Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2024 - ECON 381 D100

Labor Economics (3)

Class Number: 2335

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 201 with a minimum grade of C-; 60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Analysis of the economics of the labor market with particular emphasis on the roles of skills, technology, discrimination, market power, family life, and public policy in determining wages and working conditions. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Labour economics studies a market that is of intense interest for many upper-division university students: the market for workers.  We will discuss topics such as labour supply, labour demand, wage determination, human capital (education and training), discrimination, unemployment, and labour market policy.

Topics:

  1. Data and evidence in labour economics
  2. Labour supply
  3. Labour demand
  4. Wages and employment in the labour market
  5. Human capital
  6. Immigration
  7. Discrimination and wage differentials
  8. Unions and collective bargaining
  9. Additional topics as selected by the students

Grading

  • Weekly quizzes 10%
  • Small writing assignments 10%
  • 1 Midterm exam 20%
  • 2nd Midterm exam 20%
  • Final exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Benjamin, Gunderson, Lemiuex, Riddell, Schirle; Labour Market Economics, 9th Edition. McGraw Hill, 2021.
 -Used copies of earlier editions are also acceptable.


RECOMMENDED READING:

None

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html