions will also be submitted, and should be formatted according to the Excel style guide posted on Wattle. Student responses will be submitted as a PDF file via Turnitin and the accompanying Excel file via Wattle drop box (if required). All files must be submitted by 5pm on the due date.

Estimated return date: 2-3 weeks after due date.

Individual Assessment in Group Tasks: The write-up responses to the questions are to be done independently by each student submitted to Turnitin. The final problem set grade will be a combination of marks from the group submitted Excel file and the individual write-up from each student.

Assessment Task 2

Problem set 2

Each problem set provides the opportunity for students to apply demographic methods and interpret the results. The problem sets are a key component of the course, as methods are best understood by applying them to data. Problem sets will require the use of Excel or another spreadsheet program. Students will work through exercises and respond to questions. Each problem set is due on the date listed in the Course Schedule by 5pm.

Students may work together in groups of up to 2 to answer the Excel portion of the problem set. For students who wish to work in a group they will select their group on Wattle, and submit one file to the Wattle dropbox. Students who choose to solve the Excel portion of the problem set on their own will not need to select a group on Wattle and will just submit their file to the Wattle dropbox.

The write-up of responses to the questions is to be done independently by each student and submitted individually to Turnitin.

Word limit: Students should adhere to the word limit indicated for each question (if applicable).

Value: 20%

Presentation requirements: Each assignment is to be completed in a format similar to the assignment, with question numbers and the question reproduced, followed by the student answer. Any graphs or tables created in Excel should be reproduced along with the student answer. The Excel file used by the student (or group of students) to answer the questions will also be submitted, and should be formatted according to the Excel style guide posted on Wattle. Student responses will be submitted as a PDF file via Turnitin and the accompanying Excel file via Wattle drop box (if required). All files must be submitted by 5pm on the due date.

Estimated return date: 2-3 weeks after due date.

Individual Assessment in Group Tasks: The write-up responses to the questions are to be done independently by each student submitted to Turnitin. The final problem set grade will be a combination of marks from the group submitted Excel file and the individual write-up from each student.

Assessment Task 3

Lab presentation

Students prepare and present a 10-minute presentation on one of the additional readings (journal articles) for discussion during a weekly lab session. Some weeks will allow for group presentations depending on the number of students. The focus of the presentation will be assigned during lab in week 2. Presentations will begin starting week 6.

The presentation should provide:

1. Introduction/background to the topic
2. Clear articulation of the thesis or question being addressed
3. Summary and evaluation of the data and methods
4. Presentation and critique of the results
5. Provide three substantive questions for possible discussion by students

The student will be assessed on:

1. Structure (introduction, body conclusion) and tone (20%)
2. Presentation of facts, synthesis of material, and discussion (55%)
3. Framing of three discussion questions (20%)
4. Referencing (5%)

Word limit: 10 minute presentation

Value: 10% each

Presentation requirements: Students will select their group for presentations on Wattle. Students must present their work using PowerPoint (using the template provided on Wattle). Students are required to send their PowerPoint presentation (via email) to the lecturer on the day of their presentation. Additionally, one student from the group will

submit their presentation for grading via Turnitin (in PDF format) and to Wattle drop box by 5pm on the day of their presentation.

Appropriate (in-text) referencing applies and a reference list should appear at the end of the presentation slides.

Estimated return date: 1-2 weeks after submission.

Assessment Task 4

Take-home exam

The take-home exam is designed to provide students with an opportunity to review topics and knowledge gained during the course. This assessment is comprised of short answer questions. Students may also use Excel to aid them in answering the questions if desired. Please note that university policy states that late submission of the take-home exam is not permitted.

The exam is ‘open-book’, but must be completed individually without direct help or discussion from others (i.e., no collusion).

The exam will be graded on correctness and comprehension. Excel files will be assessed for correctness and clarity.

Word limit: Students should adhere to the word limit indicated for each question (if applicable).

Value: 35%

Presentation requirements: Exam responses are to be typed and submitted in PDF format via Turnitin, along with the accompanying Excel file (if used) via Wattle drop box. Students should clearly indicate each question they are responding to, including reproducing the question number and text. All files must be submitted by 5pm on the due date.

Assessment Task 5

In-class group exercises

There will be 5 in-class group exercises throughout the semester. The 3 exercises with the highest marks for each student will be counted towards the final grade (adding up to 15% of the course grade).

Exercises will be done in-class and submitted through Wattle dropbox. Prior to each in-class exercise students will select their group on Wattle.

One student from each group will submit the exercise for the group to Wattle dropbox. Exercise questions will vary throughout the course.

Word limit: Students should adhere to the word limit indicated for each question (if applicable).

Value: 15% (5% for each exercise)

Presentation requirements: Student responses from each group will be submitted in-class on Wattle.

Estimated return date: 1 week after submission.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) as submission must be through Turnitin.

Excel files accompanying problem sets and the take-home exam will be submitted via Wattle. In-class group exercises will be submitted via Wattle.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations. Late submission is not accepted for in-class group exercises.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Marked assessments and grades (including written feedback, where applicable) will be returned via the course Wattle site.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

No resubmission of assignments is accepted. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convener about an assignment prior to the due date

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students