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Graduate Courses in Demography

Below we list graduate courses in the population field, along with related quantitative courses and other courses taught by OPR faculty. All OPR students, regardless of home department, are required to take ECO571/SOC 531, ECO 572/SOC 532, POP 503, and POP 506 during their course of study. Other course requirements vary among the affiliated departments or programs. OPR doctoral students typically take three courses per semester during their first two years, but course loads may vary among students.

Current Course Schedule: The schedule for the Fall 2002 semester is here.

Courses in Population Studies

Survey of past and current trends in the growth of the population of the world and of selected regions. Analysis of the components of growth and their determinants. The social and economic consequences of population change.

Source materials used in the study of population; standard procedures for the measurement of fertility, mortality, natural increase, migration, and nuptiality; and uses of model life tables and stable population analysis and other techniques of estimation when faced with inaccurate or incomplete data are studied. Prerequisite: 571 or instructor's permission.

Determinants of demographic behavior in developing countries and the economic consequences of population change. Participants investigate such areas as high fertility as a peasant economic strategy; the relationship between fertility, children's education, and household savings; the impact of population growth rates on wages, rents, the distribution of income, aggregate savings, and technical change; models of internal migration and labor absorption; and the consequences of LDC to MDC migration. No previous knowledge of demographic techniques is required.

An examination of some of the ways in which mathematics and statistics can be used to analyze population processes. The focus is on population models that have direct application in demography, including survival models, stable and nonstable populations, population projections, and models of marriage and birth. The course is offered in alternate years.

Statistical methods applied to the analysis of demographic data. The focus is on estimating the effects of concomitant variables on demographic processes such as nuptiality, fertility, or mortality using micro data. Statistical techniques to be studied include non-parametric regression, models for survival analysis, multiple-spell event history analysis, and models for counts of events. Particular attention is given to issues of over-dispersion and unobserved heterogeneity. The course is offered in alternate years.

Examines health care policy formulation focusing on developing countries. Theory and practical lessons on how policy is, or isn't, translated into programs. Students will analyze global epidemiological threats to the infrastructure and financial stability of health care systems. Examines: 1) how alternative health care finance and reform strategies facilitate or create barriers to achieving policy objectives; and 2) explores the role of governments, WHO, NGOs, and donor agencies in setting the agenda for health policy.

This course exposes students to the logic of empirical investigation in sociology and to basic methods of measurement, hypothesis testing, and causal analysis. Particular attention is given to hypothesis formulation and to techniques of comparative research.

Description not available.

Description not available.

Description not available.

A review of the historical and contemporary literature on immigration and the relationship between these flows and the development of ethnic relations. Emphasis on the United States, although comparative material from Canada, Europe, and Latin America is discussed. Classical and recent theories of immigrant adaptation, language acculturation, ethnic entrepreneurship, and ethnic conflict are presented and discussed. The bearing of sociological findings on current policy debates about immigration control and uses of immigrant labor is highlighted.

Methods of asking questions, participant-observer techniques, and recording and interpreting primary field data. The course also considers how qualitative methods may be used to complement more quantitative approaches. Recent literature on the theoretical and ethical aspects of these methods is also examined.

This course examines the historical and contemporary literature on immigration and the relationship between these flows and the development of ethnic relations. The emphasis is on the United States, although comparative material from Canada, Europe, and Latin America is discussed. Classical and recent theories of immigrant adaptation, language acculturation, ethnic entrepreneurship, and ethnic conflict are presented and discussed. The bearing of recent research findings on public policy toward immigrant groups and domestic minorities is examined.

An introduction to the philosophy, practice and politics of public health in the U.S. The course considers the principles of epidemiology and the social, political and institutional forces that shape public health policy, as well as the determinants of health, government's role in minimizing risks and maximizing well-being, and the major organizational structures responsible for monitoring, protecting and promoting the public health. Topics include environmental and occupational health; emerging infections; food safety; violence; tobacco control; population aging; and public health genetics.

Examines the origins, types, and characteristics of cities in less developed countries and the ways in which patterns of urbanization interact with policies to promote economic growth and social equity. Readings and class discussions address three areas: a) a history of urbanization in the Third World; b) an analysis of contemporary urban systems, demographic patterns, and the social structure of large Third World cities; c) a review of the literature on urban dwellers with emphasis on the poor and their political and social outlooks.

Examines gender issues in relation to the development process over the past three decades.

Focuses on the interrelationships between the demographic structure and dynamics of human populations, their physical and mental health, and the ecological systems with which they interact. Particular attention is given to operationalizing notions of carrying capacity that integrate natural resource utilization, population growth, and health status in a common framework. Case studies include: colonization of the Amazon basin of Brazil and accompanying tradeoffs between land use and health; urbanization, its environmental impacts, and the tension between public health and medicine in promoting the health of migrant populations; and population policies in China and their role in ecological transformations and the provision of health services.

Description not available.

The age structure of many countries in the world has shifted toward much higher proportions of people at older ages. This course will treat the biological basis of aging and the demographic, economic and social consequences of a large elderly population. Implications for health care, insurance, and the economic and social structure of diverse societies will be discussed. An international comparative approach will be used throughout.

Individual research projects involving demographic analysis related to issues in population policy or, occasionally, participation in the research conducted at the Office of Population Research. Prerequisite: Survey of Population Problems (ECO 571/SOC 531).

This course examines poverty in the United States in the last half of the twentieth century. Topics include 1) how poverty is measured and problems with the official measure, 2) trends and differentials in poverty, 3) causes and consequences of poverty, including sociological, economic, and political perspectives, and 4) anti-poverty policies, including cross-national differences in welfare states.

Examines selected topics in reproductive health, with primary emphasis on contemporary domestic issues in the United States--such as unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infection--but within the context of the international agenda on reproductive rights established in the 1994 Cairo international Conference on Population and development.

This course is designed as a practical introduction to the use of computer mapping (Geographic Information systems) for policy analysis and decision-making. Students learn MapInfo through examples of map applications. Students are expected to complete exercises and a final project applying GIS to a policy issue.

Public and private decision-making, and the distribution of billions of dollars of public funds, are dependent on the accuracy and objectivity of critical data series produced by a small and decentralized set of Federal statistical agencies. Decisions by this relatively obscure group of agencies impact every citizen, both directly and indirectly. Who produces these data products that have such pervasive impact on the economy and our society? What are the key products? Who or what, if anyone, protects the public interest and the public good? This course provides an overview of the decentralized U.S. statistical system, identifying key agencies and critical statistical series and programs. Major issues and challenges confronting these agencies will be identified, discussed, and assessed.

The Constitution requires that a census of the nation's population be taken every ten years. The constitutional purpose for the census is the politically sensitive process or apportionment of seats in the U.S. Congress. But in a modern society the purpose of the census extends far beyond the process or apportionment, to include a myriad of uses, from the distribution of billions of dollars of federal funds, to the use by states to draw legislative districts that comply with the Voting Rights Act, to use by public and private decision makers to locate businesses, schools, hospitals and shopping malls. Census 2000 was termed the "largest peacetime mobilization in our Nation's history" and was carried out amidst a continuous firestorm of political controversy. This short course will review what was achieved by this massive nationwide effort and the future plans now being made to forever change the census process in the United States byu eliminating the census long form and replacing it with an ongoing survey - the American Community Survey.

Examines the ethical issues arising in the context of scientific research. Evaluates the role and responsibilities of professional researchers in dealing with plagiarism, fraud, conflict over authorial credit, and ownership of data. In addition, it undertakes a broader inquiry into conceptions of professional integrity, and the responsibilities that scientists have to their research subjects, their students and apprentices, as well as to society at large.

Courses in Statistics

Concepts and methods of time series analysis and their applications to economics. Time series models to be studied include simultaneous stochastic equations, VAR, ARIMA, and state-space models. Methods to analyze trends, second-moment properties via the auto covariance function and the spectral density function, methods of estimation and hypothesis testing and of model selection will be presented. Kalman filter and applications as well as unit roots, cointegration, ARCH, and structural breaks models are also studied.

The construction, estimation, and testing of econometric models as a process, from theory to model formulation to estimation and testing and back to theory. Bridging the gap between theory and applied work. A series of topics in macroeconomics time series and microeconomic cross-sectional analysis: consumption at the household and aggregate level, commodity prices, nonparametric and parametrics estimation.

A first-year course in the first-year econometrics sequence: it is divided into two parts. The first gives students the necessary background in probability theory and statistics. Topics include definitions and axioms of probability, moments, some univariate distributions, the multivariate normal distribution, sampling distributions, introduction to asymptotic theory, estimation and testing. The second part introduces the linear regression model and develops associated tools. Properties of the ordinary least squares estimator will be studied in detail and a number of tests developed.

Economics 519 is half of the second-year sequence in econometrics methodology (Economics 513 is the other). The course covers nonlinear statistical models for the analysis of cross-sectional and panel data. It is intended both for students specializing in econometric theory and for students interested in applying statistical methods to statistical data. Approximately half of the course is devoted to development of large-sample theory for nonlinear estimation procedures, while the other half concentrates on application of the methods to econometric models for discrete and limited dependent variables.

This course provides a thorough examination of linear regression from a data analytic point of view. Sociological applications are strongly emphasized. Topics include: (a) a review of the linear model; (b) regression diagnostics for outliers and collinearity; (c) smoothers; (d) robust regression; and (e) resampling methods. Students taking the course should have completed an introductory course in probability and statistics.

Study of basic analysis techniques, stressing application to public policy. The course includes measurement, descriptive statistics, data collection, probability, exploratory data analysis, hypothesis testing, simple and multiple regression, correlation, and graphical procedures. Some training is offered in the use of computers. No previous training in statistics is required. Assumes a fluency in calculus.

Provides a thorough examination of statistical methods employed in public policy analysis, with a particular emphasis on regression methods which are frequently employed in research across the social sciences. Emphasizes intuitive understanding of the central concepts, and develops in students the ability to choose and employ the appropriate tool for a particular research problem, and understand the limitations of the techniques.

