Economics 250B: Graduate Labor Economics II

This course studies the "wage structure": who earns what and why? Theoretical models covered include compensating differentials, human capital investment models, signalling and screening models, and search and matching models. Empirical applications include health and safety regulation, the returns to education and training, and the economic assimilation of immigrants. Meetings consist of a combination of lectures and student presentations. Almost all the readings are available in major journals. Journals are available on a non-circulating basis in the Davidson Library. Many are also available on-line at JSTOR (accessible from UC campuses and other subscribing locations), or in NBER working papers. Contact me if you have trouble finding any particular readings.

Click here to view the Reading List.

In January 2001, we added a three-week module on the economics of trade unions. Click here for an outline.