Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences · Political Science and International Relations (English) · Undergraduate
Course Objective
The aim of this course is providing the students with a substantial basic knowledge for the Political Sciences and to assist in the development of the analytical tools necessary for successful completion of the Political Science major. In addition, the course aims to assist students in developing the citizenship skills necessary for an individual interested in politics.
Course Content
This course is designed to introduce the students to Political Science. It is organized in a problem-solving structure which means that we will begin the course with a problem, and then pursue the rest of the weeks in trying to understand the problem in its deeper historical, structural, ideological, and institutional context, and also to learn and discuss possible solutions to it. The main problem that will be the driving force of our course is this: Is there a crisis in politics? Since contemporary politics and world order is an outcome of modernity and modern worldview which first emerged in Europe, and then spread to the rest of the world through wars, colonization and modernization processes, we need to understand this modern worldview in its origin and its evolution in history. In doing this, we will examine how this worldview were translated into politics through particular institutions, ideas, values, principles and structures, such as nation-state, liberal democracy, nationalism, a particular form of economy, political party, international system, political culture, media, government, legislation, judiciary, bureaucracy, society and identity. Only after understanding how contemporary politics came into being and evolved in time, can we start thinking in a well-informed way about how this current crisis can – if at all – be overcome.
Required Resources
Munci Kapani, Introduction to Political Science, Bilgi Publications, Istanbul 2008.
Leftwich, A. (2004). What is Politics? The Activity and Its Study. Polity Press.
Recommended Resources
Atilla Yayla, Political Science, Adres Publications, Ankara 2021.
Heywood, A. (2019). Politics. Palgrave Macmillan.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain the fundamental concepts and theories of political science.
- Students will be able to analyze key political concepts such as state, power, authority, and legitimacy.
- Students will be able to comparatively evaluate political systems and types of regimes.
- Students will be able to explain the historical development and functioning of governance models such as democracy, totalitarianism, and authoritarianism.
- Students will be able to critically examine election systems, political parties, and public opinion.
Core Area Distribution
Teaching Methods
Assessment & Evaluation
ECTS / Workload
| Activity | Quantity | Duration (h) | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Duration (Including Exam Week) | 16 | 3 | 48 |
| Out of Class Study Period | 16 | 3 | 48 |
| Midterm | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assignment | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Practice | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 10 | 10 |
Course Schedule
| Week | Subject | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction To Lesson | Chapter I |
| 2 | What is Politics? What is Political Science? | Chapter II |
| 3 | Power, Legitimacy, and State | Chapter III |
| 4 | The Concept of Ideology | Chapter IV |
| 5 | Political Ideologies | Chapter V |
| 6 | Political Systems and Democracy | Chapter VI |
| 7 | Nation-state and Nationalism | Chapter VI |
| 8 | Midtern | Midterm |
| 9 | Politics, Society and Economy | Chapter VII |
| 10 | Political Culture, Political Socialization and Participation | Chapter VIII |
| 11 | Political Parties, Party Systems and Elections | Chapter VIII |
| 12 | Groups, Interests, Movements | Chapter IX |
| 13 | Legislation, Execution, Judiciary | Chapter X |
| 14 | Civil Society | Chapter X |
| 15 | Rehearsal | Rehearsal |
| 16 | Final | Final |