040298 UK Labor Economics (BA) (2018W)

Content

This course aims at introducing students to the theory and empirics of labour economics. We will discuss the prevalent economic theories and examine recent empirical evidence, with an emphasis on the application of appropriate empirical methods. Covered topics include labour supply, the role of education and skills, unemployment, discrimination, earnings inequality and labour market policies.

Typical research questions in labour economics are: What are the returns to schooling? What is the impact of technical change on jobs and wages? Why are women paid less? How does unemployment insurance affect labour supply?

Course goals

At the end of the course, students should have a comprehensive understanding of the labour market and be able to analyse related policy questions. Based on their knowledge of analytical tools and methods, they should be able to critically judge research conducted in labour economics.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of econometrics and microeconomics (as taught in core courses).