HRER 816: Labor Market Analysis
Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus

The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.

HRER 816: Labor Market Analysis - Neoclassical economic and institutional theoretical perspectives on labor supply, demand for labor, internal labor markets, wage determination and labor policies. (3 credits)


Overview | Objectives | Course Structure | Materials | Library Resources| E-Reserves | Technical Specifications | Course Requirements and Grading | Deferred Grades | Course Schedule | Academic Integrity | Accommodating Disabilities | Additional Policies

Overview

This course is intended to help you analyze issues surrounding work, the market for labor, and the employment relationship in a rigorous, systematic way. It will explore the interdependence of the economy, workplace structures, labor organizations, household and family structure, and public institutions and policies. The course will examine the structures and processes that comprise the labor market and the range of theoretical perspectives that can be used to understand its operation. It will frequently contrast the dominant paradigm—the neoclassical economic model—with alternative perspectives on a variety of issues.

The scope of the course will include analyzing the level and types of employee compensation, employment opportunities, labor force trends, work and non-work time, earnings inequality, gender differentials, work-life conflict, and occupational safety and health. It also examines how labor markets, employers and workers are affected by interventions such as government regulatory policy, such as minimum wage laws and overtime rules, as well as by various types of labor unions, discrimination, globalization and technological advancements.


Course Goals and Objectives

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

  1. Identify and discuss institutional forces that shape the labor market and labor market decisions.

  2. Comprehend* terminology, measures, and concepts used to analyze the supply of labor (individuals in a household) and demanders of labor (businesses) in a market economy.

  3. Comprehend* and manipulate the analytic framework or models of employer and worker behavior to solve problems and examine policy debates.

  4. Use economic concepts to analyze a "real-world" human resources issue by breaking it down into component parts, applying economic theory to explain the issue, making comparisons, distinguishing cause and effect relationships, and then making policy suggestions consistent with economic theory.

*To comprehend something means you have an understanding and ability to describe it in your own words, paraphrase, give examples, and to translate it from one form to another (words to numbers and numbers to words).


Course Structure

The work for each week includes:

  1. Lesson Commentary: The lesson commentary provides a brief overview of the subject to be covered during the week. It also includes a brief discussion of an issue of particular relevance to the week's subject. The online lesson commentary should be read first.

  2. Readings: After reading the lesson Commentary (located in Course Content under the Lessons tab), complete the assigned readings.

  3. Activities: The last component of each week's work is the activities. These may include individual or group activities. PLEASE NOTE: This course is organized on a schedule with submissions due from students each week.

IT IS CRITICAL that you keep up with the readings and the submissions. In fairness to students who get their work in on time, late work will receive significant penalties. If you have work or family obligations that will make it difficult to meet a course deadline, please plan ahead so that you will be able to turn your work in on time. You might consider beginning to work on readings and activities on the Monday they are first assigned in order to ensure that last minute job or personal crises or emergencies will not prevent you from meeting course deadlines.

Students please note: The Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations does not view Wikipedia as a valid source for information cited in academic work. It can be a useful tool for quickly finding general information on subjects or as a starting point for research. However, students should not cite Wikipedia as a source in papers, reports, assignments, etc.

Some of your assignments will include Group Work. Please read this helpful information on working in teams and groups.

As a Penn State student, you have access to lynda.com, your one-stop shop for video tutorials on Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and hundreds more topics--all free to active Penn State faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students. Take tutorials to help with coursework, learn techniques for your own projects, and build tech skills to boost your résumé. (Tutorials are not required or graded.)


Required Course Materials

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.

Additional Readings: Will be posted in E-Reserves and you can access them via the course website.


Library Resources

Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can

  • access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
  • borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
  • get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
  • much more. 

You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service.  The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.


E-Reserves

This course also requires that you access Penn State library materials specifically reserved for this course. To access these materials, click on the Library Reserves link under the Resources tab.



Technical Specifications

Technical Requirements
Operating System Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8*; Mac OS X 10.5 or higher
*Windows 8 support excludes the tablet only RT version
Processor 2 GHz or higher
Memory 1 GB of RAM
Hard Drive Space 20 GB free disk space
Browser We recommend the latest ANGEL-supported version of Firefox or Internet Explorer. To determine if your browser fits this criterion, and for advice on downloading a supported version, please refer to the following ITS knowledge base article: Supported Browsers and Recommended Computers.
Note: Cookies, Java, and JavaScript must be enabled. Pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows
from Penn State websites.

Due to nonstandard handling of CSS, JavaScript and caching,
older versions of Internet Explorer (such as IE 6 or earlier) do not work with our courses.
Plug-ins Adobe Reader [Download from Adobe]
Flash Player (v7.0 or later) [Download from Adobe]
Additional Software Microsoft Office (2007 or later)
Internet Connection Broadband (cable or DSL) connection required
Printer Access to graphics-capable printer
DVD-ROM Required
Sound Card, Microphone, and Speakers Required
Monitor Capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution

If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.

For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!


