Ateneo - UPO

The structure of a population depends on complex social, economic, and cultural mechanisms inherent to human societies. Individual behaviors, adaptation strategies, and migratory flows shape demographic growth processes, determining their composition by age, gender, and origin. Concurrently, the social division of labor, gender roles, and the positioning of diverse human groups profoundly influence the local economic system. Within this framework, the course aims to provide the methodological foundations to analyze the spatial distribution of human resources and their dynamics of change over time and space, offering a clear interpretative key to the evolutionary phenomena that characterize them.

ATTENDING STUDENTS: - E-learning lessons uploaded on "DIR" digital teaching platform - presentation of a group work; NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS: - E-learning lessons and documents uploaded on "DIR" digital teaching platform

The student will be able to understand methodologies of economic geographical analysis and their applications and recognize geographical problems of the population. The student will also be able to read into phenomena of development and underdevelopment in a systemic and multi-scale perspective and read and formulate critical judgments on the dynamics if the population. He can analyse the link between the population and the economic system.
The course aims to enable the student to analyse the main characteristics and dynamics of the population and, in the most advanced cases, to produce new solutions and use the theoretical knowledge acquired appropriately. During the examination, it will be possible to measure these objectives. The course awards 2 CFU (ECTS), corresponding to a total workload of 50 hours: 15 hours are allocated to in-person educational activities, comprising both lecture-based instruction and interactive learning sessions; the remaining hours are dedicated to self-study, via independent review of the reference texts and materials provided on the DIR platform.

Basic knowledge of human and economic geography.

Teaching Methodologies. Lecture-based learning: supported by multimedia tools (PowerPoint presentations, audio, and video content). Case study analysis: examined in-depth through relevant documents, reports, and digital resources. Collaborative learning: guided group discussions in the classroom to foster critical debate. Online learning (E-learning): interaction, material sharing, and discussions via the University's DIR online platform (Didattica In Rete).

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents- physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Assessment is based on the development of a project work. The exam is passed with a minimum grade of 18/30.
The assessment criteria, which consider the knowledge of human and economic geography themes related to the world of work, the coherence of the analysis, literature consultation, the application of multi-scale methodologies, and proficiency in technical language, are organized into the following three grade ranges:
Excellent level: 27–30 and Cum Laude. The student demonstrates an in-depth, comprehensive, and critical knowledge of the themes and issues in human and economic geography. The project work stands out for its accuracy, originality, and a good level of critical elaboration. A strong ability to identify geographical problems concerning human resources within territorial contexts is highlighted, applying the discipline’s methodologies through a systemic perspective. The student demonstrates total autonomy in independent study, the ability to structure complex conceptual connections, formulate independent judgments, and effectively use technical-geographical language. Honors (cum laude) are awarded for achieving the highest level in all these aspects.Intermediate
Good/Satisfactory level: 23–26. The student shows a solid and secure knowledge of the discipline’s themes, supported by a coherent and relevant analysis. Geographical issues relating to human resources are correctly identified through an appropriate application of analytical methodologies. The project reflects a good ability to critically consult geographical literature and structure clear conceptual connections, demonstrating an appreciable degree of autonomy and an appropriate, correct proficiency in technical-geographical language.
Sufficient/based level: 18–22. The student possesses the essential knowledge of human and economic geography, satisfying the minimum requirements for analytical coherence and relevance. The ability to identify geographical problems within territorial contexts and to apply the discipline’s methodologies within the project work is present, but limited or mainly descriptive. A baseline level of autonomy in independent study and an elementary competence in using technical-geographical language are observed. The grade for this course, together with the grade for the course Labor law and industrial relations , contributes to the determination of the final grade for the entire course (Labor law, industrial relations and human resource localization strategies). The final grade is expressed on a scale of 30 and is determined collectively by the instructors in proportion to the credit weight of each individual grade, using the weighted average method.

The course is divided into two-hour lessons, the contents of which are:
- the population and its change;
- HR in different geographical areas
- the structure and evolutionary paths of human resources in the primary, secondary and tertiary economic sectors;
- human resources and multinational companies.
Integration of gender dimension: the course explores the role of gender relations in structuring professional environments. It examines processes of workplace inclusion, with a specific focus on career disparities and the gender pay gap.

The student will be able to understand the population evolution and the human resources organization in a territory.
Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the development and underdevelopment of the territorial assets; Knowledge of the dynamics and processes that generate territorial imbalances.
Making judgements: Reading and making judgements into geographical phenomena of human resources in an economic systemic and multi-scale perspective; use the critical and methodological tools appropriate to the analysis to evaluate geographical phenomena.
Communication: Using the proper economic-geographical terminology to communicate - clearly and effectively - knowledge, information and opinions related to the topics dealt with
Lifelong learning skills: Joining abstract theories with their concrete application on the topics covered
In order to achieve a more advanced level, students are required to show what follows:
- to be able to apply knowledge and understanding in order to capture the implications of the main differences in contemporary world about the human resources.
- to show solid independence of judgment in the insightful evaluation of the economic- human geography of the population
- to develop communicative skills at a high level, in order to use exclusively appropriate scientific terminology and to provide a clear, well structured and consistent account of relevant topics
- to be able to investigate particular topics independently and translating them into didactic and professional contexts.