Comparative federalism Europe, U.S.A., Canada - POLI - 0507
Informations Générales Intitulé du cours Comparative federalism Europe, U.S.A., Canada Langue d'enseignement Enseigné en anglais Niveau Niveau 2 dans le cycle Discipline Sciences politiques Titulaire(s) Johanne POIRIER Pré-requis Cours pré-requis Autres pré-requis A sound knowledge of English (both written and spoken) Place du cours dans le programme Objectifs et méthodologies Objectifs du cours et compétences visées Despite the mishaps of some of its real-life
incarnations, the “federal idea” often summarised
by the slogan “unity within diversity” is increasingly
presented as the most effective way of maintaining
a degree of territorial and social cohesion in a state-like
structure, without the disadvantages of forced
homogeneity. Nearly 40 % of the world population
lives in a federal country. The European Union,
Canada and the United States of America represent
three historic efforts, in the words of The Federalist
Papers, to create complex political institutions by
“reason and choice” rather than by “accident and
force” (though many in these countries would deny
this !) This course engages in comparative analysis
of the US, Canadian and various European federations
(the later in the context of the EU integration).
Consideration of the federal dimensions of the EU
will also be canvassed. The approach to the course
will be primarily institutional, though historical
developments, normative discourse and political
debates will also be covered. We will be concerned
with the emergence of the federal or neo-federal
systems, the institutional “architecture” of these
systems, the patterns of interaction between federal
partners. We will also address the issue of policy-making
and policy-implementation in a federal context. Contenu du cours The course starts with a reflexion of the methodology
of comparative law, as well as with the variety of
institutional designs. The approach to the course is
primarily institutional, though historical developments,
normative discourse and political debates will also be
covered. Méthodes d'enseignement This is a seminar course, and the method is largely
participative. Students are expected to have read the
material prior to class and to be ready for discussion. Supports d'enseignement Almost all documents are available through the Virtual
University and some PPT Références et Bibliographie Documents available through the internet or the Virtual
University. A detailed course outline and bibliography
will be provided at the beginning of the course. Evaluation Méthode To be determined (a written paper, an open-book
written exam, or an oral exam, depending on the
number of students) Priorités de l'enseignant This is conceived as a real participatory exercice.
Students should be present, have read the materials
and be ready to discuss them. Conseils spécifiques Langue d'évaluation English Organisation pratique Institution organisatrice ULB Faculté gestionnaire Institut Etudes Européennes Horaire Premier quadrimestre - Deuxième quadrimestre Coordination pédagogique Contact jpoirier@ulb.ac.be (please put “Comparative federalism
– IEE” in object of message) (0)2 650 4819 Office H. 3118
(by appointment only) Secretariat: Ms Nadia SERONT
Office: H.3 116 Phone: (02) 650 3968 Remarques
incarnations, the “federal idea” often summarised
by the slogan “unity within diversity” is increasingly
presented as the most effective way of maintaining
a degree of territorial and social cohesion in a state-like
structure, without the disadvantages of forced
homogeneity. Nearly 40 % of the world population
lives in a federal country. The European Union,
Canada and the United States of America represent
three historic efforts, in the words of The Federalist
Papers, to create complex political institutions by
“reason and choice” rather than by “accident and
force” (though many in these countries would deny
this !) This course engages in comparative analysis
of the US, Canadian and various European federations
(the later in the context of the EU integration).
Consideration of the federal dimensions of the EU
will also be canvassed. The approach to the course
will be primarily institutional, though historical
developments, normative discourse and political
debates will also be covered. We will be concerned
with the emergence of the federal or neo-federal
systems, the institutional “architecture” of these
systems, the patterns of interaction between federal
partners. We will also address the issue of policy-making
and policy-implementation in a federal context.
of comparative law, as well as with the variety of
institutional designs. The approach to the course is
primarily institutional, though historical developments,
normative discourse and political debates will also be
covered.
participative. Students are expected to have read the
material prior to class and to be ready for discussion.
University and some PPT
University. A detailed course outline and bibliography
will be provided at the beginning of the course.
written exam, or an oral exam, depending on the
number of students)
Students should be present, have read the materials
and be ready to discuss them.
– IEE” in object of message) (0)2 650 4819 Office H. 3118
(by appointment only) Secretariat: Ms Nadia SERONT
Office: H.3 116 Phone: (02) 650 3968
