Course 2016-2017 a.y.

20294 - LABOUR ECONOMICS


CLMG - M - IM - MM - AFC - CLEFIN-FINANCE - CLELI - ACME - DES-ESS - EMIT - GIO

Department of Economics

Course taught in English

Go to class group/s: 31
CLMG (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - M (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - IM (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - MM (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - AFC (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - CLEFIN-FINANCE (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - CLELI (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - ACME (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - DES-ESS (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  12 credits SECS-P/01) - EMIT (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01) - GIO (6 credits - II sem. - OP  |  SECS-P/01)
Course Director:
JEROME FRANS ADDA

Classes: 31 (II sem.)
Instructors:
Class 31: JEROME FRANS ADDA



Course Objectives

The purpose of the course is to provide the basic analytical and empirical tools enabling to write an MA-level dissertation in Labour Economics. Consistently with the teaching of labor at the undergraduate level, particular emphasis is given to the role of institutions in affecting the operation of such markets.


Course Content Summary

The first part of the course provides the key analytical tools to be used in the reminder of the course. We proceed in parallel going through the theoretical and the empirical literature. On the theory side, the key framework used in the analysis of equilibrium unemployment and institutional interactions, the Mortensen and Pissarides model, is presented together with micro-founded models of product-labour and finance-labour interactions. In the review of the empirical literature, particular attention is devoted to difference-in-differences methods, which have been widely used in investigating the effects of institutions on labor market dynamics.

Thus, the focus is on four sets of institutions:

  • Wage setting institutions (unions, collective bargaining and the minimum wage).
  • Wage differentials, education and equal opportunity.
  • Policies affecting the intensive margin (payroll taxes, short-time work, family policies, part-time).
  • Flexicurity (unemployment benefits, employment protection, active labour market policies).

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Attending students:

Are required to present one of the key papers during the class. This will amount to 30% of the final grade. Students are required to write a critical report of the paper (with replication if applicable). This will amount to 30% of the final grade. The remaining 40% of the final grade will be assessed through a final written exam.

Non-attending students:

Are required to write a critical report of an assigned paper and to take the final written exam.


Textbooks

  • T. BOERI, J. VANOURS, The Economics of Imperfect Labor Markets, Princeton University Press, 2nd edition.
  • P. Cahuc, S. Carcillo, A. Zylberberg, Labour economics, MIT Press, 2nd edition.

Additional readings are provided at the beginning of the course.    

Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)

Prerequisites

The background in Econometrics is highly recommended.

Last change 20/05/2016 15:22