ECC3710 - Labour economics - Monash University

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Overview

This unit provides you with the theoretical and empirical knowledge to analyse the functioning of labour markets with a focus on policy-related issues. The first part of the unit introduces you to the concept of labour market equilibrium. It does so through the study of the neo-classical model of labour supply and labour demand decisions, including a discussion of how well these theories explain observed patterns in the data. The second part of the unit further develops these models to examine a number of key topics in labour economics and to evaluate the effects of labour market policies. These topics include, but are not limited to: non-competitive labour markets, the relationship between wages and undesirable job characteristics, the labour market effects of educational and training investments, as well as contemporary issues such as labour mobility, discrimination and income inequality.

Offerings

S1-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Requisites

Prerequisite

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Claudio Labanca

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

build a conceptual framework that allows students to analyse the incentives and behaviour that determine the labour demand and labour supply decisions, and how these generate an equilibrium in the labour market

develop the theoretical and empirical tools to understand the labour market effects of a range of policies and economic changes. Example of such policies or economic changes include, but are not limited to: minimum wage laws, technological changes, welfare programs, educational and on-the-job training programs, affirmative actions

develop the skills to critically examine contemporary issues such as labour mobility, labour market discrimination and income inequality.

Teaching approach

Active learning

Assessment

1 - Within semester assessment

2 - Examination

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Lectures

Tutorials

Workload requirements

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Learning resources

Technology resources

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.
Electronics, calculators and tools: $40