Course Syllabus

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Welcome to APDEM 801: Principles of Demography

Overview

CATEGORY INFORMATION
Credits 3
Prerequisites None
Delivery Web (Canvas, https://psu.instructure.com)
Dates See the Calendar.
Instructor See the Orientation module under the Modules tab.

Description

This course provides an overview of demographic research and scholarship. The course covers the central disciplinary concepts and associated theoretical ideas and empirical population trends. In particular the course investigates topics such as population growth, transitions in family patterns, fertility patterns and policy, immigration and population diversity, race/ethnicity inequality, migration, residential segregation, health and mortality patterns, population aging, economic well-being, and the environment.

Objectives

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Identify and discuss basic demographic concepts, scholarship, and associated populations, processes, and trends.  
  2. Analyze demographic events using demographic data such as census, and vital statistics information.
  3. Apply demographic methods and analytical approaches to applied demography problems.
  4. Integrate demographic knowledge, concepts, methods, and skills into research projects.

Organization

This course is made up of ELEVEN lessons.

For each lesson, you will complete the following activities and assignments:

  • Access and complete all class online lectures, which introduces and explains the topic and how it is useful for applied demographers. 
  • Read class materials and view instructional videos that show how the demographic and the applied demography perspective are employed in both the public and private sector.
  • Complete quizzes that assess knowledge and comprehension of lesson materials.

You will also complete essays, forum discussions, and exams during the course of the semester. Additional assignments must be submitted by their due date (essays, discussions, and exams). Finally, you will work on a final report, which will be completed in stages during the semester. Late submissions will be received in accordance with the Note on Late Assignments section of this syllabus.

Online Learning and Attendance

This course has been developed to promote asynchronous learning. The instructor and students do NOT meet on a designated day and time each week. For each lesson, there is a timeframe to complete all activities and assignments, and you may work at your own pace within that timeframe. However, you must adhere to the due dates outlined on the Calendar. (Due dates can also be viewed under the Syllabus tab.) You should log into the course daily to check for updates, review lessons, and participate in activities.

Materials

Texts

The following texts are required:

  • Iceland, John (2014). A portrait of America: the demographic perspective (Vol. 2). 1st edition. University of California Press. [ISBN#: 978-0520278196]*
  • Trovato, Frank (Ed.). (2012). Population and society: essential readings. 2nd edition. Oxford University Press. [ISBN#: 978-0195439786] 

*E-Book Option: An online version of one or more of your texts is available at no cost as a Penn State Libraries E-Book, which is indicated by an asterisk (*). You can access the E-Book through the Library Resources link on the course navigation menu. Some E-Books will only be available online, while others will be available to download in full or in part. You may choose to use the E-Book as an alternative to purchasing a physical copy of the text. For questions or issues, you can contact the University Libraries Reserve Help (UL-RESERVESHELP@LISTS.PSU.EDU).

Library Services

Penn State Libraries provides a wide variety of services and resources. To learn how to take advantage, refer to the Online Student Library Guide (Links to an external site.) at http://guides.libraries.psu.edu/onlinestudentlibraryguide. This guide serves as your starting point for access to all that Penn State Libraries can offer you as an online student. Use this guide if you have questions on library services offered to you, how the library can help you, how to use the library, or what resources you can access via the library! The guide will connect you to important pages and resources within Penn State Libraries and save time from you searching for the information you need.

Applied Demography Research Guide

We will also be using an Applied Demography Research Guide that has been created for you to use as you complete research and assignments throughout the course. Please see the customized research guide by accessing the Library Resources link in the course navigation menu.

Tutor.com

 


Getting Started with Tutor.com: Tutor.com is a 24/7 tutoring service that provides students with assistance in coursework, test preparation, research, writing, and more for various subjects. The tutors are subject-matter experts, and each student will have personalized one-on-one sessions with them. Students can schedule their own tutoring appointments to engage in interactive sessions that include a whiteboard and chat feature. The service can be utilized on any device that has Internet access. Students are encouraged to use the service throughout the semester.

