Key words
Central Government, comparative politics
Objectives
This course is designed to introduce students to the nature and concept of
public management reform, also known as new public management or
administrative reform in the specific context of the central goverment.
This course compares these changes in governance in a number of Western countries,
in search for differences and similarities.
Particular attention goes to Belgian administrative reform at two levels:
national and regional. Special attention goes to the different actors
at the various levels and the important changes in society that influence public policy.
Students will need to understand the sudden urge to reform, and comprehend that these reforms
are the answer to prior problems in public management. They will be able to outline and evaluate the ongoing
changes in various countries.
Prerequisites
Public administration, public policy, administrative law.
This course can not be chosen by foreign students because of the overlap
with the optional course "Public Management Reform" of the IMP programme (3 ECTS credits).
Topics
The part of Geert Van Haegendoren treats the conflicts between the various levels of government.
This will be examined by looking at a few examples in various policy areas, found in texts of the 'arbitragehof'
and advice from the 'Raad van State'. The choice of these policy examples depends on contemporaty political issues.
Catharina Dehullu examines the relationship between the Belgian policy levels and Europe. Guest speakers
adress this issue from their background.
Thomas Van Langenhove adresses the changes and trends on the central level. First international developments
and trends will be discussed. These insights will be used to get insight in the Belgian situation. At this point, students
will need to compose an overview in which a specific case needs is discussed about the changing dynamics between the federal
government and the regions, as well as the impact of European policy level on the central policy.erkt wordt.
Teaching Methods
Teaching methods will vary from lectures over presentations to class
discussion. A study visit to Brussels will be organized.
Materials used
Copies of relevant texts are distributed and the structure of the course is
explained in an introductory session. Reading assignments need to be done
for each class meeting.
Study guidance
Individual coaching on students' request.
Assessment
The student’s grade will be based on a an essay on one of the selected
topics and a written exam.
Study costs
Costs for copies and travelling costs for excursion to Brussels.
Lecturer(s)
Thomas Van Langenhove
Geert Van Haegendoren
Catharina Dehullu
Language
Dutch
|
|
