| CODE | ECN3220 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Economics of Education | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Economics | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit aims to provide students with an introduction to theoretical and empirical issues in the Economics of Education. Such theories are examined with the aim of better understanding the current issues in the Maltese educational context. The following is an indicative syllabus and study-unit outline:- Introduction to Economics of Education Characteristics of the Maltese Educational System Definition and Measurement of Human Capital Human Capital Theory Social Capital Theory Screening and Signaling Models Over-education and Over-education Models Early School Leaving Production of Education Education Related Issues in the Maltese Economy. Study-unit Aims Students will be introduced to Economics of Education. Theories such as Human Capital Theory, Social Capital Theory and Screening and Signaling Models will be discussed. Students will also be familiarised with current issues in the Maltese educational context including issues such as early school leaving and over-education. Models about the production of education will also be examined. Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - describe the Maltese educational system; - define human capital and distinguish between different human capital measures; - explain the different theories of human capital, social capital and screening and signalling models; - analyze current issues in Maltese educational context such as early school leaving and over-education. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - demonstrate analytical skills by analysing the current Maltese educational context; - demonstrate critical thinking skills by evaluating the different theories of human capital and applying to the Maltese current situation. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings Becker, G (1994). Human Capital: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis, with Special Reference to Education, 3rd Edition [Paperback], USA; University of Chicago Press. Becker, G. and Chiswick, B. (1966). “Education and the Distribution of Earnings”, American Economic Review, 56(2): 358-369. Chiswick B. (1974). “The Expanded Human Capital Model” in Chiswick B., Income Inequality: Regional Analyses within a Human Capital Framework, New York: National Bureau of Economic Research: 105 -118. Chiswick B. (2003). “Jacob Mincer, Experience and the Distribution of Earnings”, Institute for the Study of Labor Research Paper Series, 847. Datta R. (2002). “Human Capital, Performance and Earnings Connection - A Firm Level Study”, in Prabhu K. and Sudarshan R., Reforming India's Social Sector: Poverty, Nutrition, Health and Gender, Dehli: Ravindra Printing Press: 303-320. Grossbard. S. (2006). Jacob Mincer: A Pioneer of Modern Labour Economics, USA: Springer. Mincer, J. (1974). Schooling, Experience and Earnings. New York: NBER. Schultz, T.W. (1971). Investment in Human Capital: the Role of Education and of Research. New York: Free Press. Spence M. (1973). “Job Market Signaling”. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 87(3): 355-374. Stiglitz J. (1975). “The Theory of Screening, Education, and the Distribution of Income”, American Economic Review, 65(3): 283-300. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Marianna Scicluna |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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