Aims: The module provides a survey of theoretical and empirical aspects of modern labour economics. After providing some basic information about...

Aims: The module provides a survey of theoretical and empirical aspects of modern labour economics. After providing some basic information about characteristics and trends in actual labour markets (concentrating on the UK, but providing international comparisons) the module analyses in some detail the supply side and the demand side of the labour market. These building blocks enable further analysis of special topics such relative wages, human capital, labour market discrimination and unemployment. The module provides applications, in the context of labour markets, of analytical concepts and empirical techniques taught in the core modules of the BSc Economics degree (and joint degrees).



Suitable for: 2nd / final year BSc Economics (L100, L101 and L102), 3rd year BSc Economics and Statistics (LG13), BA Philosophy and Economics (VL51) students and BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics (4V86) students.

Prerequisites: Microeconomics at the intermediate level (Level 5) and some knowledge of basic econometrics is assumed.

Assumed knowledge: There are no formal prerequisites for the module. However, some calculus is used in the theoretical sections and these sections also assume knowledge of microeconomics at the intermediate level. The empirical labour economics literature is quite econometrics-intensive and but in order to keep this course accessible the emphasis is on empirical results rather than detailed statistical techniques. Where methodological issues are central, particularly in relation to potential biases in estimated effects, these will be explained intuitively as well as guiding those with a stronger quantitative background to more rigorous treatments.

Teaching Delivery: This module is taught in 10 weekly lectures.

Content: The module will focus on discussing Homer’s Odyssey in translation. Issues...

Teaching Delivery: This module is taught in 10 weekly lectures.

Content: The module will focus on discussing Homer’s Odyssey in translation. Issues discussed will include the composition of oral poetry, structure, plot and character, the idea of heroism, the theme of war, the role of the gods, gender and social values, the reception of Homer in later ages.

Skills:  By the end of the module, students will engage with classical ideas as explored in the Iliad and with their reception in secondary literature. In this way, they will gain an understanding of concepts and theories produced by these sources. They will also concentrate on primary materials and develop the ability to read texts independently, to manage their own learning, to communicate ideas orally and in writing and to gather, present, analyze and synthesize data. Teamwork and independent thinking will also be strongly encouraged in order to enable student development and achievement.

Introductory reading:

J. Griffin, Homer (Oxford 1980);
B. Graziosi, Homer (Oxford 2016);

R. Rutherford, “Homer”, Greece and Rome New Surveys in the Classics (Cambridge 1996); Recommended translations are the one in the Chicago University Press (by Lattimore).