Class objective(s) (learning outcomes)

Globalization, Crisis, and Labor
The aim of this course is to analyze the current problems of unemployment and inequality in the world economy in the era of globalization. After presenting the theoretical background, we proceed with empirical evidence. We will start with the case of developed countries, since the debate on globalization and labor has been dominated by the outcomes in the West/North. Then we will compare the experience of the developing countries as well as the Central and East European countries. The debate on the distributional consequences of globalization will also serve as a field of comparison of contesting schools of thought in economics. The current global crisis has laid these differences once again bare. As you also will discover, the dividing line between different schools become particularly evident in their interpretation of the income distribution and labor market issues. This course will help the participants to understand and critically evaluate the origins of different policy proposals and will help to clarify that there is no objective truth independent of the position of the researchers and the policy makers.

Prerequisites according to degree program

Wirtschaftspolitik
Wahlfach Arbeitmarkt

Teaching and learning method(s)

The reading material is a selection of chapters from different books, and articles.
•    The lecture notes will be available on the learning-centre website of this course. It is helpful to have a print-out before each class (https://learn.wu-wien.ac.at ) (requires password and student ID number).
•    There will also be a finite number of in-class case studies. Active participation in discussion constitute 10% of your grade.
•    We will also refer to current articles in daily newspapers. The issue of globalization is part of a lively public debate. It is recommended to read regularly the economics news of a major daily newspaper, or weekly business magazines (such as the Economist, Guardian Weekly etc.). You are encouraged to bring your own examples to the class for discussion.
•    The midterm exam is on the 9th week of the course.
•    The final is a take home exam, which is due June 22, 10:00 am. Early submission of the take-home is absolutely acceptable and workwise feasible. Here you will write a five-pages discussion paper about your own evaluation of the various issues in the policy debate, which will be introduced on the 11th week. The readings will be available at the beginning of the semester. Please note that late submission has a penalty of 10 points per day. Please send an email as well as a hard-copy. Please pay attention to proper citation of the literature to avoid plagiarism.

In case of restricted admission; selection criteria

Introduction to economics

Criteria for successful completion

The requirements for the course are active participation in class discussions and group studies, one midterm exam, and submission of a take home final. Grading will be based on the following scheme:
Midterm exam: 45%
Participation in class discussion: 10%
Final: 45 %
The full grade for each of the above assignments is 100. Your overall average grade will be calculated based on the weights mentioned above. The final grades will then be converted accordingly: Average grade

Availability of instructor(s) for contact by students

Office:     D311, UZA 4, VW9, email: mailto:Ozlem.Onaran@wu-wien.ac.at
Office Hours: Tuesday 15:15-16:30, or by appointment

Globalization and Labor
The aim of this course is to analyze the current problems of unemployment and inequality in the world economy in the era of globalization. After presenting the theoretical background, we proceed with empirical evidence. We will start with the case of developed countries, since the debate on globalization and labor has been dominated by the outcomes in the West/North. Then we will compare the experience of the developing countries as well as the Central and East European countries. The debate on the distributional consequences of globalization will also serve as a field of comparison of contesting schools of thought in economics. The current global crisis has laid these differences once again bare. As you also will discover, the dividing line between different schools become particularly evident in their interpretation of the income distribution and labor market issues. This course will help the participants to understand and critically evaluate the origins of different policy proposals and will help to clarify that there is no objective truth independent of the position of the researchers and the policy makers.