Ateneo - UPO

This course explores labor market policies using economic theories and empirical evidence. Topics include labor supply and demand, wage determination, human capital, labor market discrimination, and the impact of government policies on labor markets. The course is designed at an intermediate level.

George Borjas (2024) Labor Economics, 9th Edition, McGraw Hill. ISBN10: 1264201419. ISBN13:9781264201419.

OR

George Borjas (2020) Labor Economics, 8th Edition, McGraw Hill. ISBN10: 1260004724. ISBN13:9781260004724.

- Understand the basic theories of labor economics.
- Analyze labor market trends and policy impacts.
- Apply economic models to real-world labor market issues.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of various labor market policies.

Students enrolling in this course should have a foundational understanding of microeconomic principles. This includes familiarity with concepts such as supply and demand, consumer behavior, production and costs, market structures, and welfare economics.

The course will predominantly use frontal lectures to cover theoretical foundations and empirical evidence. Additionally, students will read, present, and discuss academic papers to deepen their understanding and encourage critical analysis of labor market policies.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) can request specific services and tools by contacting the Career Development and Student Services Staff and by consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentidisabili-e-dsa.
Once they have contacted the University Staff, students with disabilities, SLD, or SEN can get in touch with the professor in charge of the course to discuss the specific arrangements for the examination and other teaching-related aspects.
For any other information and clarification about the course program, please contact Dr. Traverso via email. For any further information and clarification regarding the course program, please contact Dr. Traverso via email.

Assessment will be based on a written exam. Students' presentations and active participation in lectures will grant additional points.

Introduction to Labor Economics:
- Overview and significance of labor economics.

Labor Market Dynamics:
- Labor Supply: Theories, determinants, and labor force participation.
- Labor Demand: Firm's labor demand, marginal productivity theory.
- Labor Market Equilibrium: Wage determination, interaction of supply and demand.

Wages and Compensation:
- Compensating Wage Differentials: Wage differences due to job characteristics and risk.
- Wage Distribution: Factors influencing wage distribution and inequality.
- Incentive Pay: Performance-based pay, efficiency wages, executive compensation.

Human Capital and Mobility:
- Education: Role of education and training in the labor market.
- Labor Mobility: Migration, immigration, and job turnover.

Labor Market Issues:
- Labor Market Discrimination: Types, measurement, and policies addressing discrimination.
- Labor Unions: Union formation, collective bargaining, and their impact.
- Unemployment: Types, causes, consequences, and measurement of unemployment.

By the end of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of labor market dynamics, wage determination, human capital, labor mobility, discrimination, union activities, and unemployment. They will be able to critically analyze labor market policies and apply economic theories to real-world issues.