Life, Death and Migrations (HIST*4450) | College of Arts

Life, Death and Migrations (HIST*4450)

Code and section: HIST*4450*01

Term: Winter 2027

Details

Calendar Description

This seminar uses quantitative sources and methods to explore such themes as social inequality and demographic experience since 1800. It examines the value of such data for policy purposes, as well as the social and cultural contexts in which surveys are developed and undertaken. Students develop presentational and analytical skills through research projects.

Course Description

This seminar uses quantitative sources and methods to explore demographic experience and social inequality. It examines the value of such data for policy purposes, as well as the social and cultural contexts in which demographic and other quantitative evidence is generated and collected. Students acquire skills for employment and graduate school by improving their capacity for quantitative description and analysis. During the first half of the semester we survey the historical experience of demographic change, review simple statistical concepts, and acquire direct ‘hands-on’ experience with databases. In the second half of the semester, students develop and report on independent research projects using quantitative evidence.

Timetable 

Final Exam: There is no final exam

Required Resources

Pat Hudson and Mina Ishizu, History By Numbers: An Introduction to Quantitative Approaches (London: Bloomsbury, 2007) (Textbook - other editions are acceptable. A paper copy is on Library reserve 3 day loan.) Current price at Amazon.ca from $47.

Massimo Livi-Bacci, A Concise History of World Population (Wiley-Blackwell, 5th edition 2012) (Textbook - other editions are acceptable. A digital copy and also a paper copy is available through the UG Library) Current price at Amazon.ca from $40.

Additional Resources

Jane  E. Miller,  12345, The Chicago Guide to Writing about Numbers (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2004) (Textbook)

Derek Rowntree, Statistics Without Tears: A Primer for Non-Mathematicians (any edition). (Textbook)

Gary J. Kornblith, Making Sense of Numbers (website) http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/numbers an on-line module within the ‘History Matters’ page, American Social History Project at the City University of New York and the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to demonstrate:

  1. knowledge of demographic experience and social inequality
  2. critical appreciation of the role of quantitative evidence
  3. ability to communicate using both quantitative and qualitative evidence
  4. capacity for independent research
  5. understanding of quantitative methods

Assessments

  • News article commentaries - 5%
  • Database creation, report & analysis - 20%
  • Test - 10%
  • Presentation and discussion of research proposals - 5%
  • Research presentations - 5%
  • Research journal - 10%
  • Independent research essay - 35%
  • Discussion (inc your feedback on other student presentations) - 10%

 

 

*Please note: This is a preliminary web course description only. The department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description. The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.

**Please login to WebAdvisor, once the course schedule goes live, for instructor/supervisor information.

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