Course Description:

Labour economics encompasses the questions of the supply of and demand for labour in the aggregate and of various skills. Alternative approaches to these questions will be discussed as well as their effects on the distribution of earnings and the level of unemployment

Course Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, as a successful student, you will be able to:

1. Analyze supply and demand behaviors in labour markets and understand how the interaction between supply and demand determines wages and employment.

2. Explain why there are wage differentials exist among workers and the wage structures across markets.

3. Evaluate the effects of government policies, such as minimum wage laws and income maintenance schemes.

4. Apply human capital theory to explain the decision to invest in human capital.

5. Explain causes and consequences of unemployment.

6. Describe empirical findings on the theory of labour demand, labour supply and their interaction.

Textbook and Course Materials:

Required: Labour Market Economics, 9th edition, by Benjamin, Gunderson, Lemieux, Riddell and

Schirle

Below is the link to the paperback and e-book versions of the textbook that students can purchase through the Book Store:

campus=UWO&term=W2022B&courses%5B0%5D=001_UW/ECO2155B

Important notes:

1. Access to Connect is not required for all assessments.

2. I will assign readings and practice questions based on the 9th edition.

All course material will be posted to OWL: http://owl.uwo.ca. Lectures will be based on the book and follow the book; however, they will also include extra material not found in the book such as practice and examples.

If students need assistance with the course OWL site, they can seek support on the OWL Help page. Alternatively, they can contact the Western Technology Services Helpdesk. They can be contacted by phone at 519-661-3800 or ext. 83800.

Topics Covered and Readings:

Below is the tentative outline for this course with references to book chapters in parentheses. Modifications should be expected.

1. Introduction

Introduction to labour market economics [Ch. 1]

2. Labour Supply

The theory of labour supply [Ch. 2]

Labour supply and public policy [Ch. 3]

Labour supply over the life cycle [Ch. 4]

3. Labour Demand

Demand for labour in competitive labour markets [Ch. 5]

Labour demand, non-wage benefits, and quasi-fixed costs [Ch. 6]

4. Wages and employment in a single labour market [Ch. 7]

5. Wage differentials

Compensating wage differentials [Ch. 8]

6. Human capital theory and application

Human capital theory: Applications of human capital theory to education and training [Ch. 9]

7. Wage structures across markets [Ch. 10]

8. Discrimination and male-female earnings differentials [Ch. 12]

9. Unemployment

Meaning, measurement, and Canada’s experience [Ch.16]

Causes and consequences [Ch. 17]

Assessments and Grading:

If you are unable to take a midterm due to illness or other serious circumstances, you must get confirmation from Academic Counselling. Once the absence has been approved; the weight of the assessment will be moved to the final exam weight.

Communication:

Students should check the course OWL site every 24-48 hours

Students should use the OWL “messages” tool to email the instructor(s) and teaching assistant(s) Students must email questions in advance and setup an appointment during office hours and a zoom

link will be provided.

Emails will be monitored daily; students will receive a response in 24 – 48 hours

Students with accommodations are responsible for contacting the instructor two weeks prior to an

assessment to confirm and allow for arrangements to be made.

Students are encouraged to answer each other’s questions on the forums. The forums will be

monitored by the instructor or teaching assistant to correct and/or supplement answers provided by students. Questions not answered by other students will receive a response from the instructor or teaching assistant.

Technical Requirements:

Laptop or computer

Stable internet connection

Non-programmable calculator

Microphone and Webcam

Tips on How to be Successful in this Class:

Attend classes, follow the material and ask questions.

Questions are strongly encouraged during lectures and welcomed after a class.

Read the book, practice questions and examples done in class.

Meet with the TA during their office hours and ask practice questions during the term and in

advance of assessments.