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36778-01 - Lecture: The Economics of Unemployment: Classical and Behavioral Approaches (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2014 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers | Conny Wunsch (conny.wunsch@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | Content: We start with discussing classical job search theory to explain unemployment which is based on rational, perfectly forward looking jobseekers. However, often there is only incomplete knowledge of the returns to search. Many jobseekers are overly optimistic about how fast they can find a job and which type of job they can get. Subjective expectations and other soft factors such as self-confidence and motivation are therefore the focus of the second part of the course. Here we study alternative, in particular behavioural approaches to better explain job search outcomes and unemployment in modern economies. |
| Learning objectives | The objective of the course is to obtain a profound understanding of the economics of unemployment and how classical views have to be adjusted when behavioural aspects are taken into account. |
| Bibliography | Literature: Basic Reference: Pissarides, Christopher A. (2000): Equilibrium Unemployment Theory, 2nd ed., Cambridge (MA): MIT Press. Atkinson, Anthony B. and Micklewright John (1991): Unemployment Compensation and Labor Market Transitions: A Critical Review. Journal of Economic Literature, 29(4), pp. 1679-1727. Bénabou, Roland and Tirole, Jean (2003): Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation. The Review of Economic Studies, 70(3), pp. 489-520. Additional readings will be provided during the course. |
| Comments | Notes: The courses "Adanced Labour Economics" and "The Economics of Unemployment: Classical and Behavioral Approaches" have been scheduled such that they can be attended consecutively within one semester. |
| Weblink | Weblink |
| Admission requirements | Advanced knowledge of labour economics on the level of the course "Advanced Labour Economics" offered on the Master's level of the University of Basel is required. |
| Course application | Registration: Please enrol in MOnA. EUCOR-Students and Exchange-Students have to enrol at the students administration office (studsek@unibas.ch) within the official enrolment period. Enrolment = Registration for the exam! |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
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No dates available. Please contact the lecturer.
| Modules |
Modul Internationales Zusatzwissen (Master European Studies) Vertiefungsmodul Labour Economics, Human Resources and Organization (Master Business and Economics) |
| Assessment format | end-of-semester examination |
| Assessment details | Notes for the Assessment: Written term paper in groups of 2-4 students. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registr.; dereg.: Office of the Dean of Studies |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,1 |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Business and Economics , studiendekanat-wwz@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Forschungsstelle für Arbeitsmarkt- und Industrieökonomik |