Course Requirements and Grading

The World Campus follows the same grading system as the Penn State resident program. The grades of A, B, C, D, and F indicate the following qualities of academic performance:

A = (Excellent) Indicates exceptional achievement
B = (Good) Indicates extensive achievement
C = (Satisfactory) Indicates acceptable achievement
D = (Poor) Indicates only minimal achievement
F = (Failure) Indicates inadequate achievement necessitating a repetition of the course in order to secure credit

Assignment # of Points Total Number of Points
Lesson 01 Parts 1 & 2   ungraded
Lessons 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14) 50 points 450
Lesson 05 Group Work (includes Peer Evaluation) 50 points 50
Lesson 10 Group Work (includes Peer Evaluation) 50 points 50
Mid-Course Exam 100 points 100
Annotated Bibliography 200 points 200
Final Exam 150 points 150
Course Total 1000 1000

Lesson Group Work (Discussion Forums) Drop Box Points Per Assignment
1 Part 2  

Lesson 01 Part 2 Assignment

Ungraded

2

 

Business Bio

Ungraded

2

 

Lesson 02 Assignment

50

3

 

Lesson 03 Assignment

50

4

 

Lesson 04 Assignment

50

5

Lesson 05 Group Work

 

40

5

Lesson 05 Peer Evaluation

 

10

6

 

Lesson 06 Assignment

50

7

 

Mid Course Exam

100

8

 

Lesson 08 Assignment

50

9

 

Lesson 09 Assignment

50

10

Lesson 10 Group Work

 

40

10

Lesson 10 Peer Evaluation

 

10

11

 

Lesson 11 Assignment

50

12

 

Annotated Bibliography

200

13

 

Lesson 13 Assignment

50

14

 

Lesson 14 Assignment

50

15

 

Final Exam

150

    Course Total 1000

 

Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Graduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.

Deferred Grades


Please refer to the
University Grading Policy for Graduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.

  • Final Exam—You will be required to take an open book final exam at the end of the semester. The exam is intended to measure what you have learned about labor market analysis during the course. The exam will be available during a time frame listed on your Course Schedule, and you will be permitted to consult any source (notes, readings, reference works, etc.), however, you will NOT be permitted to collaborate with other persons, including members of the class. The exam will be based on all of the information presented in the course (through the readings, course exercises, lesson guide, etc.). Conscientiously completing all of the requirements and assignments for the course should adequately prepare you for the final exam.

Course Grades--You have the opportunity to earn 1000 points through the various categories outlined above. At the end of the semester, your instructor will assign grades based on a standard grade distribution as shown below:

Grade Minimum %
A 93
A-

90

B+ 88
B 82
B- 80
C+ 78
C 70
D 60
F <59

Course Schedule

REMINDER: All assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. ET, Sunday night of the week assigned, unless otherwise noted below. Late work will receive significant penalties.

Lesson
Reading Assignment
Activities

Lesson 01 Part 1 - Getting Started; General Orientation

Lesson 01 Part 2 - Review of Basic Concepts in Economics

  • Lesson 01 Commentary
  • Lesson 01 Part 2 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserves Reading

Complete and submit the Lesson 01 Part 1 Assignments (ungraded).

Complete and submit the Lesson 01 Part 2 Assignments (ungraded, but you will receive feedback.)

Lesson 02 - Overview of Labor Market Analysis
  • Lesson 02 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings
Complete and submit the Lesson 02 Assignment.
Lesson 03 - The Supply of Labor
  • Lesson 03 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings
Complete and submit the Lesson 03 Assignment.
Lesson 04 - Human Capital: Investments in Education and Training
  • Lesson 04 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings
Complete and submit the Lesson 04 Assignment.
Lesson 05 - Demand for Labor
  • Lesson 05 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings

Complete and submit the Lesson 05 Group Work Assignment.

You are required to log in and complete Part 1 by Wednesday, Part 2 by Friday, and Part 3 by Sunday

Lesson 06 - Determination of Wages
  • Lesson 06 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings

 

Complete and submit the Lesson 06 Assignment.

Complete and submit the HRER Mid-Course Survey.

Lesson 07 - Mid-Course Exam (Open Book)
  • Lesson 07 Commentary

Complete and submit the Mid-Course Exam.

The Mid-Course Exam Drop Box closes at 11:55 p.m. ET at the end of this week. No late submissions will be accepted.

Lesson 08 - Race, Gender, and Labor Markets: Part 1
  • Lesson 08 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings
Complete and submit the Lesson 08 Assignment.
Lesson 08 - Race, Gender, and Labor Markets: Part 2
  • Lesson 09 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings

Complete and submit the Lesson 09 Assignment

Lesson 10 - Work Life Integration and Well-Being
  • Lesson 10 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings

Complete and submit the Lesson 10 Group Work Assignment.

You are required to log in several times this week, beginning on Monday.

Lesson 11 - Innovations
  • Lesson 11 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings

Complete and submit the Lesson 11 Assignment.


Review the instructions for the Lesson 12 Annotated Bibliography Assignment.
Lesson 12 - Annotated Bibliography
  • Lesson 12 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings

Complete and submit the Lesson 12 Assignment - Annotated Bibliography.

Lesson 13 - Unions
  • Lesson 13 commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings
Complete and submit the Lesson 13 Assignment - Research Paper.
Lesson 14 - Labor Markets and the Macroeconomy
  • Lesson 14 Commentary
  • Text Readings
  • E-Reserve Readings

Complete and submit the Lesson 14 Assignment.

Lesson 15 - Final Exam (Open Book)
  • Texts, Readings, Lessons, etc.

Complete and submit the Final Exam.

Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please go to the Graduation Information on the My Penn State Online Student Portal.

Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account userid and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year from the day the course began (with the exception of library reserves).


Academic Integrity

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.

How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, as well as a civil community.

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.

All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .


Accommodating Disabilities

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.

In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.


Additional Policies

For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.


Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.


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