Focuses primarily on the analysis of survey data using generalized linear statistical models. The course starts with a review of linear models for continuous responses and then proceeds to consider logistic regression models for count data - including rates and contingency tables - and hazard models for duration data. Attention is paid to the logical and mathematical foundations of the techniques, but the main emphasis is on applications, including computer usage. Assumes prior exposure to statistics at the level 507c or higher and familiarity with matrix algebra and calculus.

This course teaches state-of-the-art survey methods. Topics covered include source of error in survey design and analysis, statistical concepts, questionnaire development and testing, data collection options, data preparation, experimental designs in surveys, and focus group methods. Survey research will be compared to alternative methods. Special cases include survey designs for election polls, litigation support, public utility commissions, and federal regulatory agencies.

Other Courses of Interest

An examination of the economics of the labor market, especially the forces determining the supply of and demand for labor, the level of unemployment, labor mobility, the structure of relative wages, and the general level of wages.

The course surveys both the theoretical literature and the relevant empirical methods and results in selected current research topics in labor economics.

An examination of those areas in the economic analysis of development where there have been recent analytical or empirical advances. Emphasis is given to the formulation of theoretical models and econometric analysis and testing. Topics covered include models of household/farm behavior, savings behavior, equity and efficiency in pricing policy, project evaluation, measurement of poverty and inequality, and the analysis of commodity prices.

This course exposes students to the logic of empirical investigation in sociology and to basic methods of measurement, hypothesis testing, and causal analysis. Particular attention is given to hypothesis formulation and to techniques of comparative research.

Description not available.

This course teaches you how to write a theoretically informed sociological research paper. You will choose a research question that is related to a tradition of sociological research. To answer this question, you will then select a data set from the CIT data archives and analyze the data yourself, using elementary or advanced statistical methods. The requirement is that you finish a paper that is suitable for submission to a professional journal or conference.

Courses 511 and 512 provide systematic exposition of principles and techniques of economic theory that are most useful in analyzing the economic aspects of public affairs. The courses are divided into separate sections according to a student's previous experience with economics and the student's level of mathematical sophistication. The basic level assumes a fluency in high-school algebra as a minimum, while the advanced level assumes a fluency in calculus.

Courses 511 and 512 provide systematic exposition of principles and techniques of economic theory that are most useful in analyzing the economic aspects of public affairs. The courses are divided into separate sections according to a student's previous experience with economics and the student's level of mathematical sophistication. The basic level assumes a fluency in high-school algebra as a minimum, while the advanced level assumes a fluency in calculus.

This course explores ways to judge the efficacy of policies and programs, to assess the benefits and costs of policy or program changes; to develop and implement research-based program improvement strategies; and to use program accountability systems for evaluation purposes. Students study a wide range of research tools; read and discuss a wide range of evaluation papers and reports; and complete an applied evaluation project.

A survey of recent trends in employment and poverty to shed light on the forces that underlie rising inequality. Special emphasis is devoted to demographic groups at high risk of poverty, including youth, the unskilled, immigrants and minorities. Also reviews a broad range of policies that bear on the future of work in the United States.

Introduces a set of quantitative tools that are widely used in urban and regional planning practice. Focuses on the development of an operational understanding of techniques for applied decision analysis and modeling of demographic change, regional economic systems, land use and facility location, and infrastructure systems.

This course analyzes a wide variety of health care issues from an economic perspective. It begins with a review of basic economic theory, basic empirical strategies in health and an overview of fundamental institutional aspects of health care in the US. Sample topics: What are the determinants of health? Do drug addicts behave rationally? Do health insurance markets work as other markets? Should the government regulate health care provision and insurance markets? Why have health care costs risen, is this a problem? What have been the effects of managed care? Are physicians paid more than they deserve? Other topics guided by student interest.

This course provides in-depth analysis of selected topics in biotechnology that are currently the focus of intense debate in the public and policy arenas. Topics include genetic modification of plants and animals, genetic testing in human populations, stem cells, cloning, and advanced reproductive technologies. Each topic is examined from the perspective of potential commercial applications, risk/benefit analysis, impact on individuals and society, the viewpoints of supporters and detractors, and the political response in the U.S. and other countries.

This workshop will explore priority issues for the New Jersey State Department of Education related to the implications of the 1998 NJ Supreme Court decision in the case of Abbott v. Burke Abbott, which aimed to address issues of equity, efficiency, and outcomes in the state's K-12 education system. Workshop participants will conduct background reading over the summer. The project will address issues such as the implications of the Abbott decision for student outcomes in Abbott district schools.

This course is designed as a practical introduction to the use of computer mapping (Geographic Information systems) for policy analysis and decision-making. Students learn MapInfo through examples of map applications. Students are expected to complete exercises and a final project applying GIS to a policy issue.

This course evaluates currently popular education reforms from an economic perspective. Topics covered include: policies to increase educational attainment; compulsory schooling; class-size reduction initiatives; school finance reforms; school vouchers; and race-sensitive college admissions policies.

*indicates topics courses varying by year

Click here to view a list of undergraduate course available.

Page last updated on November 12, 2002.