Labour Economics, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• 60 ECTS credits undergraduate studies with at least 30 ECTS credits in Economics or equivalent
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to: 
- understand, analyse, and apply theories of labour economics;
- explain various phenomena in the labour market;
- interpret and critically assess empirical results, reports, and scientific papers in labour economics.

Course content

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with traditional topics in labour economics. The course will cover the systematic development of theories in labour economics. The course includes topics such as theory of labour demand and supply, labour market equilibrium, compensating wage differentials, human capital, wage structure, labour mobility, immigration, labour market discrimination, unions, incentive pay, and unemployment. The connection between theoretical and empirical labour economic research will be emphasized in this course.

Teaching and working methods

The course consists of lectures, seminars and assignments. Homework and independent study are a necessary complement to the course. Language of instruction: Swedish or English.

Examination

Examination takes the form of a learning portfolio, in which active participation in seminars, course assignments, and an individual written take-home examination will be included. Detailed information can be found in the study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

About teaching and examination language

The teaching language is presented in the Overview tab for each course. The examination language relates to the teaching language as follows: 

• If teaching language is “Swedish”, the course as a whole could be given in Swedish, or partly, or as a whole, in English. Examination language is Swedish, but parts of the examination can be in English.
• If teaching language is “English”, the course as a whole is taught in English. Examination language is English.
• If teaching language is “Swedish/English”, the course as a whole will be taught in English if students without prior knowledge of the Swedish language participate. Examination language is Swedish or English depending on teaching language.

Department