This course introduces key population issues in  Australia, other developed countries and less developed countries. It covers a range of topics including the relationships between population size and available resources; social, biological and economic influences on population growth rates, fertility decline and population ageing, and population distribution and migration. Students are introduced to the main theories used to understand population and societal change.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. explain demographic changes in the world and their major determinants;
2. apply demographic concepts and population theories to explain past and present population characteristics;
3. evaluate the use of demographic concepts and population theories to understand contemporary socio-economic issues and current affairs; and
4. assess the relationship between demographic change and policy.

Required Resources

The prescribed textbook for this course is:

Weeks, J. R. (2015). Population: An Introduction to Concepts and issues (12th edition). Boston: Cengage Learning.

The textbook can be purchased in hardcopy (from the Co-op Bookshop on campus) or in electronic format (from the publisher’s website: http://www.cengagebrain.com.au/).

In addition to the textbook readings, students are required to have read the assigned weekly readings prior to lectures. 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. 

Staff Feedback

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

• Written feedback for all assessment tasks
• 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

Additional referencing requirements

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	Introduction Understanding population change
2	Australia in context Population history and milestones Future challenges and opportunities
3	Global population trends World population growth Global differences in population
4	How do we measure populations? Population data and measurement Demographic definitions
5	Population theories What is the demographic transition? Current transitions
6	Mortality Mortality transition and trends How long will we live?
7	Fertility Fertility transition and trends Reproducing in nations
8	Migration and ethnicity Who moves and why? The third transition: ethnic diversity
9	Contemporary families and households Gender Inequality and population Families and households
10	Indigenous Australia Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population
11	Ageing people and ageing populations Structural ageing Challenges and opportunities
12	Human development Environmental sustainability Population futures

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Population case study	40 %	29/09/2020	13/10/2020	1, 2, 3, 4
Major essay	55 %	28/10/2020	16/11/2020	1, 2, 3, 4
Participation	5 %	01/11/2020	03/12/2020	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.

Assessment Task 1

Population case study

The case study (of 2000 words) provides the opportunity for students to study and present (in writing) a background, description, and issues for a population. In doing so, the student will demonstrate how demographic concepts, theory, and policy shape the population being investigated.

 

Students will choose a population of interest and, with the permission of the course tutor, proceed to write a case study containing:

·         A brief background of the population of interest, highlighting historical details and relevant cultural and social factors which relate to the population’s origins and present circumstances. 

·        A detailed description of the population, including major components, details, and current population trends.

·        Unique issues and challenges facing the population.

·        A conclusion which summarises the information provided, and discusses how policy and future events may impact the population.

In order to complete this assignment, students must incorporate existing research and source material on the subject, along with relevant policy issues on the subject.

This assessment is due on 29 September (11 a.m.).

Presentation requirements

The case study is to be completed in a report format style and include headings/sub-headings. An indicative structure is provided on Wattle.

 

The use of tables and/or figures is permitted, but such material must be cited and the source and/or data referenced appropriately.

Assessment rubric

The case study will be assessed as follows:

1.   Structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and tone (10%)

2.   Presentation of facts, synthesis of material, and discussion (40%)

3.   Application of demographic theory (20%)

4.   Public policy relevance and implications (20%)

5. Referencing (10%)

Word limit: 2000 words (excluding references)

(Work within ±10% word count will be accepted without penalty. A 10% penalty will apply to work exceeding this margin, on top of the assessment rubric.)

Value: 40%

Est. return date: 13 October

Assessment Task 2

Major essay

The major essay is 3000 words in length and provides students with the opportunity to examine and critique a population-related issue/topic with originality and depth.

In order to complete this assignment, students must incorporate existing research and source material on the subject, along with relevant policy issues on the subject.

The topic and outline of this assessment is due on 19 September

This assessment is due on 28 October (by 11am).

Presentation requirements

The essay will follow the format of a standard research or discussion paper.

 

Students must use and cite a range of references, covering their topic with detail and rigor to constitute a major paper for completing a graduate course at ANU.

 

The use of tables and/or figures is permitted, but such material must be cited and the source and/or data referenced appropriately.

As part of the assessments, students must turn in a proposed paper outline that includes an annotated bibliography with at least 15 references by 18 September (though outlines are welcome beginning 01 Sept).  This will not count towards the final grade, but is meant to assist students with performing well on their major essay.

Assessment rubric

The major essay will be assessed as follows:

1. Structure (introduction, body, conclusion) and tone (10%)
2. Presentation of facts, synthesis of material, and discussion (35%)
3. Application of demographic theory (20%)
4. Public policy relevance and implications (15%)
5. Source Quality (10%) Quality and composition of sources
6. Citation & referencing (10%) : Properly referencing, citing, quoting, and paraphrasing material from sources.

Word Limit: 3000 words (excluding references)

(Work within ±10% word count will be accepted without penalty. A 10% penalty will apply to work exceeding this margin, on top of the assessment rubric.)

Value: 55%

Est. return date: 16 Nov

Assessment Task 3

Participation

Students are expected to actively engage in tutorial sessions by contributing to discussion.

 

Students should read the required weekly readings prior to lectures and come to tutorials prepared to make contributions to discussions.

Assessment rubric

Marks will be awarded for active participation in each tutorial session. Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester.

Word limit: Not applicable

Value: 5%

Est. return date: Not applicable

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.

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.

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 are accepted. Students are encouraged to consult with the course tutor 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