All programmes > Political Economy & Comparative Industrial Relations

Political Economy & Comparative Industrial Relations (B-KUL-S0C97A)

4 ECTSEnglish26 Second term
Pulignano Valeria
POC Sociologie

Aims

Upon completion of this course, the students have reached the following goals:

  • Students are familiar with the 'industrial relations' concept, its theoretical frames and its implications.
  • Students are familiar with the basic characteristics of several different national systems, their historical evolution and their current processes of change.
  • Students have skills in comparative analysis, more specifically they can identify and examine similarities and differences across (and within) the different socio-economic and institutional examined contexts.
  • Students can evaluate different theoretical approaches for explanation (for example, those emphasizing political or economic determinants) and debates over current trends (for example convergence  against continuing diversity).
  • Students are familiar with the most recent developments in industrial relations.
  • Students can select relevant literature, identify and explain the functioning of social processes and critically reflect on issues of theoretical and analytical relevance.
  • Students are able to apply the theoretical frameworks of Industrial relations to an everyday example (e.g. analysis of European framework agreements) and to present the findings.

These goals are announced at the start of the course.

Previous knowledge

At the beginning of this course, students have knowledge of classic sociology theory and social system theory. Students have an understanding of the basic theories in sociology of labour (Fordism, Taylorism, Human Relations School). Students have an interest in European industrial (employment) relations issues and are motivated to enhance their knowledge on these issues on the basis of contemporary developments in this field.

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

4 ects. Political Economy & Comparative Industrial Relations (B-KUL-S0C97a)

4 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture26 Second term
Pulignano Valeria
POC Sociologie

Content

The course first introduces the concept of "industrial relations". Subsequently, the major theoretical implications of this concept are treated through an analysis of industrial relations as a comparative discipline. We then develop an analysis of the institutions of industrial relations and their evolution in Europe. In particular, a typology of various national systems of social deliberation (e.g. Germany, Great Britain, Belgium) is discussed. The main objective is to identify a number of crucial themes in cross-national analysis. The final section of the course focuses on the analysis of recent developments of labour relations (such as its increasingly European nature) and their implications  for the research domain of labour relations at large.

Course material

Compulsory reading:
-Reader 'Comparative European Industrial Relations', available at the cursusdienst Politika, including English articles.

Recommended reading:
Information on institutions, actors and content of industrial relations, both on the national and the European level can be found in the publications of the European Industrial Relations Observatory available online: https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/observatories/eurwork

Course slides, assignments and extra materials for the discussions and presentations are made available on Toledo.

Format: more information

General information

The course consists of a two-hour lecture every week. Relevant theoretical, analytical and policy issues are presented and discussed. Questions will be taken from the students attending the course. Further questions underlying the aspects of the lectures will be discussed. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on the content of the topics/themes presented in the lecture.

Seminar

There will be one interactive seminar in which Master students will give presentations on various subjects that are covered in the course. Bachelor students are recommended to attend this seminar but are not required to give a presentation. The interactive seminar will be organized online.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Political Economy & Comparative Industrial Relations (B-KUL-S2C97a)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Presentation, Self assessment/Peer assessment, Oral
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : None

Explanation


Evaluation characteristics

The evaluation consists of two parts: an online seminar with an oral presentation during the semester and an oral exam. More details on the seminar are provided in ‘Format: More information’.

Final result

The course is evaluated by the lecturer, as communicated on Toledo and in the examination regulation. The final result is expressed as a mark out of 20 (rounded to a whole number).

The final result is weighted: the seminar accounts for 30% of the final result , the oral exam accounts for 70% of the final result.  If the student does not participate in the seminar, the student cannot take part in the final exam and the final result for the whole course will be marked as NA (not attempted).

Retaking exams

The evaluation characteristics and the determination of the final result of the second examination opportunity can differ from those of the first examination opportunity. The modalities of the second examination opportunity will be communicated via Toledo in the beginning of July.