Labour Economics

Subject ECON40008 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2013.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Lectures and workshops totalling three hours per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Admission into BH-COM or BH-ARTS (Economics) and both of the following:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2013
12.50
Corequisites:

None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Please refer to Prerequisites and Corequisites.
Non Allowed Subjects:

Students may not gain credit for both ECON40008 Labour Economics and ECON90013 Labour Economics.
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

mcoelli@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This is an advanced subject in labour economics. Topics to be covered will include: overview of labour market outcomes in Australia; labour supply (including labour force participation, hours of work, and the effects of public policy); labour demand; human capital; labour market discrimination; unemployment; wage determination; earnings distributions; impact of unions. Other topics may include labour market flows (including the analysis of quits and layoffs), immigration, and employment structures within firms. In each topic relevant theory and empirical research (especially relevant Australian studies) will be examined.
Objectives:

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • Describe the fundamental features of a labour market, its operation, and role in the economy;
  • Apply relevant microeconomic and macroeconomic theory to explain the main potential determinants of labour market outcomes;
  • Critically evaluate empirical evidence on the operation of labour markets, and on the main determinants of labour market outcomes;
  • Formulate simple theoretical models of the operation of the labour market, and design strategies for empirically testing theories
Assessment:

A 2-hour examination (70%) and essay totalling not more than 2000 words (20%), and problem sets (10%).
Prescribed Texts:

You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • High level of development: application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis.

  • Moderate level of development: oral communication; written communication; problem solving; statistical reasoning; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information; use of computer software; accessing data and other information from a range of sources; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

  • Some level of development: collaborative learning; team work.

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