This course introduces the big issues associated with changes in our global population. The world’s population is increasing rapidly, but population growth is far from even. Some of the most vulnerable parts of the world are growing the fastest, while other countries have too few working people to support their rapidly ageing population. This course will consider how population change is linked to sustainable development, migration and settlement, rapid population growth, ageing societies, housing and infrastructure, poverty, food and water supply, and the environment.
The course will consider these population challenges from a demographic perspective, introducing the reasons populations change through birth, migration and death. A focus of the course will be on the large disparities across the planet, and students will engage in thinking critically about these critical global challenges.
Overall, the course will:
1. identify past, present and future global population challenges
2. provide an understanding of how demographers and population scientists can contribute to understanding and addressing these challenges
3. demonstrate the demographic approach to understanding societal issues
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate an understanding of demographic changes in the world and their major determinants;
- apply demographic concepts to understand contemporary socio-economic issues and current affairs;
- explain the key approaches used by demographers to understand population change;
- critically read, source, understand and evaluate credible information; and
- develop a logical, demographically-informed argument supported by empirical evidence.
Indicative Assessment
- Learning portfolio based on weekly preparation for tutorials (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Class participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Research essay, 2000 words (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Exam, 2 hours (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses 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. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 35 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures, and 11 hours of student-led seminars; and
b) 95 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
None.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $3180 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $4890 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4461 | 22 Feb 2021 | 01 Mar 2021 | 31 Mar 2021 | 28 May 2021 | In-Person and Online | View |
