Course content

The course covers the role of human capital in individual, economic, and broader societal outcomes. The course uses a mix of theory and empirical evidence on individual educational choices, educational production, and the role of the education system and education policy. As part of this, a focus is on the role of education in labour market outcomes. How globalization and technological progress affect the demand for, and importance of, human capital is additionally covered.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

You learn

• about supply and demand of human capital

• about the importance of human capital for earnings and economic growth

• about how educational policies affect school quality and the amount and quality of human capital in society

Skills

You should be able to

• criticize and evaluate the findings of relevant journal articles and public reports

• explain and evaluate different types of governing systems in education and labor market policies for skills and productivity

• discuss how governing systems influence the behavior of agents within education and skill formation

General competence

You should be able to

• read and understand research articles and public reports dealing with issues discussed in the course

• use the content of the course in your own academic work such as your master thesis

Learning methods and activities

2 hours of lectures every week. The course has compulsory activities. Specific requirements will be announced at the beginning of the term. The term papers can be written as a joint project. The course is an optional master's course and is not taught every semester. Check courses that are taught at https://www.ntnu.no/econ/valgfrie-masteremner. Students enrolled in ISØ's master programs can take the course any semester. Contact the department (kontakt@econ.ntnu.no) to get access to learning resources.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory activity

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor's degree in Economics

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

Announced at the beginning of the term.

Credit reductions