 

  • Launch Tutor.com by clicking the Tutor.com link in the Course Navigation Menu.
  • Select the topic you are studying from the drop-down menu.
  • From the subject drop-down menu, select your course.
  • Ask your tutor a question in the text box. If you're working with a document, such as a rough draft of a writing assignment, you can upload the file here as well.
  • Once you have made these selections, click Get a Tutor, and a tutor will be assigned to you within two minutes.
  • You will then enter a virtual classroom with your tutor. Here, the interactive whiteboard and chat feature will be available. You will be able to talk with your tutor and use the tools. File sharing will be available for you and your tutor to review a document at the same time.
  • After your session, please fill out the post-session survey to offer feedback on your experience.
  • For a more detailed overview of Tutor.com, please view the Accessing Tutor.com at Penn State World Campus video or read the "How It Works" guide. If you have any questions or need additional help logging in, please contact studentsupport@tutor.com

 

Grading

Final letter grades will be assigned based on the scale below.

Scale

LETTER
GRADE		 MINIMUM
PERCENT		 MINIMUM
POINTS
A 93 651
A- 90 630
B+ 87 609
B 83 581
B- 80 560
C+ 77 539
C 70 490
D 60 420
F 0 0

Due Dates

All assignments are due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the date indicated on the Calendar. (Due dates can be also be viewed under the Syllabus tab.)

Please be aware that Canvas follows the Eastern Time (ET) time zone. Assignment due dates adhere to this time zone, and it is your responsibility to submit assignments accordingly. If you are outside of the ET time zone, you can set your Canvas account to sync to it. Refer to the Set a Time Zone article in the Canvas Guide at https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2891.

As a general rule, you will NOT be able to go back and make up missed assignments. It is your responsibility to keep up with your assignments. Students with an excused absence (hospitalization, jury duty, family emergency, or military service) may be asked to produce proper documentation in order to make up graded work. All make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor.

Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or spouses with unique circumstances (e.g. upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, disabilities, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.

Notes:

  • To Do List: Some assignments may not appear in the To Do list under the Home tab. Use the Calendar or Syllabus to ensure that you are fully aware of assignment due dates.
  • Note on Late Assignments: Late assignments will lose the point equivalent of TEN percent per calendar day, and they will not be accepted later than THREE calendar days after the due date.

Notes on Technical Problems: If you encounter technical problems and cannot submit an assignment in Canvas, please immediately email me the assignment. Once the email has been sent, go back and try to fix the problem. All work must be submitted in Canvas in order to receive credit.

Assignments

Basic information about each assignment group is provided below. For detailed instructions about an individual assignment, see the assignment information under the Modules tab.

You can expect meaningful feedback on assignments within SEVEN days of their due date.

ASSIGNMENT
GROUP		 POINTS PERCENTAGE
Quizzes 220 31.4
Demographic Briefs 300 43
Exam 1 50 7.1
Exam 2 50 7.1
Final Report 80 11.4
Total 700 100

Quizzes

Value: 11 x 20 PTS, 220 PTS total

Quizzes will be used to assess your knowledge about the topics discussed during the lectures and reading materials, including identifying and defining key terms. Quizzes will consist of multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, matching, and short-answer questions.

You will have one chance to take the quizzes. You will have 30 minutes to complete the quizzes (each quiz will specify the time allocated). The time will begin when you enter the quiz; you can NOT save your quiz and finish at a later time.

Once you start the quiz, the time will continue to run until the time allotted has expired or you have submitted the quiz. The clock cannot be stopped once you have started. Refer to the Course Calendar for due dates.

Note: We do NOT recommend taking quizzes using the Canvas mobile app; use the web version of Canvas.

You will get immediate scores for the multiple choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions. Written answers, if asked, will be evaluated by the instructor in no more than 48 hours of your quiz submission. Students are expected to identify and define key terms discussed in each learning module and to apply their knowledge in hypothetical scenarios.

You will be able to view answers to the questions one day after the due date. Quiz answers will be available for viewing for two days.

Demographic Briefs

Value: 6 x 50 PTS, 300 PTS total

There will be six demographic briefs assignments of approximately 1 to 2 pages in length, which will be completed in an open forum. These will be reaction essays linking demographic concepts with broader organizational and national structures. These should be supplemented by reading assignments and additional information (newspaper articles, interviews, etc.). An example of a linkage between a basic demographic process and broader organizational structures and national structure is: number of births - population age composition (country) and implications for the healthcare system.

