U.S. Population Issues
SYD 4021 (course number 21366): Fall 2018
Prof. Tanya Koropeckyj-Cox
Mon, Wed, Fri – 1:55 – 2:45 pm (7th period)
Turlington Hall – Room 2319
Department of Sociology
Office: 3227 Turlington Hall Office hours:
Phone: 294-7177 Tues 1:00 – 2:30 pm;
Email: tkcox@ufl.edu * Wed 12:50 pm – 1:40 pm
best way to contact or by appointment
The syllabus has been updated (as of 11/28/18) – see below for details.
** Be sure to check the E-Learning course page for recent updates, including slides, links, worksheets, etc. from class **
Students are responsible for reading the full version of the syllabus and checking it on-line regularly
for updates, announcements, and the most current information.
This course is designed to introduce students to major issues related to population size and growth, population processes, and composition in the United States. The course covers both historical and contemporary issues. It also introduces some basic measures and data sources used to study populations.
Objectives:
- Define, explain, and apply basic concepts that are used to describe and study populations. We will focus on the three major demographic processes that shape population growth and composition – mortality, fertility, and migration.
- Review the historical background for understanding population issues, particularly the dramatic growth and diversity of the U.S. population and the forces that have shaped it.
- Develop an understanding of how populations are measured, including the U.S. Census and vital statistics, and how to access and interpret these numbers.
- Use and interpret basic demographic measures, including the balancing equation, growth rates and compounded growth, population pyramids, and measures of mortality, fertility, and migration.
- Develop an awareness of contemporary social issues in the United States (as well as the special case of Florida) and make connections between historical population processes, social consequences, and policy implications.
Required Reading:
Demography, 4th edition. Jennifer H. Lundquist, Douglas L. Anderton, & David Yaukey. Waveland Press. 2015 (DEM)
A Short Introduction to the U.S. Census. John D. Carl. Pearson. 2012. (CEN)
Florida’s Megatrends: Critical Issues in Florida, 2nd edition. David R. Colburn & Lance DeHaven-Smith. University Press of Florida. 2010. (FL)
Online readings – available for free online. Details are posted below in schedule of readings.
News: Students are expected to read at least one major newspaper 2-3 times per week (most are available free on-line). Students are also encouraged to explore on-line news, government reports, data, etc.
Course Requirements
Readings: Readings are assigned for nearly every class. You should complete the readings before the class for which they are assigned. You are also expected to read a major newspaper (e.g., New York Times, Washington Post, available free on-line) and to peruse on-line resources regularly. Please feel free to email clippings, links, and comments to the Instructor.
Quizzes: There will be 10 short onine quizzes throughout the semester based on the assigned readings for the week as well as review of content from the prior week. You may miss up to 2 quizzes without penalty, or drop your 2 lowest scores. Each quiz is worth 4 points (total of 32 points; 10 quizzes, 2 dropped).
Prior to each of the 2 exams, the quiz will involve writing and submitting suggested questions for the exams (to be submitted in Canvas). These pre-exam quizzes must be completed by all students and cannot be used as “drops.”
Extensions on the due dates for quizzes will be available in the case of a documented excused absence as defined by UF policy (see below); you are responsible for alerting the instructor of such absences and for arranging extended time.
Attendance and In-Class Work: The course combines lectures, in-class discussion, assigned readings, and internet resources. Class attendance is required. Attendance will be taken on most days, either by calling roll or through unannounced, in-class writing assignments (10 points total). You may miss up to 2 classes without penalty, but any additional missed classes will decrease the attendance grade by about 0.27 point each.
*** Acceptable reasons for excused absences according to UF policy include illness, religious holidays, military obligation, and the twelve-day rule (https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx). Should you miss a class for any reason, you are responsible for getting information from a classmate or the instructor regarding all announcements and material covered in class.
Exams: There are 2 exams in the course (worth 34 points each; 68 points total). Exams include multiple-choice, short-answer, and short-essay formats. The dates of the exams are on the syllabus. These dates will not change. Make-up exams will be given only in the event of a serious, documented reason. Unless it is an emergency, any concerns about make-up exams should be discussed with the instructor in advance (at least 48 hours) of the scheduled exam.
New Reports Essay requires a 3-4 page written summary and critique of a recent population-related report from the U.S. government (Census, National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control), Pew Research Center, or similar organization; a set of 2-3 related, substantial news articles; or a recently published research article in a scholarly journal on a timely population issue. Students may work individually or in pairs on a specific report or journal article published within the past two year (since September 2016) on a topic that is relevant to class during the time that their news essay is due.
