EC322-Economics of Labour

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: EC201 Intermediate Microeconomics or EC201NU Intermediate Microeconomics and EC204 Introductory Econometrics or EC204NU Introductory Econometrics or EC207 Empirical Methods for Economics and Social Sciences
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Sarah Jewell
Email: s.l.jewell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module concentrates on the more microeconomic aspects of the labour market. It contains both theoretical and applied components, with the idea to introduce and discuss some basic labour market theoretical models and how these can be applied to current policy issues of the labour market.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with tools needed to examine a range of labour market issues. It also introduces the student to some basic theoretical models and how these can be applied to study labour markets issues, so that students are able to analyse labour market data and published empirical findings from a critical perspective.

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students should:

1. know and understand a range of theoretical microeconomic labour market models and how these can be applied to current policy issues, as well as recognising the limitations of these models.


2. have gained knowledge and understanding of current topical issues in the labour market.


3. have developed microeconomic and methodological tools that enable them to explore and analyse labour market data.


4. be able to critically analyse published empirical work relating to labour market issues.

Additional outcomes:

Contribute to the contemporary debates in relation to current labour market issues.

Extend data and econometric software skills.

Outline content:

Topics will include topics from under labour supply, labour demand and human capital. Examples of topics that may be covered include: discrimination, wage inequality, skills, migration, the principal agent problem.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The lectures will be used to present and discuss the main module material. Students are expected to watch any screencasts and read any suggested readings in advance of lectures.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Practicals classes and workshops		4
Guided independent study:		176
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Project output other than dissertation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:
There is no final examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be one project worth 50% and an assignment worth 50%.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A minimum overall mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination for all modules takes place in August of the same year. Reassessment is by coursework only; a new essay and set exercise will be set. However, if only one of the set exercise or essay fails to meet the standard, then the student will only be required to re-submit the assignment for which they previously failed. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  There may be optional costs associated with photocopying or printing sources listed on the reading list relating to this module. Please note that the Library charges approximately 5p per photocopy.

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 24 April 2023