Study Programmes 2016-2017
HIST0176-1  
Introduction to social and economic history of contemporary Belgium
Duration :
30h Th
Number of credits :
Bachelor in human and social sciences4
Bachelor in sociology and anthropology4
Lecturer :
Eric Geerkens
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents :
The course provides an historical overview of the genesis of the Belgian contemporary society. The course will first follow a chronological point of view and describe the advent of Belgian industrial capitalism in relation with Industrial Revolution.
On the second time, the course is organised on a thematic framework; the following topics are examined from 1850' to 1975':
  • The dynamics of development of Belgian economy (sectors which support growth, the crisis, etc.).
  • The role of the State in economic life (setting of the legal framework of economic activities, direct state intervention in industrial or financial sectors, etc.).
  • The structuring of Belgian society [making of the classes: working class, bourgeoisie (and nobility), middle classes].
  • The origin and development of the Belgian industrial relations system.
  • The origin and development of the Belgian Welfare State.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit :
Informed about the context which saw the birth of social sciences, the students will gain a better understanding of some of the key concept of their discipline, as well as of the economic and social challenges in the world around them.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
None
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
See http://cipl82.philo.ulg.ac.be/horaires
Recommended or required readings :
After each class, students will receive a copy of the PowerPoint slides seen in class and will regularly be given indications for reading which will shed light on certain questions (these optional readings will not, however, be on subjects upon which they will be graded). These slides are available on-line until the end of the academic year.
Assessment methods and criteria :
In Juny, oral exam with written preparation of a first question.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
Contacts :
Eric Geerkens, lecturer Histoire économique et sociale quai Roosevelt 1B (Bât. A4, office I9) 4000 Liège Belgium Tel. ULg : +32 4 3665359 Mail : e.geerkens@ulg.ac.be