Students are required to turn in the name, author, and bibliographic information along with a 2-3 sentence overview of their selected report, journal article, or news articles to the instructor for approval no less than 6 days before the essay due date (2 points deducted if not received at least 6 days before essay due date). Each student must submit their own original essay. Specific instructions for selecting an appropriate source and writing the essay will be posted in Canvas (16 points). Essays must be turned in as hard copy in class and submitted electronically in Canvas by class time on date due.
Students will sign up for a due date/topic and will work in small groups of about 5 students to prepare a brief presentation (no more than 3 minutes per person, up to 20 minutes total for presentation and discussion) to be given on the day that their essays are due (6 points). Students should coordinate with other group members in the selection of reports (to avoid duplication) and in organizing the presentation. The group should prepare 3-4 discussion questions with which to end their presentation to stimulate class discussion.
Take-Home Assignments involve finding, interpreting, and comparing demographic data. Instructions will be posted on Canvas. Assignments will be turned in as hard copy in class, and the commentary portions of each assignment must also be submitted electronically in Canvas.
– Assignment 1 deals with population growth and compares countries (18 points). This assignment involves finding country-level population data, computing some basic population rates (growth, balancing equation, compounded growth), and writing a 2-3 page discussion of the findings. Instructions will be posted in Canvas – due in class on September 21.
– Assignment 2 involves finding and comparing population data for 3 states and writing a 2-4 page commentary (18 points). Instructions will be posted in Canvas – due in class on October 12.
– Assignment 3 involves finding and comparing population data for 2 Florida counties, plus 2 U.S. counties outside of Florida, and writing a 5-8 page commentary (32 points). Instructions will be posted in Canvas – due in class on December 3.
Assignments are due in class. You should come prepared to discuss your work.
Late assignments will have 2 points deducted per day and will be accepted if there is a serious, documented reason and should be discussed with the instructor as early as possible. Detailed instructions and grading expectations will be discussed in class and posted on E-Learning.
Course Requirements and Point Values:
| Exam 1 | 34 points |
| Exam 2 | 34 points |
| New Research Essay | 16 points |
| New Report Presentation | 6 points |
| Assignment 1 | 18 points |
| Assignment 2 | 18 points |
| Assignment 3 | 32 points |
| Attendance | 10 points |
| Weekly Quizzes | 32 points |
| TOTAL | 200 points |
Grading Structure for SYD 4021:
Grade Percent Points Grade Percent Points
A 91-100 182-200
A- 89-90.9 178-181.9 Non-passing grades:
B+ 86-88.9 172-177.9 D+ 66-69.9 132-139.9
B 81-85.9 162-171.9 D 60-65.9 120-131.9
B- 79-80.9 158-161.9 D- 57-59.9 114-119.9
C+ 76-78.9 152-157.9 E below 57 <114
C 70-75.9 140-151.9
This course uses both plus and minus grades. Note that only a grade of C or better is considered a passing grade for the course. More information, including potential implications of minus grades, can be found at: http://www.registrar.ufl.edu/catalog/policies/regulationgrades.html
See also: www.isis.ufl.edu/minusgrades.html.
Course Policies
Academic Honesty
All students registered at the University of Florida have agreed to comply with the following statement: “I understand that the University of Florida expects its students to be honest in all their academic work. I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University.”
In addition, on all work submitted for credit the following pledge is either required or implied: “On my honor I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment.”
All course work, including written assignments and exams, must be your original and individual work. All work from other sources (including text, numerical data, graphs, and photos) must be clearly cited with full bibliographic source information. Any cheating or plagiarism, including copying of on-line materials without clear attribution, will result in a failing grade and disciplinary action. You are responsible for keeping back-up copies of your work. Assignments must be submitted electronically on E-Learning in Word format (.doc, .docx, or .rtf) – no other formats are accepted; assignments will be checked using Turnitin.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities requesting accommodations should first register with the Disability Resource Center (352-392-8565, http://www.dso.ufl.edu/drc/) by providing appropriate documentation. Once registered, students will receive an accommodation letter which must be presented to the instructor when requesting accommodation. Students with disabilities should follow this procedure as early as possible in the semester. Contact the Disability Resources Center for information about available resources.
Counseling and Mental Health Resources
Students facing difficulties completing the course or who are in need of counseling or urgent help should call the on-campus Counseling and Wellness Center (352-392-1575; http://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/).
Course Evaluations
“Students are expected to provide feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing online evaluations at https://evaluations.ufl.edu. Evaluations are typically open during the last two or three weeks of the semester, but students will be given specific times when they are open. Summary results of these assessments are available to students at https://evaluations.ufl.edu/results/.”
