In this course, students will evaluate how demography matters for policy design and policy analysis. Very few countries have official, or explicit, population policies, but many social policies are a result of demographic change, or are designed to influence demographic change. There are many examples of policies that have unintended consequences on the growth of populations, while in other cases, despite demographic pressures, policy interventions have been absent. The reasons governments take these approaches will be considered. The course will also examine policy instruments that have been used across the world to understand their approach and their effects. Students will complete a case study report that analyse a range of policies, both population and non-population related, to evaluate the effects – intended or otherwise – on population. In completing this course, students will think critically on how demographic methods and theory apply to real-world policy problems, while considering how demographic policy may be critiqued and improved from a range of disciplinary perspectives.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the key public policy challenges surrounding population issues;
- reflect critically on how demographic change influences policy;
- differentiate and critique how population policies and processes impact societies from a range of perspectives; and
- communicate and defend research and analysis;
Indicative Assessment
- Learning portfolio based on weekly preparation for tutorials (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Class participation in discussing real-world demographic policy issues from a range of disciplinary perspectives.
(10) [LO 1,2,3,4] - Policy Brief paper, 1000 words (20) [LO 1,3,4]
- Case study report, 3000 words (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 24 hours of contact over 12 weeks: such as lectures; small group meetings, student-led discussions.
b) 106 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Readings will be made available on Wattle
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.