Syllabus
Sociology 3002—Population and Society
Fall, 2006
Instructor—JT Young
2:00-3:15 pm
Office Hours Noon Tuesdays or by appointment, Ketchum 11A
Course Objectives: The course will introduce you
to an in-depth view of population studies. The demographic processes
(Fertility, Mortality and Migration) and structures (variations in age, gender,
race and ethnicity, socio-economic status, family relations, political views,
the environment and health) will provide a look at our social, globalized
world. The goal of the course is to provide information and techniques useful
to further study of demography and other social issues.
Course Structure: The class will be presented
with lectures, class presentations and discussions. In each weekly period
assigned readings on a particular area in demography will focus your efforts
and assist you in participation in discussion. Extra readings from the list
provided will allow you to research, present and write about a topic in
demography in a more in-depth fashion. The combination of a paper, a
presentation in class and two tests (along with attendance as noted below) with
comprise your contribution to the class and will determine your grade.
Course Rules: Civility and personal
responsibility are key to success in the adult world. I expect civility to be
the rule in this class. You will be asked to leave if your behavior detracts
from the leaning environment. Cheating is not acceptable and referral to the
Honor Council will occur if I catch you. Assignments will be made on time. The ONLY exception to that rule is in the case of PRIOR NOTICE of lateness. This means that
you will get a ZERO on the test or assignment if it is late unless you notify
me before it is due. No exceptions. Even if you are ill, you can notify me of that
fact, unless you are dead or in a coma. If those conditions apply, we’ll talk.
Office Hours and Email: I would like you to reach me,
anytime, by email
(Joseph.T.Young@colorado.edu).
Office hours are held at Ketchum 11A at noon Tuesdays. An appointment at other
times is by arrangement. Email is answered several times a day so, use that
first.
Required
Also
read selected books on the list at the end of this syllabus.
Paper and Presentation: You will be divided into groups
of 2-3 students to present a journal paper review and critique in class on
Fridays beginning in October. There will be 16-17 groups because of the size of
the class, thus limiting your presentations to 10-15 minutes each. The team
will present the paper from the list provided, review it’s contents and
epistemology, and critique the paper from a demographic perspective. Specifics
of the presentation will follow and you must clear your choice with me. A paper
written by the group summarizing your ideas will follow exactly one week after
your presentation. The paper format will also be detailed later. These papers
are not simple or short, and I expect each person to read the entire paper and
contribute equally to the presentation and paper. Your grade (40% of the
total—20% for presentation and 20% for the paper—will be determined by your
ability to find compatible workmates and cooperate on this project. The same
grade will be given to each member of the team—everyone must pull his or her
weight, so that you may do well. Details will be forthcoming—the paper will
be
5-7 pages plus appropriate references (not just the paper references). The
paper will be typed, 12 font, double-spaced and styled in the manner to be discussed
later. Library research will be necessary for the paper. Use the ASA citation
format found on their website (asanet.org). No newspaper, website or magazine citations are acceptable. Spell
checking is a must. Late papers will be downgrade one entire letter grade for
each day of lateness unless prior arrangements have been made by email.
Tests: There will be a midterm and a
final exam in the course, each counting 30% of your grade. The exams are not
cumulative. Late exams are by PRIOR arrangement only. Even if you are sick, you
must email me BEFORE the exam if you are going to miss. No exceptions. You will
receive a 0% on the test if you do not follow this rule.
Attendance: Attendance is crucial to your
success in this class. All the tests come from material presented in lecture.
Attendance will not be taken. You are adults and can decide whether class is
necessary to your grade.
Disabilities and Harassment: If you qualify
for special consideration because of a disability, see me privately and bring
me the requisite form. I will accommodate you (Disability services is
303-492-8671 or www. colorado.edu/disabilityservices). The same is true for
sexual harassment issues. If you are sensitive to issues discussed in this
class of a sexual nature, see me privately and I will accommodate you. There is
never any intention to offend or harass.
Grades: Tests (2) 30% each=60%
Presentation =20%
Paper =20%
100%
The
standard CU Grade Scale applies.
Tests
are short answer and essay, and are not cumulative.
Class Schedule
Week Topic Pages
Wk1
Introduction Weeks 3-67
Wk2
Demographic Data Weeks 109-146
Wk3
Demographic Theory Weeks 68-108
Wk4
Mortality Weeks 149-179
Wk5
Mortality Weeks 179-200
Wk6
Fertility Weeks 201-272
Wk7
Fertility Weeks same
Midterm Thursday 10/5
Wk8
Migration Weeks 273-315
Wk9
Age and Sex Weeks 319-364
Presentations begin
Wk10
Life Course Weeks 365-400
Wk11
Family Issues Weeks 401-451
Wk12
Urban Demography Weeks 452-490
Wk13
Environmental Perspectives Weeks 493-539
Off Thanksgiving week
Wk14
Policy Issues Weeks 540-589
Wk15
Demographic Theory E-Reserve
Wk16
Health Demography No readings
Final December 16-21
Papers
due one week after presentation or day of final if in the last week