**** This course does not fulfill Gordon Rule requirements. ****
Schedule and Readings
Week 1
Aug. 22 NO CLASS – Review the syllabus
Aug. 24 Introduce course, syllabus, requirements
Week 2
Aug. 27 Defining our terms: Demography, population studies, populations
DEM, ch. 1 (pp. 1-16)
Aug. 29 Population size and growth, balancing equation and its components, U.S. Population in Global Perspective
2018 World Population Data Sheet. Population Reference Bureau.
https://www.prb.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_WPDS.pdf
SKIM: 2017 World Population Data Sheet. Population Reference Bureau.
https://www.prb.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/WPDS-2017.pdf
Aug. 31 Components of population growth – discussion and practice
*** Sign up for news essay groups. Assignment 1 instructions posted.
Week 3
Sept. 3 HOLIDAY – NO CLASS
Sept. 5 Countries for Assignment 1; data sources (CIA World Factbook, U.S. Census Bureau International Data Base – IDB);
Review of Balancing Equation and Components of Growth
*** Quiz 1 — open at 4:00 p.m.
Sept. 7 Compounded growth; Calculations and implications of population growth
DEM, ch. 3 – pp. 47-56; hand-out on compounded growth
*** Quiz 1 — due by 1:30 pm on Friday, Sept. 7
Week 4
Sept. 10 Implications of population growth
DEM, ch. 3 – pp. 56-84
Sept. 12 Perspectives on population growth, carrying capacity, sustainability; Theories of demographic transition
*** Quiz 2 — open at 4:00 p.m.; Due by 11:59 pm on Thursday, Sept. 13 [covers up through 9/10]
Sept. 14 Malthus, Marx; Sources of demographic data – U.S. Census, surveys
DEM, ch. 2 – pp. 19-43
Week 5
Sept. 17 U.S. Census
CEN, ch. 1 – pp. 1-15; ch. 7 – pp. 98-106
Sept. 19 Surveys & Other Sources of Data
Sept. 21 Defining and Measuring Race; Discussion of Assignment 1
CEN, ch. 3 – pp. 34-38
*** Quiz 3 — open at 4:00 p.m.; Due by 12:00 pm (noon) on Monday, September 24 [covers up through 9/21]
*** Assignment 1 hard copy due in class, essay should be submitted online
Week 6
Sept. 24 Measurement of race
DEM, ch. 11 – pp. 405-412
*** New Reports – Group 2 essays and presentations due in class
Sept. 26 Discussion & Review
*** Quiz 4 – suggested exam questions + answers — open at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 21, due by 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26 [click on “Assignments” in Canvas, then click on Quiz 4]
Sept. 28 EXAM 1
Week 7
Oct. 1 Post-exam wrap up – Census, geographic approaches, ethnographic and other methods
Oct. 3 Mortality – Concepts, Measurement, and Historical Overview
DEM, ch. 5 – pp. 145-163
Oct. 5 Contemporary Concerns about Mortality
DEM, ch. 5 – pp. 163-179
*** New Reports – Group 3 essays and presentations due in class
Week 8
Oct. 8 Contemporary Concerns about Health and Mortality
Read Abstract & Highlights, Skim the rest:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr64/nvsr64_02.pdf
