GLOBAL AFFAIRS (ENGLISH, THESIS)
Master TR-NQF-HE: Level 7 QF-EHEA: Second Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 7

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
GLA5914 Special Topics in Political Science Fall 3 0 3 7
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Departmental Elective
Course Level:
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Assoc. Prof. YÜKSEL ALPER ECEVİT
Recommended Optional Program Components: None
Course Objectives: This course aims to provide analytical knowledge and practical skills to understand comparative politics around the world. It addresses a wide range of politics-related issues: What are the key features of democracies and autocracies, and how can regimes best be classified? How can human rights be protected in states? What can be done to create stable, peaceful, and democratic governance in ethnically diverse states? What drives populism in democracies? What is the appropriate constitutional balance of power between the president and the legislature? How do governments shape economic and welfare policy-making in developing societies? The course explores a range of these questions using the methods and techniques of comparative politics.

The course analyzes (i) the nature of comparative politics, (ii) the processes of state formation and the classification of regime types, (iii) the structure of political institutions, (iv) the role of political actors, and (v) performance trade-offs in governance processes. It examines leading research to understand theoretical concepts and empirical literature on each topic.

This course aims to provide information for anyone wishing to become familiar with the main issues in comparative politics and to benefit from practical skills in the analysis of countries around the world. In the age of globalization, international institutions constitute an important base for multilateral organizations, non-profit NGOs, international corporations and national governments.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Analyze complex political phenomena using appropriate theoretical frameworks and methodological tools relevant to the selected special topic(s).

Critically evaluate major debates, perspectives, and scholarly contributions within the focused area(s) of political science addressed in the course.

Synthesize diverse sources of information to develop well-informed arguments about contemporary or historical political issues.

Apply political science concepts to real-world events, policy debates, or case studies relevant to the course topic.

Communicate complex ideas effectively through written assignments, presentations, and class discussions.

Engage in independent research that demonstrates an understanding of the special topic, including the formulation of research questions and the use of appropriate evidence and citations.

Course Content

• Political Ideologies and Thinkers
• Theories
• Concept of Democracy
• Governments, Regimes and State Institutions
• Elections and Electoral Systems
• Political Actors
• Political Parties
• Party Systems
• National Governments
• Political Groups, Civil Society, Political Culture, Media
• Legislative, Executive, Judicial Bodies

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction to the Course Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 1
1) Political Parties Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 13
2) Approaches, Methods and Theories Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 4
3) Governance, State, Legitimacy and Power Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 2
4) Democratic Regimes Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 3
5) Legislative and Judiciary Institution Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 5
6) Executive Bureaucracy Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 6
7) Midterm
8) Political Culture Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 8
9) Political Participation and Protest Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 9
10) Media and Interest Groups Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 10
11) Elections and Representation Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 11
12) Electoral Systems Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 12
13) Political Party Systems Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 13
14) Electoral Systems Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017. Chapter 12

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017.
References: Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics. CQ Press, 2017.

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Project 1 % 30
Midterms 1 % 20
Final 1 % 50
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 20
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 80
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 3 42
Study Hours Out of Class 14 10 140
Midterms 1 2 2
Final 1 2 2
Total Workload 186

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Grasp basic theoretical and conceptual knowledge about the field and relations between them at the level of practice. 2
2) Possess basic knowledge about the causes and effects of political transformations in societies. 3
3) Possess knowledge about quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods in social and behavioral sciences. 3
4) Recognize historical patterns while evaluating contemporary political and social developments. 4
5) Demonstrate interdisciplinary and critical approach while analyzing, synthesizing and forecasting domestic and foreign policy. 3
6) Conduct studies in the field professionally, both independently or as a team member. 1
7) Possess consciousness about lifelong learning based on Research & Development. 4
8) Communicate with peers both orally and in writing, by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio B2 General Level and the necessary informatics and communication technologies. 3
9) Apply field-related knowledge and competences into career advancement, projects for sustainable development goals, and social responsibility initiatives. 2
10) Possess the habit to monitor domestic and foreign policy agenda as well as international developments. 4
11) Possess competence to interpret the new political actors, theories and concepts in a global era. 3
12) Evaluate the legal and ethical implications of advanced technologies on politics. 5