The Political Institutions of Belgium

Teacher(s)

Vanderborght Yannick;

Language

French

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

Through the analytical lens of political science, this course aims to focus on the institutional architecture of the Belgian political system. At the end of the academic year, students should be able to demonstrate a good factual understanding of Belgium's many political institutions and their respective roles, at federal, regional, community and local level. They should be able to make a clear distinction between the formal roles of institutions (i.e. as established in constitutional and other legal norms) and their informal aspects (i.e. the concrete working of cabinets, the role played by political parties, etc.). Students will also study some of the key episodes of Belgium's political history, and be asked to connect the course material with current political affairs.

Content

While our study of Belgian institutions will mainly use the lens of political science, the course draws on at least three other disciplines that can be viewed as foundational in the study of politics: history, sociology, and law. History, firstly, is fundamental to understanding the origins of contemporary institutions. Sociology, next, contributes to our understanding of how institutions constrain or influence actors’ behaviour. Finally, law, to be considered as driver of institutional stability.

The course opens with a brief theoretical introduction to the concept of ‘political institution'. It is followed by a review of some of the key episodes in Belgian political history. However, the lion's share of the course focuses on the analysis of the main political institutions at federal, regional, community, and local levels:

- Legislative powers at federal level (King, House, Senate, including the election and/or designation rules of members of the parliament) ;
- Executive powers at federal level (Government, including the role played by cabinets and the administration) ;
- Regional and community-level institutions ;
- Specific focus on Brussels' institutions ;
- Local institutions (municipalities).
The course draws on examples from current political affairs.

Teaching methods

As the course is taught to a large audience, it is mainly given in a classic lecture format using PowerPoint presentations. Students are also offered regular opportunities to discuss current news, and are invited to ask questions during class. A course syllabus is made available at the start of the second term. While it contains an outline and brief summaries of the topics covered, much of the theoretical discussion and case studies will not be included. Class attendance is therefore strongly recommended.
A great part of the historical section of the course will be self-studied by students, on the basis of the syllabus. Students may also have to read one or several papers (or a short essay), for a maximum total of around 100 pages. In that case, exam questions may be asked about the required readings.
Furthermore, a conference with political actors or experts may be held during the term. If a conference is organized, attendance is compulsory, and this conference is then part of the material to be studied for the exam. Note that the required readings (if any) can possibly overlap with the topic of the conference.

Evaluation methods

The exam will take the form of a written examination (closed book). It includes questions on specific items, cross-thematic questions, as well as questions on the required readings (if any) and the conference held during the term (if any).

Faculty or entity

> ESPB