Ronald G. Ehrenberg and Robert S. Smith (2006). Modern Labor Economics: Theory and Public Policy.  Pearson Addison Wesley, Ninth Edition.  (available in bookstore)

Useful review material is available on the book’s web site http://wps.aw.com/aw_ehrensmith_mlaborecon_8/0,6568,286364-,00.html

    This course will cover the important elements of labor economics.  The course will begin with a discussion of what labor markets are and the determinants of the supply of and demand for labor.  The course will then cover special topics of policy interest such as the existence of labor shortages, the effects of the minimum wage on employment, the effects of tax policy on labor supply and demand, investments in education and training, the effects of welfare policy on labor supply and demand, the effects of international trade on labor demand, worker mobility, pay and productivity, the labor effects of outsourcing, the role of trade unions, unemployment, and income inequality.  We will also discuss labor issues that arise during the semester such as proposed changes in trade, overtime, and immigration rules.

    The course will be taught at an intermediate level.  Intermediate microeconomics (180.301) and calculus or permission of instructor.

    There will be two examinations:  a midterm examination on March 6 and a final exam during finals period.  There will also be two papers for the class.  The first paper should be approximately 10 to 20 typed double spaced pages in length and is on a topic selected by the student and is due April 3.  The second paper, no more than 15 pages long, is an analysis of a labor-related initiative proposed by the Bush Administration or Congress and is due Tuesday, April 24.  Each of the tests and papers will count the same for the final grade.  The lowest of the four grades will be dropped, and students who are satisfied with their first three grades can drop the final exam.

Lectures will focus on the topics covered by the text, but some additional material will be assigned and will be posted on the Internet at http://www.econ.jhu.edu/people/Barnow, or distributed directly to students.  The course has been kept small to encourage discussion, and class participation is an important part of your grade.  The tests and papers each count for 33% of your grade, but students with excellent class participation will have each test and paper count for 25% and participation will count for 25%.

    Homepage of Professor Burt Barnow
    Bureau of Labor Statistics
    White House Briefing Room
    Bureau of Economic Analysis
    Employment Cost Index
    Living Wage: the Basics
    Centre on Law and Social Policy: TANF
    List of Income
    Improving the Odds (Barnow and King)
    Everything you wanted to know about unions
    New Orleans Presidential Address