EC423     
Labour Economics

This information is for the 2019/20 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Alan Manning 32L.2.36 and Dr Guy Michaels 32L.2.10

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, MSc in Economics and MSc in Economics (2 Year Programme). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Pre-requisites

Students must have completed Introductory Course in Mathematics and Statistics (EC400).

In exceptional circumstances, students may take this course without EC400 provided they meet the necessary requirements and have received approval from the course conveners (via a face to face meeting), the MSc Economics Programme Director and their own Programme Director. Contact the Department of Economics for more information (econ.msc@lse.ac.uk) regarding entry to this course.

Course content

An advanced course in labour economics issues, including theory, evidence and policy. The aim of the course is to familiarise students with main theoretical and empirical issues in current labour economics, and to provide them with the tools for developing independent research interests. The course has a strong applied focus. For each major topic covered we will derive testable implications, provide insights into the research methodology, discuss the advantages and limitations of existing empirical work, and draw policy conclusions. Topics include: labor supply and welfare systems, human capital, immigration, inequality and technological change, gender and racial pay gaps, minimum wages, job search, and unemployment.

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the MT. 20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the LT.

Formative coursework

At Least two marked assignments per term.

Indicative reading

Most of the reading is from journal articles. A detailed reading list is available on Moodle.

Assessment

Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 15 minutes) in the summer exam period.
Essay (50%, 6000 words) in the ST.

Key facts

Department: Economics

Total students 2018/19: 21

Average class size 2018/19: 21

Controlled access 2018/19: No

Value: One Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information