Economics 150A - Labor Economics

Course Outline

Spring 2010

Tentative- check back during the first week of class

Course Description

Analyzes the determinants of labor supply, labor demand, and equilibrium. Primary concern is with theories and methods of labor economics. Topics include the work-incentive effects of income-support programs and the effects of immigration on labor markets.

The required textbook is: George Borjas. Labor Economics, Fifth Edition, 2008. Irwin McGraw-Hill. Earlier versions of this book should work for both 150a and 150b. There will be copies of the text on 2 hour reserve in the library.

All class material will be posted on-line. You will also find statistics and other materials related to the course. It is strongly suggested you periodically check for updated information or material to supplement the lectures.

The link is: http://econ.ucsb.edu/~benelli/

This course requires a degree of comfort with working through formal arguments (mathematical, logical, and graphical). Formally, you should be able to deal with simple algebra, graphical proofs, and calculus. Completion of Economics 100a and 100b are required for this class.

Office hours

Mon 12:00-2:00

Office hours during finals week:

tba

Grading

Homework 2 Assignments worth 5% each

Midterm Wed tba

Final Date announced by the office of the registrar, check the schedule

Your tests will be a combination of problem solving and short answer essay. Your grade will be calculated using one of the following methods.

Method 1

• Two homework’s worth 5% each. One midterm will be worth 35%. Your final will count for 55% of your grade.

Method 2

• Two homework’s worth 5% each. One midterm will be worth 25%. Your final will count for 65% of your grade.

Method 3

• Two homework’s worth 5% each. One midterm will be worth 0%. Your final will count for 90% of your grade.

Method 3 applies to students who miss the midterm.

Make-up Exams

No makeup exams will be given in this course. If you cannot attend the scheduled final time, you should drop this class immediately. If you miss the final, your final will be worth 0%. Midterms will not be counted at a higher percent in lieu of the final.

Assignments

See http://econ.ucsb.edu/~benelli/homework_guidelines.htm for all directions and guidelines.

Assignments Online Posting Date Due Date

Assignment 1 tba tba (Wed)

Assignment 2 tba tba (Wed)

Course Outline

Class readings are posted on the course webpage.

The textbook provides an alternative point of view of the material taught in class. For some students, the textbook will clarify and strengthen points made in class. For other students, lecture will be the primary source for understanding the textbook.

All dates and topics listed in this syllabus are tentative in the sense that I reserve the right to change them. While it is possible that the topics covered may change slightly as we progress through the course, it is unlikely the assignment due dates will change, and exam dates will not change.