Goals of the Course

 Sociologists have long been concerned about the role of population --and population processes-- in social order.  Demography is the principle set of techniques used to understand population dynamics.  My goals for this course include your developing an understanding of how sociologists view the following issues and develop the ability to present that understanding to others:

What is the demographic perspective and how do sociologists (and others) use it to understand society?

What are the major population processes, and how an understanding of them iis essential to understand what changes might occur in future.

What are the principle characteristics of population structure, and how do these characteristics interact with the number of people in a society?

What are the principle contemporary social issues related to population, and how are these issues related to social and cultural values?

How do different disciplines, both academic and commercial, use this demographic information to understand and influence others?

Finally, I want you to demonstrate your mastery of these concepts in (a) a research paper on some topic related to the study of demography and population issues, and (b) make a public presentation summarizing your work.

The classroom activities, examinations, and the research paper will provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of these issues, your ability to find and utilize relevant material, and your ability to use the relevant sociological concepts to analyze topics related to the study and understanding of demography