POPULATION PROBLEMS
G&ES 446M Spring 2003
Prof. Erick Howenstine S-344A (773) 442-5647 E-mail: E-Howenstine@neiu.eduOn-Line Sources


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Students in this seminar course will study the major population issues of today on global and regional scales. Topics will include distribution of people, population structures, theories, trends, and policies intended to influence the three fundamental parameters: fertility rates, death rates, and migration. Students will also study environmental constraints to population growth, and the impact of growth on the natural environment.  The text will be supplemented by current readings both in the form of handouts and web sites which are listed at the end of this syllabus. Readings in the text are required. Other reading is required but will be chosen by the student from sources available. Students should come to class well-read and prepared to participate in discussions, and lead discussion on one topic. Grading will be as follows: Essay Quizzes
Four unannounced essay quizzes will be given during the term -- either in-class or take-home, closed- or open-booked.  These quizzes will be based on the text chapters, and will be graded on the quality and organization of the response.

Paper
A 15-20 page paper (plus figures and references) on a topic directly related to a population issue (e.g., growth, decline, distribution, structure) will be developed through the  term.  At each stage the paper will be graded. The final product will be a well organized, topical, thoroughly researched, carefully cited, nicely written piece of scholarship. Also see the detailed handout:
Paper Assignment.

Population Projection
Each student will develop a population forecast with a high, low, and intermediate projection for a country, county, city, or place.  The projections will incorporate carefully researched estimates of Fertility Rates, Death Rates, Life Expectancy, Migration, and other parameters for the selected area.  A short paper, graphs, and pyramids will be produced.  Also see the detailed handout:
Projection Assignment.

Discussion Leadership
Each student will choose one topic on which to assist the instructor in leadership of the evening's presentation and discussion.

Attendance
Because the class meets weekly and involves discussion, attendance is required. Absences may be excused in advance. More than three excused absences is too many and may affect one's grade.

Other
Other assignments, quizzes, or exercises may be introduced, at 5% each.  If so, all assignments will be scaled down proportionately.

SCHEDULE -- Students will be expected, as assignned, to read at least one chapter of the textbook thoroughly and also supplementary articles on the week's topic in advance of each class.  The instructor may distribute selected articles, and relevant  web sites are organized by category at the bottom of  this syllabus.
Holidays affecting this class: Wednesday Feb. 12 Abraham Lincoln's Birthday

Week 1
Overview of Course
Overview of Textbook

Chapter 1: Introduction to the World's Population

Week 2
Chapter 2: Demographic Resources Week 3
Chapter 3: Demographic Perspectives Week 4
Chapter 4: Mortality Week 5
Chapter 5: Fertility Concepts and Measurements and
Chapter 6: Fertility Trends, Levels, and Explanations Week 6
Plan population projections
Discuss papers

Week 7
Chapter 7: Migration

Week 8
Chapter 8: Age and Sex Structure Week 9
Population Projections -- in-class work on assignment

Week 10
Chapter 9: Population and Aging

and
Chapter 10: Family Demography and Life Chances Week 11
Chapter 11: The Urban Transition Week 12
Chapter 12: Population Growth and Development Week 13
Chapter 13: Population Growth, Food, and the Environment Week 14
Chapter 14: Population Policy Week 15
Chapter 15: Demographics
by Erick Howenstine
in theDept of Geography & Environmental Studies
at Northeastern Illinois University