Population Studies & Development Studies

Introduction to Population Studies

Aim: To enable students to acquire an understanding of the major theories, findings and ongoing debates that have emerged from attempts to explain trends and differentials in the fertility and mortality of human populations.
Description: This module reviews the major global trends in population growth. It identifies the key factors explaining the timing and pace of these trends. The demographic transition theory is explored and a brief introduction is provided to the debate about population and development. A core theme in the study offertility is the validity of economic versus cultural explanations for population change, and the role offamily planning programmes and mortality decline in explaining the fertility transition. Similarly, a core theme in the study of mortality is the relative importance of economic and lifestyle factors, and public health measures as determinants of mortality.
Assessment: Two short assignments and a long essay.
Module Coordinator: Mr Mohammed Vawda