Main Field of Study and progress level:
Economics: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Economics
Revised by: Rector of Umeå School of Business and Economics, 2021-10-28
Contents
In the first part, the course reviews several of the most common arguments and models used in modern labour economics; The Theory of Compensating Wage Differentials, Job Search, Income/Wage Distribution, Mismatch in the Labour Market, Efficiency Wages etc.
In a second part, the course introduces general empirical approaches to labour economic questions. Finally, several specific topics are discussed; Minimum Wage, Human Capital, Training etc.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student should be able to:
Explain how the labour markets operate in a variety of contexts, such as competitive or not competitive, with or without frictions etc.
Understand how our theoretical understanding of the labour market and our empirical approaches to the labour markets are related.
Show understanding of commonly used data and methods in applied labor market research.
Demonstrate the ability to acquire and convey content in international scientific literature in the field of research.
Required Knowledge
90 credits of which 75 credits in economics including 15 credits bachelor courses (G2F). Additionally, Mathematical Economics I D7 or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
Form of instruction
The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures and student presentations.
Examination modes
The examination takes three forms; the presentation of a recently published academic paper, the written summary of a recently published academic paper and a written examination at the end of the course. Presentations and written assignments are only valid during the given semester. A second exam opportunity is always offered within a short time span after the regular exam date for those students not achieving a Pass. The subsequent exam opportunity is either the re-take opportunity the week before the fall semester or the next regular exam date.
The following grading system will be used: Fail (Underkänd), Pass (Godkänd) and Pass with Distinction (Väl Godkänd).
It is normally not possible to do additional examinations to reach a higher grade. Exceptions can be made for a student with the grade Fail on any of the examinations if the examiner (not the lecturer) finds this appropriate. The task must be a minor undertaking, closely related to the learning outcome not reached, and performed in close proximity to the original examination.
When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the Dean of the Business School.
Credit transfer Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.
Literature
Valid from:
2022 week 1
Literature
The literature will mostly consist of articles.
Reference textbooks
The economics of imperfect labor markets Boeri Tito, Van Ours Jan C. 2. ed. : Princeton : Princeton University Press : 2013 : 434 s. : ISBN: 9780691158938 Search the University Library catalogue Reading instructions: Refecence
Laing Derek Labor economics : introduction to classic and the new labor economics 1. ed. : New York : W.W. Norton & Co. : cop. 2011 : xxvii, 899, [191] p. : ISBN: 9780393979527 Search the University Library catalogue Reading instructions: Reference
Borjas George J. Labor economics 7. ed., international ed. : New York : cop. 2016 : xviii, 569 s. : ISBN: 978-1-259-25236-5 Search the University Library catalogue Reading instructions: Reference
Empirical econometrics
Mostly harmless econometrics : an empiricist's companion Angrist Joshua David., Pischke Jörn-Steffen. Princeton : Princeton University Press : c2009. : 1 online resource (xiii, 373 p.) : ISBN: 9781400829828 Search the University Library catalogue
Manski Charles F. Identification problems in the social sciences Harvard University Press : 1999 : 194 sidor : ISBN: 978-0-674-44284-9 Search the University Library catalogue
Course material, articles and book excerpts will be provided by the department at cost price.