SOC 2030

Population and Public Policy

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

Population and Public Policy exposes students to the logic and skills of demographic research and policy analysis. The course emphasizes the nature, collection, and interpretation of demographic data, the application of demographic techniques, the major components (i.e., fertility, mortality, and migration) of national and global population change, and contemporary population problems (e.g., population aging, teen childbearing, the rise in non-marital childbearing, immigrant adaptation). The course also emphasizes public policies that can influence demographic change. The format primarily involves lectures and class discussion. Students are expected to attend each class and be prepared to discuss assigned materials.

When Offered Multi-semester course: Spring, Summer.

Fees Field trip fee: approximately $2,400 to $2,800, which covers lodging and course activities. Students are responsible for their own flights and meals.
Forbidden Overlaps Forbidden Overlap: due to an overlap in content, students will receive credit for only one course in the following group: GDEV 2010, PUBPOL 2030, SOC 2030, SOC 2202.

Distribution Category (SSC-AS) (SBA-AG)
Course Attribute (CU-SBY)

Comments An optional one-credit faculty-led field study offers students the chance to explore population issues from an international perspective. Participants will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark, to delve into several topics discussed in class. This 10-day trip typically takes place from late May to the first week of June and requires permission from the instructor. To participate, students must maintain a B average in the lecture.

• Gain a broader understanding of the demographic forces that shape our daily lives.
• Apply basic tools of demographic analysis to population data.
• Develop skills for assessing and synthesizing evidence in social demography.

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