Introduction to social and economic history of contemporary Belgium

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

Eric Geerkens

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

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 1945', links are made to current topics:

• 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 today.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

None

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

A pupil monitor is at the disposal of the students during the second part of the year.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

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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, an oral exam will be organized; this exam will start with a written preparation of the answer to a first question (drawn question).

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Eric Geerkens, professor Histoire économique et sociale quai Roosevelt 1B (Bât. A4, office I9) 4000 Liège Belgium
Tel. ULg : +32 4 3665359 Mail : e.geerkens@uliege.be