Brussels—Courses

Brussels courses are taught in English at Vesalius College. Students have access to the European Parliament library. We cannot guarantee that all of the following courses will be available every semester; for the most current course list, please contact the staff at the University of Rochester Center for Study Abroad.

POL 101-3
Introduction to Political Concepts and National Policy. A survey of key concepts in political theory and their use in understanding the structure and working of political systems and decision-making, with special reference to the state. Classical theory dealing with the problem of freedom and order, and concepts such as realism, idealism, Marxism, liberalism, authoritarianism, ideology, and nationalism are examined in relation to specific topics in world politics. Tuesdays 11:30am to 1:00pm and Thursdays 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Professor Lerche
POL 211-3
Evolution of the International System: 1815 to 1945. An analytical survey of historical developments and relevant theory. Emphasis on the patterns in international relations from the Vienna Settlement to World War II. Especially important is the study of such concepts and policies as the Concert of Europe, the Balance of Power, and Collective Security in their historical context. Key personalities such as Metternich, Direaeli and Bismarck are also highlighted. Mondays 1:30pm to 3:00pm and Wednesdays 8:30am to 10:00am. Professor Palo
POL 233-3
Comparative European Politics. This course provides an analysis of institutions and political cultures in contemporary Europe. After a survey of constitutional, executive, legislative, bureaucratic and judiciary functions in different countries, students will be encouraged to address in a comparative framework a number of central questions in political analysis, such as the level of democracy, operation of opinion formation and leadership, the roles of party systems and interest groups, and approaches to policy making and implementation. A central feature of the course will be the use of Brussels-based guest lectures from the world of practical politics and the media who can provide insights on current developments in various countries. Prerequisite: none, though POL 101 or POL 102 are recommended. Mondays 10:00am ­ 11:30am and Thursdays 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Professor Lerche
POL 233-3
International Political Economy. Study of how the interaction of state and market is transforming international relations in the closing decades of the twentieth century. Central to this is the conflict between the evolving economic and technical interdependence of the globe and the continuing compartmentalization of the world political system of sovereign states. The main part of the course consists of an analysis of the main structures of power in the world economy: security; production; finance; knowledge. Also discussed are the secondary power structures of trade, transport, energy and welfare. Mondays 11:30 to 1:00pm and Thursdays 1:30 to 3:00pm.
POL 332-3
Politics of European Integration. The way in which policies are developed and decisions are made in the European Union today is studied. Topics include the decision-making institutions of the EU; the partition of authority between member states and the EU; the differing interests of member states; the roles of the bureaucracy and lobbyists; the process of enlargement; the foreign and security policies of the EU. Prerequisites: none, though POL 233 is recommended. Fridays 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Professor Tuersan
POL 342-3
Regions, Minorities and Human Rights in Europe. This course surveys the problems of political stability and regional development where countries are driven by ethnic, religious or linguistic divisions. Prerequisites: none, though His 213 or Pol 233 is recommended. Mondays 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Professor Coppieters
LAW 201-3
European Legal Systems. This course provides a general introduction to the major legal systems of the world, all of which have their origins in Europe. The differences in approach and basic concepts among English common law, Western Europe civil law, and the socialist law of Eastern Europe are highlighted. Prerequisites: none. Fridays 8:30am to 11:30am. Professor Franckx
HIS 112-3
Modern Europe: 1848 to the Present. This course stresses the development of modern societies since the Revolutions of 1848. The course will begin with an analysis of the causes, course, and consequences of the 1848 upheavals in Europe and continue with an overview of the economic and social consequences of industrialization; the evolution of parliamentary democracy; the origins and development of liberalism, nationalism, and socialism; diplomatic and military developments from Lord Palmerston to the end of the Cold War. The course will end with an examination of political, economic, social, and cultural developments in Europe since 1945, with a special emphasis on the origin and development of the European Union. Tuesdays 8:30am to 10:00am and Thursdays 10:00am to 11:30am. Professor Chew
HIS 213-3
History of Postwar Europe. This course examines political, economic, social, and cultural developments in Western and Eastern Europe from the end of World War II to the aftermath of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Among the specific topics that will be treated in depth are: the impact of decolonization, the origin and development of the European Union; the NATO alliance and its evolution; the rise of the welfare state; the spread of mass production and consumption; the role of ideology; transnational movements and institutions; the revival of nationalism; and postwar European cultural trends. Mondays 10:00am ­ 11:30 and Thursdays 3:00pm ­ 4:30pm. Professor Palo
ECN 271-3
The European Economy: Structure and Performance (replaces ECN 371). The current structure of the European economy - the what, who, how, and why of production, distribution and consumption - will be examined in detail. Differences among countries in economic organization, for example, in financial institutions and labor relations, will be discussed, as will the role and influence of the European Union, as against that of nation states. Recent economic performance across Europe will be assessed. Throughout the course attention will be given to the ways in which the European economy is similar to or different from economies in other parts of the world. Prerequisites: none, though some introduction to economics is desirable. Tuesdays 8:30am to 10:00am and Thursdays 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Professor Solar
ECN 302-3
Comparative Economic Systems. Theories of capitalism and socialism, both neoclassical and Marxist. Recent evolution of advanced capitalist economies: USA, UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan and others. Historical background and current transformation of Russia, China, and other socialist and ex-socialist countries. Some attention to international organizations such as NAFTA, EU. Together with ECN 304, this course covers the entire world economy. Prerequisite: ECN 104. Mondays 4:30pm ­ 6:00pm and Wednesdays 10:00am-11:30am. Professor Gassler
ECN 308-3
International Monetary Economics. The interdependence that arises from international trade in financial assets will be analyzed. Themes treated include the balance of payments, theories of exchange rate determination, exchange rate regimes, and international macroeconomic policy. Special attention will be given to the process of European monetary integration. Prerequisite: ECN 104. Tuesdays 11:30am to 1:00pm and Fridays 11:30am to 1:00pm. Professor Van Hove
ECN 323-3
Money, Credit, and Banking. The role of money and financial institutions in the economy. The nature and operations of commercial and central banks and international bank and non-bank financial intermediaries. Goals, tools and impact of monetary policy. The international monetary system, the organization of foreign exchange and the interference of international banking and national monetary policy. Great importance is attached to the presentation and discussion of selected problems through which students must prove that they are capable of linking theory to day-to-day financial news. Prerequisite: ECN 104. Fridays 3:00pm ­ 6:00pm. Professor Plettinck

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