The COMPETENCES that are developed in the subject:



C1. Identify the economic aspects of labor market problems.

C2. Adapt the usual concepts and techniques of economic analysis to the analysis of the labor market.

C3. Understanding and use of the scientific method: identification of relevant variables, economic and econometric assumptions about the relevant variables, behavioral assumptions, formulation of hypotheses, confrontation of the predictions of economic theory with empirical evidence.

C4. Ability to select and manage information and labor documentation.

C5. Familiarize the student with the use of econometric instruments for the empirical analysis of economic problems.

C6. Ability to interpret data and socioeconomic indicators related to the labor market.

C7. Ability to transmit and communicate in writing and orally using the appropriate terminology and techniques.

C8. To promote teamwork.

C9. Encourage public exposure of issues and debate.



The expected LEARNING OUTCOMES of the course are:



R1. Know and describe how the main labor market variables are calculated.

R2. Know the main sources of information and data on the labor market.

R3. Interpret the assumptions and fundamentals of economic models designed to explain the different economic phenomena of the labor market (employment, unemployment, human capital, etc).

R4. Analyze the main institutions that operate in the determination of wages in the labor market, such as the minimum wage and the unions.

R5. Use statistical packages for the empirical analysis of databases related to the labor market.

R6: Understand the basic concepts of how policies aimed at the labor market should be evaluated.



The TRANSVERSAL COMPETENCES OF THE SUBJECT are:



T1. Identify relevant economic information sources and their content.

T2. Learn the use of statistical and computational tools for data analysis.

T3. Read and communicate professionally in more than one language, especially English.

T4. Oral presentation of papers.

T5. Learn to debate in public.

Topic 1: Introduction to Labor Economics and the Spanish Labor Market

Topic 2: Supply, demand and equilibrium in the Labor market - The basic model.

Topic 3: Investment in Capital

Topic 4: Salary differences

Topic 5: Discrimination in the labor market: types and theories.

Topic 6: Institutions in the Labor Market

Topic 7: Unemployment

Topic 9: Active Employment Policies and their evaluation.

The methodology employed makes use of both theoretical and practical classes. In the theoretical classes, the topics of the programme are presented. In the practical classes, exercises, debates on topics and homework will be carried out.

The subject will be evaluated through mixed evaluation for those who so wish. Several practices of a diverse nature will be carried out: exercises, discussions of topics and homework will be carried out (60% of final grade). Apart from the practices, the theoretical content will be evaluated through two partial exams (40% of final grade, 20% each one).



The mixed assessment option requires a minimum level of participation by the student in the exercises, activities and assignments set by the teacher. This minimum will be announced on the first day of class. If the student does not participate in this minimum, he/she will be assessed by means of a final exam, together with the students who do not opt for the mixed assessment, which will account for 100% of the grade for the subject.





Note: The partial exams allows the exemption on the final exam for the students who pass both of them. Whoever does not pass any of them must go to a final exam with all the theoretical and practical contents.



For those who do NOT opt for the mixed evaluation:



They must take a final exam that will correspond to 100% of the final grade. This exam will assess the skills developed in the subject. Therefore, the final exam may include questions related to both the theoretical part of the subject and the practices carried out in class.

The tests will be face-to-face. In the event that for non-academic reasons the exams cannot be taken in person, the type of exam tests may be modified. Such change will be announced to students in advance.

McConnell C. R., S. L. Brue y D. Macpherson (2007): Economía Laboral. Editorial McGraw-Hill.

George Borjas (2013), Labor Economics, 6ª edición. Editorial McGraw-Hill.

Material uploaded to eGela by the professor.

Basic bibliography

McConnell C. R., S. L. Brue y D. Macpherson (2007): Economía Laboral. Editorial McGraw-Hill.



George Borjas (2013), Labor Economics, 6ª edición. Editorial McGraw-Hill.



Material uploaded to MOODLE by the teacher.

In-depth bibliography

Derek Laing (2011), Labor Economics: Introduction to Classic and New Labor Economics. Editorial W. W. Norton and Company.

Fernández, M. V. Montuenga y D. Riveiro (2009): El mercado de trabajo en España: Otros aspectos relevantes, Ediciones Lóstrego.

Journals

Papeles de Economía Española, various issues.
Ekonomiaz, various issues.
Articles to be uploaded to eGela.
Entries/posts from various sources to be discussed in class.