Labour Economics

Subject ECON30006 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2016.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

One of:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Summer Term, Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

AND:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Summer Term, Semester 1
12.50
Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Please refer to Prerequisites and Corequisites.

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

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Subject Overview:

This subject examines how labour markets function, the market where employers and workers interact. Topics include labour supply, labour demand, wage determination, education and training, compensating wage differentials, unions and collective bargaining, labour market discrimination, earnings inequality, unemployment and analysis of current labour market policy issues. Data and empirical studies from Australia and other countries will be used to illustrate theoretical work.

Learning Outcomes:

• Evaluate and interpret the labour market policies of governments, unions and other actors in the labour market;
• Identify the actions of economic actors within the labour market, and identify various outcomes of the labour market, that are driven by economic incentives;
• Critically analyse labour market quantitative research;
• Synthesise information on different actors and outcomes across the various labour market topics;
• Analyse labour market issues through the application of economic data and theories.

Assessment:

A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (70%) and assignments not exceeding 30 pages (30%).

Prescribed Texts:

You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • High level of development: written communication; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information.

  • Moderate level of development: oral communication; collaborative learning; problem solving; team work; statistical reasoning;accessing data and other information from a range of sources; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

  • Some level of development: use of computer software.

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