Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Business en Recht
ALSEM: European Social Security/234438/3624/2627/1/35
Study guide

ALSEM: European Social Security/2

34438/3624/2627/1/35
Academic year 2026-27
Is found in:
  • International programmes Business and Law, programme stage 3
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 4 credits
Teaching staff: Van Cappellen Gilles
Languages: English
Scheduled for: Module 2
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: This course unit is eligible for deliberation according to the criteria as determined by the degree programme you are enrolled in.
Total study time: 104,00 hours

Caution

IPBR/ALSEM/007

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Short description

It is sometimes said that Europe feels distant from everyday life. Yet, we all routinely encounter rules and policies shaped at the European level, even if we are not always aware of how this complex system works in practice. At the same time, the European Union is more than a source of regulation: it is a political project that shapes economic, social and societal developments.

For Law Practice students, European law is not entirely new. However, the broader role of the European Union may remain unclear in certain areas. That is exactly what this course aims to change. By the end of this course, students will be closer to the work of the European Commission, Parliament and Council and will be able to think concretely about their role and the importance of the European project.

The course focuses on various aspects of social security, with the aim of gaining a broad knowledge of social policy, politics and the workings of the European Union. To give you an idea: in the European Union, social security is the competence of the Member States. As such, there are currently as many social security systems as there are Member States. The task of the European Union is mainly to regulate the coordination of these systems with a view to the free movement of persons (hard law). Moreover, it seeks to achieve common objectives for social protection and social inclusion through the open method of coordination (OMC) (soft law).

So, if you are interested in welfare, social cohesion and the functioning of the European Union, this course is really for you.

Learning outcomes (list)

Performs his/her task self-directed and accurately: shows initiative, creativity and perseverance and works in a solution-oriented way.
The student shows perseverance and problem-solving skills when searching for relevant information on different European social security systems.
The student presents the research results to the class and applies correct presentation skills.
Works smoothly and with responsibility within a team and takes on simple leadership tasks
The student carries out various assignments independently and as part of a team and hands them in on time.
Finds and critically analyses current profession-related sources in accordance with current regulations, distils relevant information from them and uses them in legal practice.
The student extracts correct information and relevant qualitative (legal) sources, summarises them and makes critical connections between the sources.
Communicates professionally within the professional context in Dutch, French and English, both in writing and orally
The student carries out the written assignments in English and uses an academic writing style. Moreover, the student presents research results in English to a class group.
Deals with complex cases within the field of social law in a solution-oriented way.
The student situates social security systems of European Union member states in their national and European context.
The student has an awareness of the socio-economic and historical context of different European member states and can reflect the influence this context has on current social welfare systems.
Students demonstrate a critical attitude towards the different systems and approaches to social security and labour legislation within the EU.
Students have an understanding of European legislation and knowledge of the different types of legal acts, such as regulations, directives, decisions, recommendations and opinions.

Course content

-Organisation of social security systems in the various EU countries.
-History, philosophy and socio-economic context of the various social security systems.
-Assessment of the various dispositions in the social security systems.
-The role of the European Union in relation to the coordination and harmonisation of the various systems.

Study material (list)

Electronic Learning EnvironmentMandatory
  • Author: AP Hogeschool Antwerpen
Publications of the European UnionRecommended
Recommended study material: EC Employment LawRecommended
  • Author: Barnard Catherine
Recommended study material: Introduction into the Basic Principles of Social SecurityRecommended
  • Author: Pieters Danny
Recommended study material: The Social Security System of the States Applying for Membership of the European UnionRecommended
  • Author: Pieters Danny
Recommended study material: The Social Security Systems of the Member States of the European UnionRecommended
  • Author: Pieters Danny

Educational organisation (list)

Exam duration
Estimated time for testing1,00 hours
Learning Activities
Lectures and / or tutorials24,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours79,00 hours

Evaluation (text)

See Digitap for further instructions.

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodProject assignment100,00Paper (9 points), presentation (9 points) and class assignments and guest lecture (2 points). Students will be evaluated on the content and processing of the information retrieved, their presentation skills and answering questions after the presentation. See Digitap for further information.
Evaluation(s) for re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
2nd examination periodProject assignment100,00The student should do the research work again and more thoroughly and submit a revised paper. The student will only be graded on the paper.