| Unit name | Labour Economics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EFIMM0041 |
| Credit points | 15 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Patrick Arni |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Successful completion of first-term MSc units |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Economics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit will cover core topics in labour economics. Topics will include labour supply and demand, human capital, job search and unemployment, labor migration and further relevant issues. Particular emphasis is on the interaction of theoretical and empirical modelling and its relevance for economic policy. A major goal is to provide students with the necessary tools that help to analyse the labour market consequences of government interventions, such as minimum wages, social benefits, labour market policies, taxes etc. Recent results of the empirical literature will also be discussed and critically assessed. This course aims at enabling the students to build up evidence-based knowledge and tools to analyse economic issues relevant to labour markets in current economies.
This unit provides a thorough and in-depth treatment of the core topics in labour economics. Basic concepts in labour economics are introduced with particular emphasis on the interaction of theoretical and empirical modelling. The students will be equipped with the knowledge to critically assess empirical findings on the impacts of labour market activities, institutions and policy interventions.
The students in the course will learn to understand and critically discuss current research papers and reports in the area of labour economics. They will be able to start independent research projects and evaluation analyses at basic levels.
This unit provides a thorough and in-depth treatment of the core topics in labour economics. Basic concepts in labour economics are introduced with particular emphasis on the interaction of theoretical and empirical modelling. At the end of the unit, successful students will be able to:
(1) critically assess empirical findings on the impacts of labour market activities, institutions and policy interventions.
(2) understand and critically discuss current research papers and reports in the area of labour economics.
(3) demonstrate knowledge on how to design an economic evaluation analysis of labour policy intervention.
Exercise classes will provide the opportunity to apply the new knowledge by analysing current policy, for example on the base of empirical studies or recent newspaper articles.
They will also offer possibilities to gain practical knowledge in how to design own empirical analyses and evaluations based on statistical data.
16 hours lectures
8 hours exercise classes
2 hours final exam
124 hours individual study and preparation for classes
Summative assessment:
2-hour written exam (100%). The exam will test the Intended Learning Outcomes (1), (2) and (3) and the knowledge of related theoretical models, concepts and methodological approaches.
Formative assessment:
A combination of individually assessed and peer reviewed exercises submitted on a regular basis throughout the teaching period, and student-led presentations provide feedback for learning. Class participation and discussion will provide further opportunities for feedback on the students' progress and help them achieve the ILOs (1), (2) and (3).
The course content will mainly rely on articles. Some additional reading includes:
P. Cahuc, S. Carcillo & A. Zylberberg (2014), Labor Economics, (Second Ed.), MIT
Press
G. Borjas (2015), Labor Economics, (Seventh Ed.), McGraw-Hill
T. Boeri & J. van Ours (2013), The Economics of Imperfect Labor Markets,
(Second Ed.), Princeton University Press
