All programmes > Population, Climate Change and Society

Population, Climate Change and Society (B-KUL-S0A37B)

4 ECTSEnglish26 First term
Van Bavel Jan
POC Sociologie

Aims

This course offers students insights into how the ongoing process of climate change is connected with major changes in population and society. To this end, students learn to employ the basic tools of demography to analyze population structure and the dynamics of population change. Next, they learn about theoretical frameworks that link demographic structures and processes with changes in society and the human habitat, and about the implications for policies that aim to promote a sustainable society, addressing both climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Upon completion of this course:

  • students know the basic social demographic concepts and methods to describe and analyze the evolution of population size and structure (e.g. fertility, mortality, migration). Students can calculate, interpret and report on demographic trends using demographic data;
  • students are able to clarify and reflect on the role of demographic processes in important past and ongoing social trends, and vice versa;
  • students are able to clarify the role of demographic processes in climate change and, vice versa, are able to explain how climate change may impact human population processes;
  • students are also able to explain how the link between human demography and climate change is in turn depending on cultural and social factors.

Previous knowledge

General secondary education suffices as prior knowledge. General knowledge about and interest in population, social problems and developments is desirable.

Students who enroll are expected to be able to read and interpret simple tables and figures with desriptive statistical information.

Order of Enrolment


This course unit is a prerequisite for taking the following course units:
S0P37A : Sociolab: bevolking, klimaatverandering en samenleving

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

4 ects. Population, Climate Change and Society (B-KUL-S0A37a)

4 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture26 First term
Van Bavel Jan
POC Sociologie

Content

In order to achieve the goals, the course teaches the students on the one hand the basic conceptual and methodological approaches and technical measures to analyze human populations. On the other hand, the students are familiarized with major theoretical perspectives in sociology that can be used to understand interrelations between population, society, and the environment.

More specifically, topics that will be covered include the following:

  • Demographic transitions and the world population explosion;
  • Social change and the ecological footprint of human populations;
  • Epidemiological changes and the increase of human life expectancy;
  • Human fertility control;
  • Urbanization and globalization;
  • Migration and its relationships with social and climate change;
  • Challenges and opportunities for social policies aiming to increase sustainability.

Course material

In the beginning of the semester, a basic reader will be provided. During the semester, supplementary material may be provided via Toledo.

Slides used during the lectures will be provided via Toledo as well.

This course module is taught in block teaching during the first 9 weeks of the semester.

Language of instruction: more information

English

Format: more information

Students are expected to attend lectures and are often required to read material in advance. Reading requirements will be announced in advance before each lecture.

Students are required to ask their questions about the texts and other course material during the semester. Questions about the texts will not be answered anymore after the end of the semester.

This course module is taught in block teaching during the first 9 weeks of the semester.

Is also included in other courses

Evaluation

Evaluation: Population, Climate Change and Society (B-KUL-S2A37b)

Type : Exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written
Type of questions : Multiple choice, Open questions
Learning material : None

Explanation


Evaluation characteristics

A closed book examination during the examination period with a mixture of multiple choice questions, short open questions and longer essay questions about the course materials.

 

Determination of the final result

The course is evaluated by the teacher, as announced via Toledo and the examination regulations. The result is calculated and expressed as an integer out of 20 (rounded to a whole number).

Information about retaking exams

Second examination opportunity

The evaluation characteristics and the determination of the final grade of the second examination opportunity are similar to those of the first examination opportunity, as expressed above.