GV2POP-Population Geography

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Pre-requisites: A minimum level of basic descriptive statistics (eg. frequency distributions, correlations, simple graphs £) and the ability to use excel to organize and analyse data is expected. A practical class will be dedicated to revise the linear regression. Specific demographic methods will be taught and applied in the practical classes.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Amanda Caine
Email: amanda.caine@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides an introduction to population geography topics and a methodological analytical foundation for the study of populations. This encompasses demographic methods, the analysis of population data and measures, contemporary dynamics of population growth, composition, spatial distribution and processes associated to population change. The module will introduce you to a secondary data analysis approach to population key topics. We will explore how demographic trends link with development. The module addresses essentially global issues.

You will learn through independent reading guided by the lectures, and quantitative data analyses taught and applied in practical classes. You will encounter a range of quantitative data and, in addition to developing your conceptual appreciation of population-related topics and contemporary issues, you will gain practical skills associated with secondary data analysis and interpretation.

Aims:

1. To learn fundamental concepts in population geography, critically examine key geographic and historical processes of population changes and relate spatial patterns to the  major demographic processes of mortality and fertility;


2. To develop students’ awareness of global challenges of population change and to particularly gain an understanding of the complex links between population dynamics and development, drawing on a range of academic literature from population geography and the broader field of population studies;


3. To gain knowledge and understanding of some of the essential sources of international demographic data, what they mean and their limitations; 


4. To enable students to use basic demographic and quantitative analytical techniques to analyse population and social data and interpret population measures and enable students’ appreciation of their role in understanding population dynamics and social processes in a global context.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, you will be able to: 

1. Critically evaluate the significance of key Population Geography concepts including mortality, fertility, urbanization, demographic transition, overpopulation, population structure and gender to understandings of development;


2. Apply demographic and secondary quantitative data analysis to appropriately describe population dynamics;


3. Produce arguments supported by evidence and dat a analyses results in a clear and well-structured way;


4. Critically analyse and interpret quantitative measures, including evaluating their strength and limitations 


5. Illustrate your understanding of population dynamics and the links between population, social processes and development, using a range of international examples and exploring the reasons for the differences observed across space.

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop transferable skills in the application of secondary data analysis to research questions, infographic techniques and communication skills. These will be very valuable for subsequent dissertation work (together with learning outcomes 3 and 4 above) and are important employability skills in their own right.

Outline content:

Students will be introduced to a range of population-related themes in the lecture program, including demographic and health transitions in link with poverty, family, gender and development, spatial distribution, urbanization, (over)population and environmental pressure. The lectures’ material will be reinforced through practical activities using secondary data to learn basic demographic methods and quantitative skills. The students will develop skills in data analysis and interpretatio n using quantitative techniques, including statistics, through their coursework.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures and practical classes.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		8
Seminars		12
Guided independent study:		80
Total hours by term	0		0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	70
Class test administered by School	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The coursework is made of several exercises related to the lecture themes. Each question requests analysing data and interpreting results. 

In addition, at the end of the module, the multiple choices questions in-class exam will be assessing topic knowledge acquisition learned in lectures and practical classes. 

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be given opportunities to complete small, practical tasks in lectures and during the practical classes. They can check their understanding of key concepts and techniques through these tasks and through their guided coursework preparation during practical classes (PC classes).

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework and/or re-examination

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 13 December 2021