Required Text: George J. Borjas -
Labor Economics, 6th edition (The
McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc.)
Additional References:
* Orley Ashenfelter and Richard Layard (editors)- Handbook of Labor Economics
* Ronald Ehrenberg and Robert Smith - Modern Labor Economics (Addison-Wesley)
Brief Outline: Labor economics analyzes the problems of the labor market by applying to them the theory and the elementary tools of economics. It deals with how households enhance their economic well being by participating in work behavior. The basic question concerns earnings distribution: what role does the labor market play in explaining why some households are well-off than others? Topics covered include education and training, fringe benefits and the structure of compensation, occupational choice, immigration, labor market discrimination, labor-force participation and the effects of unions.
Grading: There will be two mid-term exams (25% each) and a
final exam (30%). You are expected to make class presentations and discussions.
Written homework and reading assignments will be required. Presentations, discussions
and homework assignments will comprise 20% of your grade.