380.600.01
Principles of Population Change

Location
East Baltimore
Term
2nd Term
Department
Population, Family and Reproductive Health
Credit(s)
4
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
M, W, 1:30 - 3:20pm
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Ian Salas
Contact Name
John Michael Ian Salas
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite

None.

Description
Each year globally there are ~146 million births, 57 million deaths, and the world population grows by 89 million people--about 243,000 per day. In some countries, the "population problem" is high birth rates and rapid population growth. In others, it is low birth rates and population aging and decline. These trends affect public health, the economy, national security, and the environment. This course introduces how demographers study determinants and consequences of population trends. We will examine how and why birth and death rates change, and how governments and other groups attempt to address the effects of population change on public health and other aspects of human well-being.
Provides students with a basic understanding of the field of demography—the study of human populations and how they change by birth, death, and migration. Examines how and why birth and death rates change, and how governments and other groups attempt to take into account the effects of birth rates, death rates, and migration on public health, the economy, the environment, and other aspects of human well-being.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the major trends in birth rates, morbidity and mortality rates, population growth, age composition, and causes of death historically up to the present
  2. Evaluate the major explanations for changes in birth rates, death rates, and causes of death historically and in recent years
  3. Describe ways in which demographic trends, population distribution, and globalization affect the health of populations and individuals
  4. Assess the major public policy issues related to birth rates, death rates, and migration affecting both more developed and less developed countries
  5. Critically evaluate demography related articles in the peer-reviewed and lay literature
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 10% Discussion
  • 45% Group Presentation
  • 25% Final Paper
  • 5% Peer-feedback
  • 15% Presentation(s)
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

This is the onsite section of a class also held virtually/online. You are responsible for the modality in which you register.