*** Quiz 5– open at 4:00 p.m.; due by 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10.
Oct. 10 Mortality – History, Transition
Oct. 12 Mortality Transition Causes, Infant Mortality, Maternal Mortality
*** New Reports – Group 4 essays and presentations due in class
Week 9
Oct. 15 Health & Morbidity Differentials; Comparing State Demographic Characteristics
DEM — pp. 419-427; DEM, ch. 6 – pp. 189-211
*** Assignment 2 due in class
Oct. 17 Morbidity; Households, Families
DEM, ch. 8 – pp. 279-285; 292-301; pp. 427-430
Oct. 19 Households, Families; Cohabitation and Current Family Trends
CEN, ch. 6 – pp. 80-95
*** New Reports – Group 5 essays and presentations due in class
Week 10
Oct. 22 Cohabitation and Current Family Trends
DEM, ch. 8 – pp. 301-316
*** Quiz 6
Oct. 24 Fertility: Measures, concepts, and approaches; Gender
DEM, ch. 7 – pp. 219-235
*** New Reports – Group 6 essays and presentations due in class
Oct. 26 Where do babies come from? Explaining fertility variations
DEM, ch. 7 – pp. 235-243
Read Abstract & Highlights, Skim the rest: NCHS data on Births in the U.S. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Week 11
Oct. 29 Where do babies come from? Explaining fertility variations
DEM, ch. 7 – pp. 244-261
Oct. 31 Family, Fertility
*** New Reports – Group 7 essays and presentations due in class
*** Quiz 7 (opens after class, due by 1:00 pm on Monday, November 5)
Nov. 2 HOMECOMING – NO CLASS
Week 12
Nov. 5 Wrap up fertility – proximate determinants and contemporary concerns (review chapter 7)
*** Quiz 7 due by 1:00 pm
Nov. 7 Discussion & Review
*** Quiz 8 – suggested exam questions – due online at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 7
*** Preferences of counties for Assignment 3 should be submitted online (see link under “Assignments” in Canvas)
*** Assignment 3 instructions posted
Nov. 9 EXAM 2 – Covers mortality and health; households and families; fertility
Week 13
Nov. 12 VETERANS DAY – NO CLASS
Nov. 14 Population pyramids, aging, and cohorts; discuss Assignment 3 instructions and procedures
DEM, ch. 4 – pp. 93-116; 412-419
Nov. 16 Population pyramids
*** New Reports – Group 8 essays and presentations due in class
Week 14
Nov. 19 Migration – History & Policy
DEM, ch. 9 – pp. 325- 348
CEN, pp. 38-48
*** Quiz 9 – Aging, Pyramids, & Migration — posted after class; due by 1:45 pm on Monday, November 26
Nov. 21-24 THANKSGIVING – NO CLASS
Week 15
Nov. 26 Migration – Conceptual frameworks
DEM, ch. 9 – 348-366
Nov. 28 Demography of Florida
FL: pp. 1-85; 115-133
Nov. 30 Demography of Florida – come prepared to discuss Florida Megatrends (see Canvas for discussion outline)
Recommended readings – population issues and aging: CEN, ch. 5 – pp. 68-77; DEM ch. 4 – pp. 118-134
*** Quiz 10 – Florida Megatrends – posted after class; due by 1:00 pm on Monday, December 3
Week 16
Dec. 3 Demography of Florida – come prepared to discuss your counties for Assignment 3
Recommended readings – urbanization and spatial issues: DEM, ch. 10 – pp. 375-383; 389-398
Dec. 5 Demography of Florida, Synthesis and Conclusion
Discussion of immigration, aging, urban issues and the future
*** Assignment 3 due in class
*** THERE IS NO FINAL EXAM. ASSIGNMENT 3 SERVES AS A FINAL TERM PROJECT.
Topics may shift according to the pace of the class. Deadlines and exam dates will not change. Students are responsible for checking the on-line syllabus weekly for updates, changes, or announcements.
Suggested Sources for New Report Essays and Presentations
*** Proposed/selected articles must be submitted to instructor for approval no less
than 6 days before the essay and presentation due date.
Reports:
Nationally Representative Surveys
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey; American Time Use Survey;
Current Population Survey
Pew Research Center; NORC – General Social Surveys
Health, Mortality, Morbidity, Inequalities
National Center for Health Statistics – Vital statistics
National Health Interview Survey; Centers for Disease Control
Households, Families, Diversity
Census Bureau, American Community Survey, American Time Use Survey
Pew Research Center Reports; Urban Institute Reports; Williams Institute (UCLA)
Sexuality, Fertility, Gender
National Survey of Family Growth
National Center for Health Statistics – Vital Statistics
Guttmacher Institute Reports; Williams Institute (UCLA)
Life Course, Cohorts, Aging, Social Change
Pew Research Center Reports; Urban Institute Reports
Census Bureau; Health and Retirement Survey; National Institute on Aging; AARP
Racial and Ethnic Diversity, Immigration, Economic Issues, etc.
Census Bureau; Pew Research Center Reports; Urban Institute Reports
Substantial feature article(s) on relevant population issues from an in-depth, investigative new source — must have substantial population or demographic content; not opinion/commentary
e.g., poverty, homelessness, unemployment, health disparities, economic inequality,
racial disparities, incarceration, demographic change, politics
Research articles may be selected from the following peer-reviewed scholarly journals:
Demography; Population & Development Review; Population Research & Policy Review
Journal of Marriage and Family; Journal of Family Issues; Gender & Society
Journals of Gerontology: Social Sciences; Research on Aging
Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health; Journal of Health and Social Behavior; American Journal of Public Health; Social Science & Medicine
International Migration Review; Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Sociology of Race and Ethnicity; Ethnic and Racial Studies