EC 409W - Labor Economics

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 0
Credit Hours: 3

This course will explore the relationship between employers and employees and how they respond to different government policies. We will explore how workers decide to use their time between working and leisure and how employers decide how many workers to hire. We will also explore what determines wages and how income is distributed. Specific topics we will cover will include: the role of education in determining wages, how immigration impacts wages and labor markets, wage discrimination between race and gender, income inequality, and retirement. We will discuss a variety of government policies aimed at addressing some of these issues, including minimum wage, wealth taxation, universal basic income, paid maternity leave, social security, and more. This course will have a mix of economic theory and application to current real-world issues. Note: Writing Intensive Course (W). Prerequisite(s): EC 300, or permission of instructor.