Trefwoorden
The Belgian economy, historical overview, federalism, regional differences
Doelstellingen
Flanders is one of the three regions of the Belgian federal state. The Belgian state itself is relatively young, having been created only in 1830. For a long time in its history it used to be part of a larger political area called the Low Countries. This course explores various political, economic and historical aspects of the complex configuration formed by Flanders, Belgium and the Low Countries.
Leerinhoud
During the lectures students are provided with information on the institutional and economic situation in Belgium.
1. Political and institutional issues in Belgium (Eddy Storms)
- lectures:
Belgium has a complicated institutional structure, with 3 communities and 3 regions. In the lectures students get an overview of the constitutional reforms that made Belgium to what it is today. The students are encouraged to put the issues in a broader perspective and compare them with the situation in their own country.
- compulsory reading:
‘Belgium for Beginners’ S. Bracke, G. Goedertier, J. Vande Lanotte; Die Keure
Course texts to be provided by the lecturer.
2. The Belgian economy (Bart Defloor)
- Lectures
Apart from the institutional divide between the Flemish and the Walloon Region, there are also economic differences. The two regions perform differently from an economic point of view, there are differences in many economic indicators such as (un)employment, GDP per capita, investment… In the complex Belgian institutional structure, the economic competences are divided between the different government levels: although taxes are a (mostly) federal competence, economic policy is a regional one. The differences are partly created by the system and partly due to differences in the sectoral production structure. The students are encouraged to compare the Belgian situation with the situation in other countries, concretely their home country.
In the lectures an overview of the economic situation in Belgium over the last centuries is given, with a focus on the changing production pattern in an economy in times of recession.
Begincompetenties
None
Eindcompetenties
The students are able to understand the institutional structure of a country (with Belgium as a case study). They are able to analyse the economic consequences of regional differences within a country and put this in a broader framework (compare this with the situation in their own country).
Leermaterialen
::Voor meer informatie, klik hier::
Course material is provided by the lecturer.
Studiekosten
0 euro
Studiebegeleiding
While writing their assignment, the students are guided. The lecturers provide comments on preliminary versions.
Onderwijsvormen
Students have to write a paper of 20 pages, comparing Belgium with their home country. The lectures provide the necessary information on the Belgian economic and institutional structure.
Four hours weekly.
Evaluatievorm
Students have to write a paper in which they make an institutional and economic comparison between their country and Belgium/Flanders. In the last session, students will give a presentation on their paper.
There is no exam in January.
OP-leden
Bart Defloor & Eddy Storms
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