Students
ECON2044 – Labour Markets and Inequality
2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
David Orsmond
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
50cp at 1000 level or above including ECON111 or ECON1020
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This is a unit in the economics of the labour market. It deals with some of the most fascinating, important and vexed questions in economics. It aims to provide a thorough understanding of what determines the ability of firms and economies to create jobs and remunerate their workers. The unit will address issues of wage stagnation, wage inequality and unemployment, as well as issues such as training, wage growth and returns to skills. By answering these questions, you will be equipped to understand the dynamics of inequality both in Australia as well as globally. Importantly, policy can do a great deal to ameliorate workers’ opportunities in the labour markets and to satisfy business needs for workers, skills and expertise. The unit will focus on the most important policies and their effectiveness in boosting labour market opportunities and reducing inequality. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Demonstrate a solid understanding of labour market theory.
- ULO2: Recognise how labour market theory aids decision-making by individuals, business and government.
- ULO3: Communicate effectively on labour market and inequality issues.
- ULO4: Identify key concepts and causes of inequality.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly tutorial activities | 20% | No | Weekly |
| Final exam online | 50% | No | University Exam Week |
| Team-Based Learning Assessment | 30% | No | Weeks 5 and 11 with group presentations in weeks 6 and 12 |
Weekly tutorial activities
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 20%
Tutorial and Discussion Forum questions will typically be based on previous lectures and associated readings and will attempt to reinforce that material as well as set students up to better understand the material on which it will build in subsequent lectures.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of labour market theory.
- Recognise how labour market theory aids decision-making by individuals, business and government.
- Communicate effectively on labour market and inequality issues.
- Identify key concepts and causes of inequality.
Final exam online
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: University Exam Week
Weighting: 50%
A two-hour open book exam will be held during the end of session formal exam period, and will consist of essay style questions.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of labour market theory.
- Recognise how labour market theory aids decision-making by individuals, business and government.
- Communicate effectively on labour market and inequality issues.
- Identify key concepts and causes of inequality.
Team-Based Learning Assessment
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Weeks 5 and 11 with group presentations in weeks 6 and 12
Weighting: 30%
The TBL assessment includes an individual quiz-based (20% assessment weightage) and a group project component (10% assessment weightage). There are two TBL modules in this unit, each spanning a period of two weeks during which students take quizzes in-class before and after a group discussion and complete a group project.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of labour market theory.
- Recognise how labour market theory aids decision-making by individuals, business and government.
- Communicate effectively on labour market and inequality issues.
- Identify key concepts and causes of inequality.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Subject to developments in covid-19 and related official announcements, it is intended that the students will attend a one hour tutorial face-to-face followed immediately by a two-hour lecture face-to-face, though a live recording will be available for students that choose to participate on-line.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook