Aims

To deepen understanding of certain questions in family law, because of their particular importance or current or recent reforms.
To approach subjects involving legal, ethical and social questions from the point of view of Belgian law, but also comparative law and/or human rights legislation.
To invite the students to reflect on the connections between the various branches of law and other human sciences.

Main themes

This specialist course in family law is dedicated to the study of essentially practical problems, and covers topics in family law which were not able to be considered during other courses in family law (marriage, adoption, divorce, affiliation, parental authority, maintenance obligations, etc.) as well as topics which are the object of current or recent reforms or debates. The contents of the course can vary from year to year according to the wishes of the students, and include the dimension of comparative law.

Content and teaching methods

The first meeting issued to explain the objectives and method of the course. During the second lesson meeting the tutor introduces a chosen subject so as to illustrate the type of presentation he expects from the students. The students will are then distributed into groups which organise a "course-conference-debate" in the form of a round-table with guests of their choosing. They prepare their presentations by investigating the chosen topic, and by organising meetings and discussions about forums on a website where they can approach their chosen question by making connections between various branches of the law and other human sciences. After their round-table the group will write a paper on their topic, which integrates their analysis, the contents of the debates and a bibliography.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

After correction by the tutor, all the papers prepared by the students are uploaded onto a website so that they are available to all students.