Demography

Once during the semester, you will write a short (23 page) analysis of a news article or opinion piece published in the last month. The purpose of the assignment is to find a demography-related article and critically assess how the topic is being covered. For example, you might find an article about birthrates, migration patterns, or divorce trends. Media coverage often relies on popular assumptions rather than rigorous scientific research; it also involves value judgments (e.g., that immigration is inherently desirable or undesirable). As a result, explanations are sometimes incomplete or misleading. This is your chance to correct the record! Note: To receive full credit, you must incorporate material from class lectures, discussions, or readings. Your paper should have three components: First, provide the headline (along with the publisher’s name and the date of publication) and summarize the article in your own words. What is its focus? For example, if the article is about migration to the U.S., is it addressing rising rates of migration? Differences in the sources of migration? New theories about the causes of migration? Policy changes related to migration? Second, describe the explanation provided in the article. What is the evidence used to justify that explanation? Is it convincing? For example, if the article is about migration, what exactly is the argument? That the U.S. should expand opportunities for migrants through legal pathways? That the slowdown in migration under President Trump is not as dramatic as expected? That the crackdown on Venezuelan migrants is not an effective means of reducing drug trafficking? Third, critique the explanation. Is the argument convincing? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Are there alternative explanations? What does the author get right and wrong about this issue? Remember, you are required to incorporate course material in your answer. (Outside material is allowed but not required.) Be sure to cite your sources if you make specific empirical claims. Articles related to population studies are all over the news. Consider sources such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal along with magazines such as The Atlantic or Harpers. If you have trouble finding an article, or you arent sure whether an article is appropriate, please reach out to me. IMPORTANT: If you are unhappy with your grade on this assignment, I will give you the opportunity to submit a new assignment (based on a different news article), and I will drop the lower of the two grades. This opportunity is only available to students who submitted their original essay by the deadline. For those interested in this opportunity, you will need to submit a second paper no later than March 17.