EC363-6-SP-CO:
Labour Economics

The details
2024/25
Economics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
20 August 2024

 

Requisites for this module
EC202
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

(none)

Module description

This course investigates the determination of labour market outcomes (wages and employment) and discusses why and how differences across individuals may occur. In the beginning of the course we develop the basic analytical tools necessary for understanding wage and employment formation, and discuss what makes the labour market an important and a special type of market.

After this, the basic models are extended to analyse how and why labour market outcomes differ across groups and over time, in particular in terms of the increased inequality of wages and the convergence of male and female market outcomes. Throughout the course, practical examples are used to highlight the applicability of labour economics to current issues and policies.

Module aims

The aim of the course is to apply economic analysis to the determination of wages and employment. Emphasis is placed both on the acquisition of analytical tools and on knowledge of how labour markets have changed in recent years.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to use economic analysis to understand the reasons for and significance of recent trends in the labour market and to evaluate particular policy interventions. Students will demonstrate their written communication skills in completing the term paper for the course.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

Two 1-hour lectures per week in one term and an additional 5 hours of class/seminar sessions. Feedback for this module will occur through class meetings where we will go over the answers to problem sets and where you will be able to ask questions about your own method of solution; answers that will be posted on the website for the module that will give you written guidance on the appropriate method to approach the problems, assignments, and tests; and office hours where any additional questions can be addressed. You should be sure that you use these methods to understand how to improve your own performance. For modules including a term paper, the term paper will be returned with individualised feedback that addresses what the marking criteria are and how you could improve your own work.

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   EC363 mid term Moodle test 7th March 2025 09:00-11:00     
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book, 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period) 

Additional coursework information

One formative assessment, consists of a short problem set. Participation in the formative assessment is compulsory: failure to do so is evidence of unsatisfactory academic progress.

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
50% 50%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
50% 50%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Elif Kubilay, email: elif.kubilay@essex.ac.uk.
Lectures & classes: Dr Elif Kubilay
For further information, send an email message to ueco@essex.ac.uk.

 

Availability
Yes
Yes
No

External examiner

No external examiner information available for this module.
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 30 hours, 26 (86.7%) hours available to students:
4 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Economics

Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.