Universität Wien

234003 SE Human Capital and Economic Demography (2025S)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 23 - Soziologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
Tu 20.05. 15:00-18:15 Seminarraum 19, Kolingasse 14-16, OG02

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 30 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

The session on Friday 7th March needs to be cancelled.

  • Tuesday 04.03. 15:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 8, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Friday 07.03. 15:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 19, Kolingasse 14-16, OG02
  • Friday 14.03. 15:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 19, Kolingasse 14-16, OG02
  • Tuesday 18.03. 15:00 - 18:15 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Thursday 20.03. 15:00 - 18:15 PC-Seminarraum 1, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Friday 23.05. 15:00 - 18:00 Seminarraum 19, Kolingasse 14-16, OG02

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This seminar will cover concepts and theories of population economics, thereby focusing on the economic determinants and consequences of population change, and their interdependencies with recent societal developments. We will explore how individual decisions on – for example – fertility, migration, and educational attainment are related to aggregate trends such as population ageing, urbanisation, and depopulation. Theoretical approaches that are covered in this course include, among others, the work by Malthus, Becker, and Easterlin. In addition, we will discuss empirical evidence from topical research articles as well as related policy implications.

Macro-level topics include:
• Economic aspects of the demographic transition
• The economics of population ageing – challenges for public and private institutions
• The generational economy and National Transfer Accounts (NTAs)
• Economic drivers and consequences of migration, urbanisation, and depopulation
• Population, economic growth, and the environment

Micro-level topics include:
• Socio-economic differences in health (behaviour)
• Family economics: fertility behaviour and the economy, the division of paid and unpaid labour within households, economic aspects of family formation and dissolution, assortative mating etc.
• Human capital, labour market decisions, and life cycle trajectories

LEARNING OUTCOME: After this course, students should (i) know the most important concepts of population economics as well as (ii) important population trends and developments on the micro and macro level, (iii) be able to critically reflect on related empirical evidence and (iv) be able to discuss consequent policy implications.

METHODS: Input from the lecturer, including interactive components; students’ presentations on selected topics; preparatory reading and critical reflection of research articles and book chapters; in-class discussions

COURSE AND EXAMINATION LANGUAGE: English

Assessment and permitted materials

The performance components consist of (i) an exam, (ii) a short presentation, and (iii) preparation and active participation:

(i) Exam (40%)

(ii) Presentation (20%)

(iii) Preparation and active participation (40%): Students are expected to work on short take-home assignments and weekly readings before and after class. Moreover, they are asked to actively participate in class, especially during interactive sessions and in-class discussions.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

For a successful completion of the course, all performance components must be delivered in time. The final grade will be determined as follows

100%-91%: Excellent (1)
90%-81%: Good (2)
80%-71%: Satisfactory (3)
70%-60%: Sufficient (4)
< 60%: Unsatisfactory (5)

Attendance is compulsory; up to two absences will be excused if the lecturer is informed beforehand.

Examination topics

Content of the lectures, readings, and presentations

Reading list

Will be provided in class in due time.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Fr 07.03.2025 07:46