Labor Economics and Public Policy

Undergraduate / Graduate

Why are people paid what they're paid? We will consider this question using the tools of modern labor economics. Specifically, this course will cover theoretical models and empirical evidence on wage and employment determination. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the effects of government policies on wages and employment. Topics to be covered include: labor supply and demand, taxes and transfers, minimum wages, immigration, human capital and education, discrimination, inequality, labor unions, and unemployment.