Labor Economics: Theory, Data, and Policy

3 Units

This course uses economic analysis to understand labor markets. The course will cover the labor demand decisions by profit- maximizing firms and the labor supply decisions by rational workers. Using these tools students will examine labor market structures and government policies which together determine wages, earnings, employment, and hours worked. Students will also examine the relationship between the labor market and investments in physical and human capital. We will also examine how labor market theory and data are applied in research and for policy decisions. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of labor market data to analyze current issues. Students will make extensive use of spreadsheets and other data analysis tools to organize and analyze data and to make graphical presentations. Prereq: ECON 102 .