ECON30360 Labour Economics

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module applies standard economic theory to labour market issues. Unlike most labour economics courses, its starting point is the focus on imperfect labour markets. Unlike competitive markets, imperfect labour markets allow firms and workers to enjoy rents. Such markets are characterized by the presence of many labour market institutions: systems of laws and programs that shape the behaviour of market agents. We will also take account of the fact that institutions do not operate in a vacuum and there may be significant policy interactions.
Topics may include (i) labour demand in the long and short-run; (ii) labour supply and the influence of taxes and transfers on labour force participation and on hours worked; (iii) human capital and how it influences earnings; (iv) compensating wage differentials; (v) household production; (vii) labour market frictions such as minimum wages (viii) discrimination (ix) migration.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should: (i) understand how the labour market functions in terms of interaction between the forces of supply and demand and the relevant institutions; (ii) be able to apply basic economic analysis to problems such as the effects of tax changes on labour supply and employment; (iii) appreciate the complex roles of education, training, and job experience in determining the structure of earnings.

Indicative Module Content:

Key topics are Minimum wages, trade unions & collective bargaining, Discrimination, Family policies, Education & training
Migration policies, Unemployment benefits, Active labour market policies, Payroll taxes

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

78
Online Learning

22
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Students should attend lectures and attempt the problem sheets associated with each topic/chapter. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

A knowledge of basic Principles of Microeconomics is strongly recommended and familiarity with calculus including optimization and basic algebra.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ECON20090 - Labour Economics


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Students will be assigned an essay topic. Week 7 n/a Graded No

25
Essay: Students will be assigned an essay topic. Week 9 n/a Graded No

25
Essay: Students will be assigned an essay topic. Week 4 n/a Graded No

25
Essay: Students will be assigned an essay topic. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

25

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

General feedback will be provided.