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

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• Describe, analyse, and apply theories in labour economics.
• Explain different labour market phenomena from an economic perspective.
• Interpret and critically evaluate empirical evidence, economic theory, and scientific literature in labour economics.

Course content

The course examines the relationship between theoretical and empirical labour economics research and the systematic development of labour economics theories.

The course includes topics such as:

• Labour supply and labour demand theory
• Labour market equilibrium
• Compensating wage differentials
• Human capital
• Wage structure
• Labour mobility
• Immigration
• Labour market discrimination
• Trade unions
• Incentive pay
• Unemployment

Teaching and working methods

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars, and group work. In addition, students are expected to engage in independent study.

Examination

The course is assessed through:

1. Individual written examination, grading scale: ECTS (A-F)
2. Active participation in seminars, grading scale: Pass/Fail
3. Written group assignments, grading scale: Pass/Fail

To complete the course, students must obtain a Pass for active participation in seminars and for the written group assignments, and at least a grade E on the individual written examination. The final course grade is determined by the grade awarded on the individual written examination.

Detailed information is provided 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