POL1351 Introduction to Political ScienceBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs CIVIL ENGINEERINGGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
POL1351 Introduction to Political Science Spring 3 0 3 8
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: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Hybrid
Course Coordinator : Assoc. Prof. ESRA ALBAYRAKOĞLU
Course Lecturer(s): Assoc. Prof. ZEYNEP HANDE PAKER UNCU
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi YÜKSEL ALPER ECEVİT
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi ARDA CAN KUMBARACIBAŞI
Instructor YASEMİN BİLGEL
Recommended Optional Program Components: None
Course Objectives: This course provides an introduction to basic concepts and theories of political science. It adopts a holistic approach which combines a variety of theories, conceptual frameworks and paradigms with political practice. It starts from human nature, elaborates on state and society and focuses on systems and structures emerging from the political. It finally addresses political economy, political violence and international relations to clarify how these three areas intersect with the discipline of political science. Some of the central themes that the course will cover are society and state, justice, legitimacy, sovereignty, authority, government, constitution, regimes, leadership, political culture, public opinion, interest groups, parties, elections, electoral systems, legislatures, executives, judiciaries, political economy, poverty, development, political violence, terrorism and international relations.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
The students who have succeeded in this course;

1. Grasp the general concepts relating to political science;
2. Recognize multilateral processes in between individual, state, civil society, institutions and organizations;
3. Distinguish the basic theories, methodologies and applications of Political Science;
4. Find out important contributors to political thought with the reasons which make them essential;
5. Identify strengths and weaknesses of political systems and regimes;
6. Compare similarities, dissimilarities and contrasts of political structures;
7. Examine and implement political theories to analyze past and contemporary issues.


Course Content

Theories of Political Science, Ideologies, States, Constitutions and Rights, Societies and Regimes, Political Culture, Public Opinion, Political Communication and the Media, Interest Groups and Parties, Elections and Electoral Processes, Representation, Legislatures, Executives, Bureaucracies, Judiciaries, Institutions and Democracy.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction to Politics and Political Science Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan,2013 4th edition. Ch.1
2) Theories of Political Science Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan,2013 4th edition. Ch.2
3) Political Ideas and Ideologies Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan,2013 4th edition. Ch.3
4) Governments, Systems, and Regimes Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan,2013 4th edition. Ch.12
5) Democracy and Legitimacy Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan,2013 4th edition. Ch.4
6) Politics, The State and Sub-National Politics Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan,2013 4th edition. Ch.5
7) MIDTERM EXAM
8) Nations and Nationalism
9) Globalization, Political Culture and the Media Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan,2013 4th edition. Ch.9
10) Representation, Elections and Voting Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan,2013 4th edition. Ch.10
11) Parties and Party Systems Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan,2013 4th edition. Ch.11
12) Legislatures, Executives and Judiciaries Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan,2013 4th edition. Ch.13, 14, 15
13) Interest Groups, Civil Society and Social Movements Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan,2013 4th edition. Ch.16
14) Revision and Summary

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Andrew Heywood, Politics. Macmillan, 2013 4th edition.
Michael G. Roskin, Robert L. Cord, James A. Medeiros, and Walter S. Jones, Political Science: An Introduction, Perason, 12th edition, 2012William Hale, Turkish Foreign Policy since 1774, 3rd Ed., London: Routledge, 2012.

References: Articles in Course Package

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Midterms 1 % 40
Final 1 % 60
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 40
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 60
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Workload
Course Hours 13 39
Study Hours Out of Class 13 157
Midterms 1 2
Final 1 2
Total Workload 200

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) Adequate knowledge in mathematics, science and civil engineering; the ability to use theoretical and practical knowledge in these areas in complex engineering problems.
2) Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems; ability to select and apply proper analysis and modeling methods for this purpose.
3) Ability to design a complex system, process, structural and/or structural members to meet specific requirements under realistic constraints and conditions; ability to apply modern design methods for this purpose.
4) Ability to develop, select and use modern techniques and tools necessary for the analysis and solution of complex problems encountered in civil engineering applications; ability to use civil engineering technologies effectively.
5) Ability to design, conduct experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results for the study of complex engineering problems or civil engineering research topics.
6) Ability to work effectively within and multi-disciplinary teams; individual study skills.
7) Ability to communicate effectively in English and Turkish (if he/she is a Turkish citizen), both orally and in writing.
8) Awareness of the necessity of lifelong learning; ability to access information to follow developments in civil engineering technology.
9) To act in accordance with ethical principles, professional and ethical responsibility; having awareness of the importance of employee workplace health and safety.
10) Information about business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; awareness of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development.
11) Knowledge about contemporary issues and the global and societal effects of engineering practices on health, environment, and safety; awareness of the legal consequences of civil engineering solutions.