Labor Economics

Undergraduate

What determines wages? Why is there unemployment? How will artificial intelligence affect workers? This course is an introduction to the economics of the labor market. We cover theoretical models and study real-world data. We aim to understand policies (for example, minimum wages) and institutions (for example, labor unions), their effects, and their advantages and disadvantages. Prerequisite: Introductory Microeconomics (ECON 108,110, or 115) For some topics, students will benefit from familiarity with ideas covered in a first course in statistics or econometrics (for example, Econ 117), and in introductory macroeconomics (Econ 111 or 116), but neither of these is required. All necessary material from both will be taught without assuming students are familiar with it in any way. SO MW 2:35pm-3:50pm