Labour economics
Mrs Judy Rich
6 points * Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week * First semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: ECO2020 and ECO2030
Objectives On completion of this subject students should have a clear understanding of the labour market as a factor market; have acquired substantial knowledge of the economic principles underlying the different theoretical perspectives and explanations of the Australian labour markets; have a clear understanding of the institutional features surrounding labour markets, in particular those features surrounding the Australian labour market, the system of arbitration and The Accord; be able to apply, critically, the contrasting theoretical views to an analysis of major contemporary economic problems arising from the labour market; have an ability to present a critical evaluation of contrasting viewpoints through written work.
Synopsis Contrasting theoretical models of the labour market: the neo-classical model, institutional theory such as internal labour markets, Thurow's job competition model and the post-Keynesian model; analysis of the role of trade unions in the labour market; introduction and evaluation of discrimination in the Australian labour market; contrasting theoretical views of the Phillips curve; application of this analysis to a discussion of issues with an emphasis on contemporary problems of labour market reform, discrimination, unemployment and stagflation.
Assessment Written (research assignment): 20% * Essay: 15% * Examination (2 hours): 65%
Prescribed texts
King J E Labour economics: An Australian perspective Macmillan, 1990