Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - ECON 280 D100

Introduction to Labor Economics (3)

Class Number: 4448

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 17, 2023
    Sun, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 103 with a minimum grade of C- or ECON 113 with a minimum grade of A-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Basic analysis of the labor market and the industrial relations system with emphasis on the major issues of public policy in Canada. Students who have taken COMM 280, ECON 301, 305 or 381 may not take ECON 280 for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

An introduction to economic theory and empirical work in the context of labour markets. We will discuss basic analysis of the labour market and industrial relations systems, with emphasis on major issues in public policy. There will be required readings from the text book.

The ultimate goal of the course is to sharpen your economic thinking and develop a critical sense of how to evaluate labour market policy. We will find that policy assessment is crucially based on some economic model in the back of your mind. I hope to bring this insight to the front of your mind. We will spend considerable time evaluating models in the context of policy, and policy in the context of models.


Grading

  • Assignments 30%
  • Midterm 25%
  • Final 45%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

An Introduction to the Canadian Labour Market, by Helmar Drost and J. Richard Hird, Nelson, 4th edition, 2014


ISBN: 978-0-17-667002-3

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.