Duration
36h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This course examines a number of processes in the democratic system by studying the rules that govern the composition and operation of elected assemblies.
First, the curriculum will take a look at the laws that regulate the entire electoral process (requirements for voter and candidates, candidate selection, access to the media during the electoral campaigns, funding of political parties, voting system, etc.).
Then, it will analyse the rules that deal with the operation of assemblies (credentials, status of elected officials, internal organisation of assemblies, etc.), as well as their relations with other institutions.
The course focuses on the Belgian legal system and its components, but it also deals with the European Parliament and offers additional perspectives in comparative law and in european case law.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The course's objective is twofold:
- Develop the students' knowledge and understanding of positive law in a specific branch of public law.
- Encourage students to reflect on the role of legal rules in the organisation of representative institutions and, more generally, on the evolution of the democratic system.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Students must master the basics of Belgium's constitutional law.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
A comprehensive summary of the teaching methods is provided in the next section. The course is organised as a seminar ; it combines ex-cathedra sessions, during which interaction is encouraged, and moments when students must take a more active part, in writing and orally.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Additional information:
The course is organised in three phases:
- The first classes (given in February and March) are dedicated to a general presentation of the subject. Interaction with students is encouraged.
- By the end of the first classes, each student will have agreed with the teacher on a question related to the issues tackled during the course, and will produce a brief paper on this question (up to 8 pages). During two weeks, classes will be suspended so that students can write their papers. During these two weeks, the teacher will be available to answer students' questions during the class' usual hours. Papers will be emailed to the teacher on a date to be determined.
- During the last classes, each student makes an oral presentation of their research in order to start a discussion with their classmates; the teacher will contribute by adding their own questions and information.
In parallel to this process, students will be invited to read a book of reflection on democracy; if possible, the author of the book will be invited to a class session to discuss with the students.
Recommended or required readings
Students must have a book of public and administrative law, which must include the Belgian constitution, the electoral code and the Walloon code of local democracy and devolution.
A general course outline will be made available to students.
Every year, the reading of a recent essay on questions concerning democracy is required.
Other documents can be provided by the teacher during the term in order to complete the students' resources.
Any session :
- In-person
oral exam
- Remote
oral exam
- If evaluation in "hybrid"
preferred in-person
Additional information:
Students are evaluated based on two performances:
- the paper mentioned in the section entitled "Mode of delivery" above (50 % of the overall score);
- an oral exam on the entire course's content, during which students can consult any materials they need (50 % of the overall score).
Students who do not transmit their paper on time or do not oraly present their work on the due date shall not pass the examination in first session. They will be expected to transmit their paper for the 15. August at the latest and to defend it oraly during the oral examination. The same rule is applied to the students who have failed the examination in first session.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Classes are given during the second term.
Contacts
Students may contact the teacher by email (f.bouhon@uliege.be)