Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - ECON 280 D100

Introduction to Labor Economics (3)

Class Number: 1452

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Fri, 12:30–2:20 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 ECON 305 or 381 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Description:

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. 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.

 

 

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Expected learning outcomes

  • Learn some basic facts about various labour markets and labour market policies
  • Learn how to use basic microeconomic theory to analyze issues related to the labour market
  • Understand the role of empirical evidence in the analysis of labour market questions
  • Understand some methods used by economists to generate empirical evidence
  • Gain skill in presenting economic explanations orally, using appropriate terminology

 

Grading

  • Participation 20%
  • Oral Presentations 25%
  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

Participation grades will be earned in tutorials, beginning in the very first week. Students who do not attend will not have the opportunity to make up participation grades.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Students may find the following test useful. It is out of print but will be available in the library and probably can be found cheaply online. An Introduction to the Canadian Labour Market, by Helmar Drost and J. Richard Hird, Nelson, any edition.


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

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.