POL4723 Philosophy of Social SciencesBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs ENERGY SYSTEMS ENGINEERINGGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
ENERGY SYSTEMS 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
POL4723 Philosophy of Social Sciences Spring 3 0 3 6
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
Recommended Optional Program Components: None
Course Objectives: This course is devoted to exploring the political philosophy of Hannah Arendt, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. The focus is on understanding Arendt’s critique of Western philosophy, with an emphasis on history as a developmental process towards the realization of human freedom. The main themes to be considered are totalitarianism, the rise of modernity, action and public sphere, power and freedom, revolutions, responsibility, and judgment. The first objective of the course is to provide an overview of Arendt’s work. The second objective of the course is to situate Arendt in the larger context of twentieth-century intellectual life and evaluate the contemporary significance of Arendt’s work. For this purpose, Arendt’s contribution to political philosophy and her response to predecessors in the tradition of Western philosophy will be critically examined.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
The students who have succeeded in this course can;
I. Identify Hannah Arendt’s approach to some fundamental concept of political theory such as totalitarianism, the rise of modernity, action and public sphere, power and freedom, revolutions, responsibility, and judgment.
II. Critically examine the trajectory of her life’s work
III. Discuss the relationship of her work to the larger context of twentieth-century intellectual life
IV. Evaluate the contemporary significance of Arendt’s work.

Course Content

Totalitarianism, the rise of modernity, action and public sphere, power and freedom, revolutions, responsibility, and judgment.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction
2) Hannah Arendt’s Life and Work • Majid Yar, “Hannah Arendt (1906-1975)”, Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy http://www.iep.utm.edu/arendt/, Parts I, 2, and 3.
3) Issues Surrounding the Eichmann Trial • Eichmann in Jerusalem, Chapter 1, 4-12, 17-20
4) Banality of Evil • Eichmann in Jerusalem, 48-55, 136-138, 247-252
5) Banality of Evil II • “Hannah Arendt,” Margarethe von Trotta
6) Midterm
7) Understanding Totalitarianism • The Origins of Totalitarianism, Preface to the First Edition, pp. vii-ix; Chapter 9, pp. 290-302
8) Totalitarianism: Its tools and methods • The Origins of Totalitarianism, Chapter 13, pp.460 – 479
9) Reading the Human Condition • Between Past and Future: Preface, pp.3-15 • The Human Condition, pp. 1-16, 22-33, 50-58 • Maurizio Passerin D’Entreves, “Hannah Arendt”, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/arendt/, Part 4.
10) Midterm 2
11) Problem of Modernity • The Human Condition, pp. 38-49, 175-204, 294-
12) Revolution • On Revolution, pp.28-35, 47-58, 59-64, 75-77, 124-132.
13) Truth and post-truth • “Truth and Politics”
14) GENERAL EVALUATION

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Arendt, Eichmann in Jerusalem
Arendt, The Human Condition
Arendt, On Revolution
Arendt, The origins of Totalitarianism
References: Articles in Course Package

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 14 % 10
Presentation 1 % 10
Midterms 2 % 40
Final 1 % 40
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 40
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Workload
Course Hours 12 36
Study Hours Out of Class 12 102
Presentations / Seminar 1 0.5
Midterms 2 6
Final 1 3
Total Workload 147.5

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) Build up a body of knowledge in mathematics, science and Energy Systems Engineering subjects; use theoretical and applied information in these areas to model and solve complex engineering problems.
2) Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex Energy Systems Engineering problems; select and apply proper modeling and analysis methods for this purpose.
3) Ability to design complex Energy systems, processes, devices or products under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; apply modern design methods for this purpose.
4) Ability to devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for solving complex problems in Energy Systems Engineering practice; employ information technologies effectively.
5) Ability to design and conduct numerical or pysical experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results for investigating the complex problems specific to Energy Systems Engineering.
6) Ability to cooperate efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; and show self-reliance when working on Energy Systems-related problems
7) Ability to communicate effectively in English and Turkish (if he/she is a Turkish citizen), both orally and in writing. Write and understand reports, prepare design and production reports, deliver effective presentations, give and receive clear and understandable instructions.
8) Recognize the need for life-long learning; show ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continuously educate oneself.
9) Develop an awareness of professional and ethical responsibility, and behave accordingly. Be informed about the standards used in Energy Systems Engineering applications.
10) Learn about business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; develop an awareness of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development.
11) Acquire knowledge about the effects of practices of Energys Systems Engineering on health, environment, security in universal and social scope, and the contemporary problems of Energys Systems engineering; is aware of the legal consequences of Energys Systems engineering solutions.