Universität Wien

234003 SE Population dynamics and human capital in a global perspective (2025W)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 23 - Soziologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
Tu 02.12. 13:15-16:15 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. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 01.10. 15:00 - 17:15 Seminarraum 19, Kolingasse 14-16, OG02
  • Tuesday 14.10. 15:00 - 17:15 Seminarraum 3 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 1.Stock
  • Tuesday 21.10. 15:00 - 17:15 Seminarraum 19, Kolingasse 14-16, OG02
  • Tuesday 04.11. 15:00 - 17:15 Seminarraum 19, Kolingasse 14-16, OG02
  • Tuesday 11.11. 15:00 - 17:15 Seminarraum 15 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 3.Stock
  • Wednesday 26.11. 15:00 - 17:15 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Wednesday 10.12. 15:00 - 17:15 Seminarraum 19, Kolingasse 14-16, OG02
  • Tuesday 13.01. 15:00 - 17:15 Seminarraum 19, Kolingasse 14-16, OG02
  • Wednesday 21.01. 15:00 - 17:15 Seminarraum 15, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This seminar will explore the interplay between human capital and current and future demographic trends, with a focus on selected global and regional population challenges. We will consider a) how population trends impact the shift towards highly-educated populations and b) how rising human capital is reshaping population dynamics. We will analyse economic, social, and climate change-related challenges affecting population dynamics, including ageing and declining populations. The seminar will also examine the pivotal role of education in shaping future populations. To understand specific demographic challenges in context, the seminar will put a spotlight on selected regions experiencing profound demographic shifts in the past decades, including East Asia, China, India, Iran, Eastern Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. We will discuss population dynamics in times of rapidly unfolding events and crises, including armed conflicts, economic crises, political upheavals, and pandemics.

This seminar has four main aims:
- To provide a systematic view on the interrelations between human capital and past and future population trends and their consequences as well as policy responses
- To deal with contemporary global and regional population challenges, with a special focus on selected regions and countries
- To discuss population change in times of rapidly unfolding events and crises, including armed conflicts, economic crises, political upheavals, and pandemics
- To foster critical thinking about population processes, challenges and policy solutions

Assessment and permitted materials

Students are expected to read the course papers and discuss them in class. Active engagement is encouraged.
Grades will be based on three tasks (assignment preparation, presentation, test):
Assignments: 50%
Presentation in the class: 30%
Course content and readings test: 20%

The assignment consists of an infographic on a global or regional population challenge, with an emphasis on research question, relevance, design, data quality, and clarity. The focus is on the application of demographic approaches and methods, demonstrating knowledge of population data and processes, and critical thinking skills. The assignments can be prepared individually or in collaboration with another student. As part of their assessment, the students will be required to give a presentation on their assignment.
AI tools should be limited to routine tasks.
More details will be provided in the first seminar.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

For a successful completion of the course, all requirements should be fulfilled and assignments 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)
Participation is obligatory. Students may miss at most two seminars.
Obligatory tasks (assignment, presentation, test) have to be completed and accepted by the course coordinators.

Examination topics

There will be no separate exam.

Reading list

Relevant literature will be announced and provided during individual seminars.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Mo 10.11.2025 14:47