Demographic briefs should be structured with: Basic outline of the linkages that will be described and the policy or organizational structure that will be discussed. Refer to the Demographic Brief Assignment Guidelines to view an example of what is expected.

You will also be able to interact with your classmates and generate an exchange of ideas rather than just one-way communication from student to instructor. Productive and active participation is required. You must reply to one of your peers about their linkages through the discussion forum. Answers may take the form of questions or supplement their ideas with your perspective. The intent is for all students to contribute with substantive knowledge gained through the course lessons and readings, through research on the internet, and through life experiences thus far. 

Please view the “Discussion Policies” information below for pointers and policies for interacting within class discussions. All discussion forums will be available on the course Canvas site within the Modules tab.

Refer to the Demographic Brief Rubric for grading expectations. You will be able to view the rubric within each assignment. Note: Grading will take place in the Final Discussion area for each discussion (i.e. the Lesson 1 and 2 Demographic Brief will be graded in the L01 and L02 Demographic Brief discussion area, and so forth.)

Initial posts are expected to be posted by Thursday of the discussion week, and replies to classmates must be posted by Sunday.

Discussion Assignment Listing on Calendar:

The initial posting and response will both take place within the discussion assignment area, but will each have a separate due date. For example, on the course calendar:

  1. Initial Postings: the initial posting for the Introductions Discussion will be listed as Introductions Discussion Initial Reply, the Lesson 1 and 2 Demographic Brief Discussion will be listed as L01 and L02 Demographic Brief Initial Reply, and so forth.
  2. Responding to Peers: responding to peers for the Introductions Discussion will be listed as Introductions Discussion, the Lesson 1 and 2 Demographic Brief Discussion will be listed as L01 and L02 Demographic Brief, and so forth.

This will be the same format that will be used throughout the course for all Demographic Brief discussions.

Exam 1

Value: 1 x 50 PTS, 50 PTS total

Exam 1 will be administered online during the course of the semester. The exam will test students' knowledge about the concepts and topics discussed to this point. There are two parts to Exam 1. Part 1 will consist of 15 true/false questions and Part 2 will consist of a short essay question.

Exam 1 Part 1

Exam 1 Part 1 will be available to take during a 48-hour window starting at 12:00 AM (ET) on Saturday of the exam week until 11:59 PM (ET) on Sunday. (See the Course Calendar for specific dates.)

You will have only one chance to complete the exam, so once you click on the exam to start it, you will not be able to resume at a later time. The exam is timed (30 minutes) and your answers will be submitted automatically when time expires. Once you start the exam the time will continue to run until the time allotted has expired or you have submitted the exam. The clock cannot be stopped once you have started. Be sure to proofread and check that you have answered all parts before time has expired.

You will be able to view answers to the questions two days after the due date. The answers will then be available for viewing for two days.

Exam 1 Part 1 is worth a total of 30 points. 

Note: Your work will automatically be saved as you complete the exam. If you experience technical difficulties, contact your instructor immediately.

Note: We do NOT recommend taking quizzes using the Canvas mobile app; use the web version of Canvas.

Exam 1 Part 2

Exam 1 Part 2 consist of essay-type questions and will be available to take during a 48-hour window starting at 12:00 AM (ET) on Saturday of the exam week until 11:59 PM (ET) on Sunday, but will NOT be timed.

The essay questions will be available for you to view for 48 hours. After viewing the essay questions available, select ONE question to answer. You will be required to write a 1.5-2 page response.

Exam 1 Part 2 is worth a total of 20 points.

Your grade for this part of the exam will be available as soon as possible, and at the very latest, one week after the due date. 

Refer to the Exam 1 Essay Question Rubric for grading expectations. You will be able to view the rubric within the assignment.

See the Course Calendar for specific dates.

Exam 2

Value: 1 x 50 PTS, 50 PTS total

Students will take Exam 2 during exam week. This exam is comprehensive and will test students' knowledge about the topics discussed during class. Exam 2 consists of 50 true/false and multiple-choice questions and is worth 50 points.

