This course provides a broad introduction to population studies, or social demography, which offers a framework and tools by which to understand how fundamental human processes of birth, death, and migration are inextricably linked to social change and inequality. Is racial inequality deadly? Is there such a thing as “too many people” on Earth? Over the course of the semester, we will develop a conceptual and analytic toolkit that allows us to consider these, among other big questions about societies, populations, and inequality and change therein. In addition to developing a demographic vocabulary, students will learn how to use, interpret, and calculate basic demographic measures, including population growth rates, life expectancies, and racial/ethnic population compositions, and apply and combine these skills to investigate population issues of their own choosing.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 24

Prerequisites: None. Not open to students who have taken SOC 110.

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Degree Requirements: DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRDL)

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes: