About the Program
General Information
The Department of Political Science and International Relations aims to provide its students with an education of universal standards in both theoretical and empirical courses, enabling them to understand the changing dynamics of domestic politics and global affairs. Political Science examines decision-making processes at the national level, individuals’ participation in political processes, the evolution of political thought and institutions from past to present, and different systems of governance.
Courses in International Relations, on the other hand, focus on the changing structure of the international system over time, different theoretical approaches to the functioning of this system, the actors of the global order, and the causes and consequences of globalization. Within the curriculum, students are also trained in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
You can find key information about our program in the Undergraduate Student Handbook of the Political Science and International Relations Program.
Mission of the Department
The Department of Political Science and International Relations aims to educate students as individuals who can critically analyze political, economic, and social processes at the local and global levels, who possess a strong sense of ethical responsibility and the capacity for multidimensional thinking, and to graduate them with the competencies required to assume effective roles in the public sector, private sector, academia, and civil society.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the PSIR Department:
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1 |
Can explain the fundamental concepts of the disciplines of Political Science and International Relations and interpret current events within the framework of these concepts. |
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Acquire theoretical and empirical knowledge in the core subfields of Political Science—primarily Comparative Politics, Political Theory, and Turkish Politics—and are able to utilize such knowledge to explain and interpret political processes. |
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Acquire theoretical and empirical knowledge in the major subfields of International Relations—such as International Politics, Political History, International Law, International Security, International Political Economy, and Foreign Policy Analysis—and are able to apply this knowledge to explain and interpret global issues. |
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Gain foundational knowledge of social science methodology and are able to conduct empirical analyses of political phenomena and processes by employing qualitative and quantitative research methods and appropriate technical tools. |
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Are able to establish connections between Political Science and International Relations and other Social Science disciplines such as Law, Economics, and Sociology, and can perform interdisciplinary analyses. |
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Develop the ability to analyze various national and international political problems by acquiring theoretical and empirical knowledge relevant to specific subfields or regional specializations. |
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Gain awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and can critically analyze SDG-related issues. |
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Can design and implement entrepreneurial strategies and processes aligned with their goals in order to bring their ideas and projects into practice. |
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Can produce knowledge-based critical thinking, benefit from the theoretical and methodological knowledge they have acquired, work independently, assume responsibilities within a team, and apply their skills effectively. |
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Can effectively use oral, written, and visual communication methods. |
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Acquire academic English proficiency sufficient to produce and transmit knowledge in their field. |
Program Objectives
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In line with the vision and mission of our university and faculty, to educate qualified global citizens with entrepreneurial potential and a global vision who will contribute to the country’s economic and social development. |
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To educate individuals who possess awareness of political, social, and economic issues—including sustainability—and who can think critically and interdisciplinarily. |
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To graduate students equipped with the intellectual background, skills, and competencies necessary to pursue diplomacy and public-sector careers at national and international levels. |
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To educate graduates capable of pursuing careers in national and international private-sector institutions. |
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To prepare graduates with the knowledge base, cognitive capacity, and analytical competencies required for academic careers. |
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To educate graduates who possess the theoretical, empirical, and practical knowledge necessary for careers in national and international non-governmental organizations. |
Undergraduate Program in Political Science and International Relations
Program-Specific Criteria and Course Distribution
PSC1 – Must understand and be knowledgeable about the fundamental theories, concepts, and approaches of the disciplines of Political Science and International Relations.
Courses: Introduction to Political Science, Introduction to Global Politics, Political Theory, Theories of International Relations
PSC2 – Must have the competence to analyze contemporary social and political events and evaluate different political systems and events through comparative methods.
Courses: History of Civilizations, Political History, Research Methods, Introduction to Comparative Political Systems, Statistics for Social Sciences, Senior Project, Modern Middle Eastern History, Russian Foreign Policy, Current Issues in American Politics, Change in the World Political Society and the Asian Community, Politics, Society, and International Relations in Modern Iran
PSC3 – Must understand how Political Science and International Relations interact with other disciplines such as Economics, Diplomacy, Law, and Sociology, and be able to apply this knowledge from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Courses: Introduction to Law, Introduction to Economics, Introduction to Sociology, Political Sociology, Private International Law, The Political Economy of Natural Resources, Introduction to Intelligence Studies, Mythology, Culture and Politics
PSC4 – Must take core courses specific to the program such as the history of political thought, political systems, political economy, constitutional law, Turkish politics, international political economy, and EU relations.
Courses: Political Theory, Theories of International Relations, Comparative Politics, Introduction to Political Economy, Political and Social Structure of Turkey, Turkish Foreign Policy, International Law I & II, International Political Economy, Constitutional Law, Conflict Analysis, Contemporary Political Thought, Diplomacy, Political Institutions of Turkey, International Security, Foreign Policy Analysis, International Organizations
Graduation Requirements
To graduate, students must complete all curriculum requirements within the maximum period of study and successfully finish their three cooperative education placements. A total of 127 credits (minimum 265 ECTS) must be completed. The minimum cumulative grade point average required for graduation is 2.00.
