Face-to-face , first term, 30 hours of theory.

First term
Friday from 11:00 to 13:00 at 43 Botanique 6

The course is taught in French. Texts written in other languages may be handed out.

At the end of the course, students will be able to understand in an interdisciplinary way (theory of law, constitutional law, administrative law, international law) a reflection about the different forms of the state and its avatars at the dawn of the 21st century. The course also aims to prepare students to pursue a Master's degree in administrative science or International relations or a Master's degree abroad (Sciences Po Paris, Schools London, Vienna or Geneva).

For the Bachelor in History :

For the Bachelor in Information and Communication :

For the Bachelor in Modern Languages and Letters: German, Dutch and English :

For the Bachelor in Philosophy :

For the Bachelor in Economics and Management :

For the Bachelor in Political Sciences: General :

For the Bachelor in Sociology and Anthropology :

None

Introduction to the general theory of the State from a critical point of view. The course will focus on a “classic” category of public law, i.e. the State, which is also increasingly put into question, not only by different human science disciplines but also from a juridical point of view. This subject will thus be studied in an interdisciplinary perspective that should capture the attention of students from third bachelor for whom this course has been designed and developed.

After an introductory presentation of the juridical State, the first part of the course will focus on the power of the State.
In the first chapter, we will study what is understood when speaking of the sovereign State; afterwards, in the second chapter we will examine the functions of the State (which will give us the occasion to address some elements of administrative law). The third chapter will be focused on the different forms of State (unitary, federal, confederation of states). We conclude this first part with a fourth chapter dedicated to a reflection on the totalitarian State and democracy.

The second part will be the counterpart of the first one and will consider which new role the State should be looking for. Indeed, it looks as though the three classic components are put into question (end of the territories? What future for nations, populations, minorities? Transformations of sovereignty). In the last chapter, we examine what we mean today by “globalisation”. Could public law contemplate the existence of a global State and, if so, under what conditions?

The course is given as lecture. Nevertheless, students are expected to actively participate. To support and illustrate the themes of the course, texts will be used and the exchange of points of view encouraged.

The assessment is an oral examination. Students are evaluated on the subject matter that has been taught during classes and on the texts that have been distributed in class. Each student prepares a first question, in advance.
The objective is to further explore a part of the course and to make a short, original presentation in relation to the subject matter that has been taught, lasting about 8 minutes. However the student cannot simply reproduce a part of the course. Afterwards the student will be assessed on the whole subject matter.

A bibliography is handed out at the beginning of the semester.

The teacher will provide an outline of each chapter. Regarding the subject matter, students will also receive texts that complete, contradict or illustrate the matter under examination. These texts have to be read and understood. Students can have these texts during the examination. Finally, the economic Code is the tool that students taking a law class should always carry with them.