Course content

The course includes the role and significance of human capital for the individuals and for the economy. It will be discussed how globalization and technological progress affect the demand for human capital. The main part of the course will include theories for individual educational choice, educational production, and the role of the design of the educational system. How should the educational system be designed to secure an adequate supply of highly competent labour?

Learning outcome

Knowledge You learn -about supply of and demand for human capital -about the importance of human capital for earnings and economic growth -about the effects of educational policies on school quality and hence, the amount of human capital in the society -about characteristics of effective schools and high quality leadership Skills You should be able to -criticize and evaluate the findings in relevant journal articles and reports -explain and evaluate different types of governing systems in education -discuss how governing systems influence the behavior of actors within the educational sector General competence You should be able to - read and understand reports and research articles dealing with issues discussed in the course - use the content of the course in your own academic work.

Learning methods and activities

4 hours of lectures every week. The course has compulsory activity. Specific requirements will be announced at the beginning of the term. The course is an optional PhD course, and it is not taught every autumn semester. SØK8621 follows the same teaching as SØK3521.

Approved compulsory activity applies to later semesters.

Compulsory assignments

• Obligatory course work

Recommended previous knowledge

Compulsory courses in Master’s degree in Economics.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

Announced at the beginning of the term.

Credit reductions