Exam 2 will be available to take during a 48-hour window starting at 12:00 AM (ET) on a specified date on the Course Calendar until 11:59 PM (ET) on a specified date on the Course Calendar. (See the Course Calendar for specific dates.)

You will have only one chance to complete the exam, so once you click on the exam to start it, you will not be able to resume at a later time. The exam is timed (90 minutes) and your answers will be submitted automatically when time expires. Once you start the exam the time will continue to run until the time allotted has expired or you have submitted the exam. The clock cannot be stopped once you have started. Be sure to proofread and check that you have answered all parts before time has expired.

Note: Your work will automatically be saved as you complete the exam. If you experience technical difficulties, contact your instructor immediately.

Note: We do NOT recommend taking quizzes using the Canvas mobile app; use the web version of Canvas.

You will be able to view answers to the questions two days after the due date. The answers will then be available for viewing for two days.

Final Report

Value: 5 PTS (Final Report Topic Selection), 5 PTS (Final Report Proposal), 10 PTS (Final Report Rough Draft), 10 PTS (Final Report Peer Review), 50 PTS (Final Report), 80 PTS total

The topic of the final report will be chosen by the student, with approval of the instructor. In this 10-12 page report, students will discuss a demographic situation for a country of their interest. Students are expected to briefly discuss historical relevance, the current situation, and briefly approach the topic through policy ideas. Course content, assigned readings, and library resources should be used as references. This paper is not meant to solely be a restatement of literature, but rather a critical assessment of the trends and the underlying causes of them and should contain the students’ perspective on how to approach these issues and the consequences of not addressing the situation. This project should be drafted in a Policy Brief format; the instructor will provide different examples in the course space.

You will work on the paper in stages and be graded on your work over the course of the semester. The following is a breakdown of the final report:

  1. Final Report Topic Selection: Submit the topic for your report you will be analyzing to your instructor by the end of Lesson 3 for approval.
  2. Final Report Paper Proposal: You will provide a brief description outlining your plan for the final project (1-2 page project proposal) with a short bibliography list by the end of Lesson 4.
  3. Final Report Rough Draft: You will submit a rough draft of your research paper for your instructor's review and feedback (5-6 pages), by the end of Lesson 7.
  4. Final Report Peer Review: You will also submit your rough draft in preparation for peer review and feedback. You will be required to review and provide constructive feedback on one classmate’s rough draft, however you will not be grading your classmate's work. The course instructor will review and provide feedback regarding the peer review you conducted on one of your classmate's rough draft (the instructor will grade the peer review process). Peer reviews of rough drafts will be conducted by the end of Lesson 10.
  5. Final Report Paper: You will submit your final paper, which must be between 10-12 pages in length, double-spaced with 12-point Times New Roman font, and have 1-inch margins. You must present coherent and concise arguments.

The Final Report Paper Proposal, Rough Draft, and Final Paper must also include proper parenthetical citations and bibliography, following the guidelines found in the American Psychological Association’s Style Manual. Please refer to the APA Quick Citation Guide available from the Penn State Library.

Refer to the Final Report Rubric for grading expectations. You will be able to view the rubric within each assignment. Note: There is a different rubric for each deliverable except for the topic selection, which can be found within each of the assignments.

Refer to each assignment for more detailed information, including grading expectations, and refer to the Course Calendar for due dates.

Discussion Policies

Written communication is different than oral communication. The policies and pointers listed below cover common issues that crop up in an online discussion forum. They are designed to enhance organization, help you convey your ideas more clearly, and prevent misunderstandings.

