EC380 Labor Economics
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics and Finance
COURSE SYLLABUS, EC380, Labor Economics

Revised October 1989

I. Catalog Description and Credit Hours of Course

The determination of wages, employment, and the quantity and quality of work is examined. (3)

II. Prerequisite(s)

MA134 College Algebra

EC215 Principles of Microeconomics

EC225 Principles of Macroeconomics

III. Purposes or Objectives of the Course

A. To develop an understanding of the general determination of wages and employment in both competitive and noncompetitive labor markets.

B. To develop an understanding of the influence of institutional factors on wages, employment, and the quality of work.

C. To develop an understanding of the macroeconomic aspects of labor in the economy.

IV. Expectations of Students

Normal expectations, including two hours of outside preparation for each one hour of class.

V. Course Outline

A. General theory of wage and employment determination

1. Labor supply

2. Labor demand

3. Wages and employment in competitive and noncompetitive markets

B. Institutional forces influencing wages and employment

1. Labor unions

2. Government

3. Discrimination

4. Labor mobility

5. Structure of wages

C. Labor in the macroeconomy

1. Personal distribution of earnings

2. Labor productivity: wages, prices, and employment

3. Labor's share of national income

4. Employment and unemployment

5. Wages and inflation

VI. Textbook(s) and/or Other Required Materials or Equipment

Contemporary Labor Economics, McConnell, Campbell and Stanley Brue, 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1995.

VII. Basis of Student Evaluation

Performance on tests, regularly scheduled final, homeowrk, quizzes, assignments, reports, or other activities required for the course.