Contemporary Population Studies

The target group of the class is students of political science and sociology, however, the course is also relevant for other social sciences students. The lectures will present and problematize key global population trends, giving emphasis to Western societies. In particular the following issues will be addressed: Migration (internal and international), issues related to families and households, and different perspectives on life phases. The class will discuss the political process related to population changes, both as causes and as consequences of these changes. The course offers a thorough introduction to the various theories of the field, drawn from both sociology and political science, as well as providing students with an introduction to demographical methods and knowledge of main empirical sources for population studies (e.g. US and Norwegian Censuses). Norway and the US are employed as main examples in lectures and the students will acquire thorough knowledge of these societies’ populations. The class also integrates teaching in writing term papers, in order to enhance students’ ability to communicate in English.

The course gives an introduction to key issues in population studies, based on international perspectives.

Six weeks of instructions/lectures at University of Wisconsin- Madison (32 hours lectures, 24 hours seminars). Additional 12 hours lectures og 4 hours seminar are given at NTNU.

Forms of assessment: Individual term paper and oral examination. The oral exam may be used to adjust the grade by one unit on the scale. The oral exam will include the research paper and the required readings.

If less than 5 students attend, the course may be cancelled.

The class is arranged as summer class between 19. June to 13. August, with stay in the US the last six week of this period.

The course is offered on the condition that the department continues its co-operation with the University of Wisconsin - Madison