  1. Try to think of discussion forums as an extension of your real-life classroom.
    1. Endeavor to share ideas among your classmates, not to prove that you are right and they are wrong.
    2. Be aware that differences of opinion are going to occur in any forum. Multiple perspectives on a topic or problem are often valuable.
  2. Compose long messages in NotePad (or TextEdit) and then copy/paste into Canvas. Or add an attachment and provide a simple explanation of its contents.
  3. Keep closely related ideas organized under a single post.
    1. To respond to the original post, click in the Reply field, type your response, and click Post Reply. Title your post so that individuals know what your post is about. The title of your post should be a brief phrase that summarizes your post.
    2. To respond to another individual, click the Reply button just below the individual's original response. Type in your response and then click Post Reply.
    3. To express a new idea, click in the Reply field again, similar to adding your original post. Remember to add a title.
    4. Don’t feel obligated to make a reply to a post if you feel it does not warrant one. Numerous posts that contain no essential new ideas may create more work for everyone.
    5. Don’t be offended if no one replies to your message. Often people will read postings on a discussion forum but not make a reply.
  4. Act professionally and be considerate of others.
    1. Remember that not everyone comes from the same background, or shares the same values and ideals as you.
    2. Be mindful of your “tone.” If you are unsure of your tone, try reading your discussion forum post out loud before you submit it. When you read it out loud, does it sound the way you would speak to another student in the classroom?
    3. Remember that a message can easily be misunderstood. Making a joke or being ironic in a discussion forum is a great way to break the ice, but you have to let people know your intentions. If you wish to convey a humorous tone, try using emoticons or adding comments like “Just kidding!” Do not use slang.
  5. Alert your instructor as soon as possible if there is a message on the discussion forum that strikes you as inappropriate or offensive.
    1. Keep in mind that the author may not realize how the message “sounds” to you. Try to think of the situation as a growth opportunity facilitated by the instructor.
    2. Allow the instructor to handle the situation. Rest assured that your instructor is determined to prevent breakdown of group process.
    3. Be aware that the instructor has the right to remove any inappropriate or offensive messages.
    4. Be aware that any student who posts an inappropriate or offensive message will be blocked from participating in the discussion forum and will receive an F for that assignment. Students are also subject to relevant policies in the student code of conduct. 

University Policies

Academic Integrity

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity, an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic sanctions, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes (see G-9: Academic Integrity).

Disability Access

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources website provides contact information for every Penn State campus at http://equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources/campus-offices. For further information, please visit the Student Disability Resources website at http://equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources.

In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation described at http://equity.psu.edu/student-disability-resources/applying-for-services. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Penn State's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office offers residential and distance-based Penn State students non-emergency mental health services in the form of case management, community resource referrals, supportive listening, care giver support, and much more.

Students may request assistance from CAPS regarding a variety of common mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and stress. CAPS services are designed to enhance students' ability to fully benefit from the University environment and academic experience. Call CAPS at 814-863-0395 (8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday EST) or submit an inquiry online at https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/form/caps-contact-form to schedule an appointment with a mental health advocate, who can help you address mental health concerns that may interfere with your academic progress or social development. This appointment will include a one-on-one session that can be conducted via telephone, teleconference (Skype, FaceTime, etc.), or locally at Penn State University Park. For more information on services provided through CAPS, please visit the Penn State CAPS website at http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling/. Students enrolled at the World Campus are also encouraged to visit its Mental Health Services page at http://student.worldcampus.psu.edu/student-services/mental-health-services.

Reminder: These services are for non-emergencies only. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis situation, please call your local crisis center or 911.

Nondiscrimination

Penn State is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University's educational mission, and will not be tolerated. For further information, please visit the Affirmative Action Office website at https://affirmativeaction.psu.edu/.

Reporting a Bias Incident

Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias web page at http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias/.

TEACH Act

The materials on the course website are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.

University Emergency Procedure

In the event of a University-wide emergency, the course may be subject to changes. Exigent circumstances may require alternative delivery methods, class materials, and interactions with the instructor and/or classmates. In addition, there may be revisions to grading policies and the Calendar, including assignments and their due dates.

In the event of a University-wide emergency, please refer to the Canvas website at https://psu.instructure.com for specific information related to the course. For more general information about the emergency situation, please refer to the Penn State website at https://www.psu.edu or Penn State News website at https://news.psu.edu.

To register with PSUAlert, a service designed to alert the Penn State community when situations arise that affect the ability of a campus to function normally, please go to the PSU Alert website at https://psualert.psu.edu/. Subscribers can receive alerts by text message to cell phones, and also can elect to have alerts sent to an email address.

Syllabus Subject to Change

The class will likely adhere to the information outlined in this Syllabus and the Calendar, but adjustments may be made based on what actually transpires during the semester. Remaining in the course after reading this Syllabus will signal that you accept the possibility of changes and responsibility for being aware of them

Course Summary:

Date Details Due