Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module ECON3081: LABOUR ECONOMICS

Department: Economics

ECON3081: LABOUR ECONOMICS

Type	Tied	Level	3	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2024/2025	Module Cap		Location	Durham

Tied to	L100
Tied to	L106
Tied to	L109
Tied to	L103
Tied to	L104
Tied to	L105
Tied to	LL12
Tied to	LL02
Tied to	L1R1
Tied to	LL01
Tied to	VL52
Tied to	VLL6
Tied to	VLLA
Tied to	CFG0
Tied to	CFC0
Tied to	FGC0
Tied to	CFG1
Tied to	CFC1
Tied to	FGC1
Tied to	CFG2
Tied to	CFC2
Tied to	LA01
Tied to	LA02
Tied to	LA03
Tied to	LMVA
Tied to	LMV0
Tied to	LMVP

Prerequisites

Macroeconomics (ECON2011) AND Microeconomics (ECON2021) OR Economic Theory (ECON2291)

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

None.

Aims

The module aims to build upon material introduced at Levels 1 and 2 in order to develop an understanding of some of the principal issues in modern labour economics, while providing opportunities to practise and develop a range of key skills.

Content

Topics are likely to include:
The demand and supply for labour
Models of trade union determination
Minimum wages
Worker participation
Job search and unemployment
Human capital and information
Compensating differentials
Discrimination in the labour market
Incentives, labour effort and pay

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of modern labour economics, drawing on relevant theory and empirical evidence.

Subject-specific Skills:

On completion of the module, students should be able to apply the tools of economic analysis to selected issues in labour market policy.

Key Skills:

Written Communication - through formative and summative assessment
Initiative - by selecting and researching relevant literature and information in preparation for tutorial classes, formative assessment and the written examination.
Problem solving and analysis - by exercising critical thinking in applying relevant theory and empirical evidence to the analysis of problems and issues encountered in seminar worksheets and summative assessment.
Numeracy - by applying core mathematical and quantitative skills to complete a range of seminar exercises.
Computer Literacy and Information Retrieval - by word processing, accessing and downloading material form DUO, using e-mail to communicate with class leader and other students, undertaking bibliographic search and information retrieval for their student-centred learning topic.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Teaching is by lectures, seminars and support for student-centred learning. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminar classes and private study (including student-centred learning). Formative assessment is by means of a piece of written work. Summative assessment is by means of a written examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Lectures	20	1 per week	1 hour	20
Seminars	8	4 in term 1, 4 in term 2	1 hour	8	■
Revision Lecture	2	2 in term 3	1 hour	2
Preparation and Reading				170
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
One in-person written examination	2 hours	100%	Same

Formative Assessment:

One written piece of work to prepare students for the summative examination.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University