| CARTOON AND ANIMATION | |||||
| Bachelor | TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 | QF-EHEA: First Cycle | EQF-LLL: Level 6 | ||
| Course Code | Course Name | Semester | Theoretical | Practical | Credit | ECTS |
| SOC4007 | Contemporary Sociological Theories | Fall | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester. |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Type of course: | Non-Departmental Elective |
| Course Level: | Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle) |
| Mode of Delivery: | Face to face |
| Course Coordinator : | Prof. Dr. ULAŞ SUNATA ÖZDEMİR |
| Course Lecturer(s): |
Assist. Prof. KAYA AKYILDIZ Prof. Dr. ULAŞ SUNATA ÖZDEMİR Assoc. Prof. AYŞEGÜL AKDEMİR Prof. Dr. AYŞE NİLÜFER NARLI Prof. Dr. İPEK ALTINBAŞAK FARİNA |
| Recommended Optional Program Components: | "." |
| Course Objectives: | The course is designed to familiarize students with recent theories, issues, and debates in the field of contemporary social and critical theory. It offers a critical review of key contemporary theoretical frameworks by examining major themes and intellectual movements. Special attention is given to foundational readings in what are often referred to as 'postmodern' and 'poststructuralist' theories, with a focus on their engagements with modernity, semiotics, the unconscious, feminism, and re-interpretations of Freud, Nietzsche and Marx. Additionally, the course explores the concepts of deconstruction, orientalism, and postcolonialism, investigating how these ideas challenge established paradigms and contribute to ongoing debates in critical theory. The course also introduces students to current discussions in the field of critical posthumanities, examining how questions of human subjectivity, ethics, and agency are being rethought in the context of technological advances, ecological crises, and the decentering of the human in contemporary theoretical discourses. |
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The students who have succeeded in this course; 1. Familiarize with Key Theories: Develop a comprehensive understanding of major theoretical frameworks in contemporary social and critical theory, including postmodernism, poststructuralism, and critical posthumanities, and their relevance to current sociological debates; 2. Trace Intellectual Evolution: Gain the ability to trace the evolution of modern and postmodern thought, particularly in how concepts like semiotics, deconstruction, and the unconscious challenge traditional sociological paradigms. 3. Critically Engage with Feminist and Postcolonial Theories: Critically engage with feminist, decolonial, and postcolonial approaches, understanding how they interrogate concepts such as orientalism, power structures, and knowledge production. 4. Analyze Human Subjectivity in Context: Analyze contemporary reconceptualizations of human subjectivity, ethics, and agency within postmodern and posthumanist frameworks, particularly in relation to technological advancements, ecological crises, and the decentering of the human; 5. Scholarly Write on Contemporary Theory; Produce a well-researched, theoretically informed paper that critically discusses contemporary sociological theories, demonstrating an ability to synthesize different theoretical perspectives and apply them to relevant social phenomena; 6. Develop Critical and Analytical Skills: Enhance critical thinking, presentation abilities, and interactivity through active participation in class discussions, presentations, and collaborative learning, demonstrating a reflective understanding of course material. |
| The course is designed to familiarize students with recent theories, issues, and debates in the field of contemporary social and critical theory. It offers a critical review of key contemporary theoretical frameworks by examining major themes and intellectual movements. Special attention is given to foundational readings in what are often referred to as 'postmodern' and 'poststructuralist' theories, with a focus on their engagements with modernity, semiotics, the unconscious, feminism, and re-interpretations of Freud, Nietzsche and Marx. Additionally, the course explores the concepts of deconstruction, orientalism, and postcolonialism, investigating how these ideas challenge established paradigms and contribute to ongoing debates in critical theory. The course also introduces students to current discussions in the field of critical posthumanities, examining how questions of human subjectivity, ethics, and agency are being rethought in the context of technological advances, ecological crises, and the decentering of the human in contemporary theoretical discourses. Teaching Methods and Techniques Used in the Course: Lecture, Case Study, Collaborative Learning, Discussion, Individual Study, Reading, Project, Technology-Enhanced Learning |
| Week | Subject | Related Preparation |
| 1) | Introduction to the Course: Going over the Syllabus | No preparation |
| 2) | Classical Sociological Theory | D. P. Johnson (2008) “Classical Stage European Sources of Sociological Theory”, ch 1, in D. P. Johnson Contemporary Sociological Theory: An Integrated Multi-level Approach New York: Springer. (23-51) |
| 3) | An Introduction to Postmodern Social Theory | G. Ritzer (1997) “Postmodern Social Theory, Sociology and Sociological Theory”, ch 1, in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (1-17) G. Ritzer (1997) “The Development of Postmodern Sociology”, ch 2, in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (18-36) |
| 4) | Ferdinand Saussure: Semiotics and Structuralism | Ferdinand Saussure, Selection from Course in General Linguistics (8-17, 65-9, 110-9) John E. Joseph “The Linguistic Sign”, Cambridge Companions Online, Cambridge University Press. (59-75) Deadline: Annotation 1 |
| 5) | Frankfurt School | Erich Fromm “The Method and Function of an Analytic Social Psychology”, in A. Arato and E. Gebhardt, eds., The Essential Frankfurt School Reader. (477-96) Wilhelm Reich “The Authoritarian Ideology and the Family in the Mass Psychology of Fascism”, The Mass Psychology of Fascism. (34-74) Max Horkheimer “Authoritarianism and the Family”, in R. N. Anshen, ed., The Family: Its Function and Destiny (359-74) Deadline: Annotation 2 |
| 6) | Psychoanalysis and Jaques Lacan | Kaja Silverman “The Subject”, The Subject of Semiotics. (127-193) Deadline: Annotation 3 |
| 7) | Final Projesi Toplantıları | Final Project Proposal |
| 8) | The Postmodern Condition | Thedor W. Adorno (1968) “Late Capitalism or Industrial Society?” (1-11) Fredric Jameson (1991) “Postmodernism or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism” in F. Jameson Postmodernism or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism Verso. (1-14) Jean-Francois Lyotard (1979) “The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge” in J.F. Lyotard The Postmodern Condition: A report on Knowledge, Manchester: Manchester University Press. (1-14) Bary Smart “The Postmodern Paradox”, Modern Conditions and Postmodern Controversies. (141-82) Deadline: Annotation 4 |
| 9) | Jacques Derrida and Deconstruction | Elizabeth Gross “Derrida and the Limits of Philosophy” (26-42) Jonathan Culler “Deconstruction”, On Deconstruction: Theory and Criticism After Structuralism. (85-110, 165-91) Activity: Film clip Derrida – Documentary Film (2002) 84 min Deadline: Annotation 5 |
| 10) | Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari | Ronald Bogue “Anti-Oedipus: Nietzschean Desiring Production and the History of Representation”, Deleuze and Guattari. (83-106) Ronald Bogue “The Grand Proliferation: Regimes of Signs and Abstract Machines in Thousand Plateaus”, Deleuze and Guattari. (124-49) Suggested Topic: Deleuze’s Nietzsche Ronald Bogue “Deleuze’s Nietzsche: Thought, will to power, and the eternal return”, Deleuze and Guattari. (15-34) Friedrich Nietzsche: The Will to Power. (104-7) Activity: Film clip Documentary Film: “Zizek!” 71 min Deadline: Annotation 6 |
| 11) | Michel Foucault: Panopticism, Discipline, Surveillance, Discourse, Body, Population | G. Ritzer (1997) “Michel Foucault Part1: Archaeology of Knowledge, Genealogy of Power” in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (37-62) G. Ritzer (1997) “Michel Foucault Part2: Sexuality, Power, and Self” in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (63-75) ? Activity: Film clip Badiou interviews Michel Foucault (1965) 30 min Deadline: Annotation 7 |
| 12) | Feminist Theory and the Posthuman Condition | Elizabeth Gross (1986) “What is Feminist Theory?”, in C. Pateman and E. Gross, eds., Feminist Challenges: Social and Political Theory Boston: Northeastern University Press. (190-204) “Feminist Theory”, in James Farganis, ed., Readings in Social Theory: The Classic Tradition to Post-Modernism (Dorothy Smith: Women’s Experience as a Radical Critique of Sociology). (376-87) Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak “Feminism and Critical Theory” In Other Worlds: Essays in Cultural Politics. (77-92) Rosi Braidotti “Posthuman Critical Theory”, in D. Banerji and M.R. Paranjape (eds.) Critical Posthumanism and Planetary Futures. (13-32) Activity: Discussion on Film clip The Piano (Jane Campion, 1993) 121 min Deadline: Annotation 8 |
| 13) | Orientalism and Post-Colonial Theory | Leela Gandhi “Edward Said and his Critics” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (64-80) Leela Gandhi “Postcolonalism and Feminism” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (81-101) Activity: Discussion on Film clip Zeitgeist: Moving Forward (Peter Joseph, 2011) 201min Deadline: Annotation 9 |
| 14) | Globalization and Post-Nationalism | Leela Gandhi “Imagining Community: The Question of Nationalism” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (102-21) Leela Gandhi “One World: The Vision of Postnationalism” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (122-40) Deadline: Annotation 10 |
| Course Notes / Textbooks: | Özel ders okumaları ve görsel materyaller kullanılmaktadır. D. P. Johnson (2008) “Classical Stage European Sources of Sociological Theory”, ch 1, in D. P. Johnson Contemporary Sociological Theory: An Integrated Multi-level Approach New York: Springer. (23-51) G. Ritzer (1997) “Postmodern Social Theory, Sociology and Sociological Theory”, ch 1, in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (1-17) G. Ritzer (1997) “The Development of Postmodern Sociology”, ch 2, in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (18-36) Ferdinand Saussure, Selection from Course in General Linguistics (8-17, 65-9, 110-9) John E. Joseph “The Linguistic Sign”, Cambridge Companions Online, Cambridge University Press. (59-75) Erich Fromm “The Method and Function of an Analytic Social Psychology”, in A. Arato and E. Gebhardt, eds., The Essential Frankfurt School Reader. (477-96) Wilhelm Reich “The Authoritarian Ideology and the Family in the Mass Psychology of Fascism”, The Mass Psychology of Fascism. (34-74) Max Horkheimer “Authoritarianism and the Family”, in R. N. Anshen, ed., The Family: Its Function and Destiny (359-74) Kaja Silverman “The Subject”, The Subject of Semiotics. (127-193) Thedor W. Adorno (1968) “Late Capitalism or Industrial Society?” (1-11) Fredric Jameson (1991) “Postmodernism or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism” in F. Jameson Postmodernism or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism Verso. (1-14) Jean-Francois Lyotard (1979) “The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge” in J.F. Lyotard The Postmodern Condition: A report on Knowledge, Manchester: Manchester University Press. (1-14) Bary Smart “The Postmodern Paradox”, Modern Conditions and Postmodern Controversies. (141-82) Elizabeth Gross “Derrida and the Limits of Philosophy” (26-42) Jonathan Culler “Deconstruction”, On Deconstruction: Theory and Criticism After Structuralism. (85-110, 165-91) Ronald Bogue “Anti-Oedipus: Nietzschean Desiring Production and the History of Representation”, Deleuze and Guattari. (83-106) Ronald Bogue “The Grand Proliferation: Regimes of Signs and Abstract Machines in Thousand Plateaus”, Deleuze and Guattari. (124-49) G. Ritzer (1997) “Michel Foucault Part1: Archaeology of Knowledge, Genealogy of Power” in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (37-62) G. Ritzer (1997) “Michel Foucault Part2: Sexuality, Power, and Self” in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (63-75) Elizabeth Gross (1986) “What is Feminist Theory?”, in C. Pateman and E. Gross, eds., Feminist Challenges: Social and Political Theory Boston: Northeastern University Press. (190-204) “Feminist Theory”, in James Farganis, ed., Readings in Social Theory: The Classic Tradition to Post-Modernism (Dorothy Smith: Women’s Experience as a Radical Critique of Sociology). (376-87) Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak “Feminism and Critical Theory” In Other Worlds: Essays in Cultural Politics. (77-92) Leela Gandhi “Edward Said and his Critics” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (64-80) Leela Gandhi “Postcolonalism and Feminism” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (81-101) Leela Gandhi “Imagining Community: The Question of Nationalism” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (102-21) Leela Gandhi “One World: The Vision of Postnationalism” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (122-40) Badiou. Ethics. Ronald Bogue “Deleuze’s Nietzsche: Thought, will to power, and the eternal return”, Deleuze and Guattari. (15-34) Friedrich Nietzsche: The Will to Power. (104-7) |
| References: | Special course reader as well as visual materials D. P. Johnson (2008) “Classical Stage European Sources of Sociological Theory”, ch 1, in D. P. Johnson Contemporary Sociological Theory: An Integrated Multi-level Approach New York: Springer. (23-51) G. Ritzer (1997) “Postmodern Social Theory, Sociology and Sociological Theory”, ch 1, in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (1-17) G. Ritzer (1997) “The Development of Postmodern Sociology”, ch 2, in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (18-36) Ferdinand Saussure, Selection from Course in General Linguistics (8-17, 65-9, 110-9) John E. Joseph “The Linguistic Sign”, Cambridge Companions Online, Cambridge University Press. (59-75) Erich Fromm “The Method and Function of an Analytic Social Psychology”, in A. Arato and E. Gebhardt, eds., The Essential Frankfurt School Reader. (477-96) Wilhelm Reich “The Authoritarian Ideology and the Family in the Mass Psychology of Fascism”, The Mass Psychology of Fascism. (34-74) Max Horkheimer “Authoritarianism and the Family”, in R. N. Anshen, ed., The Family: Its Function and Destiny (359-74) Kaja Silverman “The Subject”, The Subject of Semiotics. (127-193) Thedor W. Adorno (1968) “Late Capitalism or Industrial Society?” (1-11) Fredric Jameson (1991) “Postmodernism