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ECON30360

Academic Year 2024/2025

Labour Economics (ECON30360)

Subject:
Economics
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Economics
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Christopher Jepsen
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

The use of AI for any purpose is not allowed in this module.

Some topics covered are: (i) labour supply and the influence of taxes and transfers on labour force participation and on hours worked; (ii) human capital and how it influences earnings; (iii) compensating wage differentials; (iv) education and human capital; (v) mobility / migration; (vi) discrimination.

About this Module

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

Lectures

22

Total

100


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

The use of AI for any purpose is not allowed in this module.

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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Weekly online quizzes on Brightspace Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
15
No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Weekly homework assignments Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
25
No
Exam (In-person): In person final exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
60
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students receive individual feedback on weekly homework assignment; students receive feedback of their score and the correct answer for weekly on-line quizzes.

Name Role
Dimitrios Argyros Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 16:00 - 16:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 14:00 - 14:50