or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism” in F. Jameson Postmodernism or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism Verso. (1-14) Jean-Francois Lyotard (1979) “The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge” in J.F. Lyotard The Postmodern Condition: A report on Knowledge, Manchester: Manchester University Press. (1-14) Bary Smart “The Postmodern Paradox”, Modern Conditions and Postmodern Controversies. (141-82) Elizabeth Gross “Derrida and the Limits of Philosophy” (26-42) Jonathan Culler “Deconstruction”, On Deconstruction: Theory and Criticism After Structuralism. (85-110, 165-91) Ronald Bogue “Anti-Oedipus: Nietzschean Desiring Production and the History of Representation”, Deleuze and Guattari. (83-106) Ronald Bogue “The Grand Proliferation: Regimes of Signs and Abstract Machines in Thousand Plateaus”, Deleuze and Guattari. (124-49) G. Ritzer (1997) “Michel Foucault Part1: Archaeology of Knowledge, Genealogy of Power” in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (37-62) G. Ritzer (1997) “Michel Foucault Part2: Sexuality, Power, and Self” in G. Ritzer Postmodern Social Theory Toronto: McGraw-Hill. (63-75) Elizabeth Gross (1986) “What is Feminist Theory?”, in C. Pateman and E. Gross, eds., Feminist Challenges: Social and Political Theory Boston: Northeastern University Press. (190-204) “Feminist Theory”, in James Farganis, ed., Readings in Social Theory: The Classic Tradition to Post-Modernism (Dorothy Smith: Women’s Experience as a Radical Critique of Sociology). (376-87) Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak “Feminism and Critical Theory” In Other Worlds: Essays in Cultural Politics. (77-92) Leela Gandhi “Edward Said and his Critics” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (64-80) Leela Gandhi “Postcolonalism and Feminism” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (81-101) Leela Gandhi “Imagining Community: The Question of Nationalism” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (102-21) Leela Gandhi “One World: The Vision of Postnationalism” Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction. (122-40) Badiou. Ethics. Ronald Bogue “Deleuze’s Nietzsche: Thought, will to power, and the eternal return”, Deleuze and Guattari. (15-34) Friedrich Nietzsche: The Will to Power. (104-7) |
| Semester Requirements | Number of Activities | Level of Contribution |
| Attendance | 14 | % 15 |
| Homework Assignments | 10 | % 30 |
| Presentation | 1 | % 15 |
| Final | 1 | % 40 |
| Total | % 100 | |
| PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK | % 60 | |
| PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK | % 40 | |
| Total | % 100 | |
| Activities | Number of Activities | Duration (Hours) | Workload |
| Course Hours | 14 | 3 | 42 |
| Study Hours Out of Class | 14 | 2 | 28 |
| Presentations / Seminar | 1 | 12 | 12 |
| Homework Assignments | 10 | 3 | 30 |
| Paper Submission | 1 | 40 | 40 |
| Total Workload | 152 | ||
| No Effect | 1 Lowest | 2 Low | 3 Average | 4 High | 5 Highest |
| Program Outcomes | Level of Contribution | |
| 1) | To have theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in cartoon and animation. | |
| 2) | To be able to develop research, observation-experience, evaluation skills in the field of cartoon and animation and effectively communicate ideas, convincing actions and emotions using cartoon and animation and performance principles in every direction. | |
| 3) | Making animated films with various artistic styles and techniques. | |
| 4) | Designing the cartoon and animation production process using initiative, applying it with creativity and presenting it with personal style. | |
| 5) | To be a team member in the production process of cartoon and animations, to be able to take responsibility and manage the team members under their responsibility and to lead them. | |
| 6) | To be able to evaluate cartoon and animations in the framework of their knowledge and skills. | |
| 7) | To be able to define and manage learning requirements in the field of cartoon and animation. | |
| 8) | To be able to communicate with related organizations by sharing scientific and artistic works in cartoon and animation and to share information and skills in the field. | |
| 9) | To monitor developments in the field of cartoon and animation using foreign languages and to communicate with foreign colleagues. | |
| 10) | To be able to use general information and communication technologies at advanced level with all kinds of technical tools and computer software used in cartoon and animations. | |
| 11) | Using critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies in all aspects of development and production, effectively communicating ideas, emotions and intentions visually, verbally and in writing, and effectively incorporating technology in the development of cartoon and animation projects. | |
| 12) | To have sufficient knowledge about ethical values and universal values in the field of cartoon and animation. |