INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE

Course Description

This course is an introduction course for the first year International Relations students with the aim of introducing students to the discipline’s fundamental terminologies, and concepts. Within this framework, the course explores instances of applied political science through real world examples by providing the essential conceptual tools and fundamental methodologies of studying political science. The course focuses on the building blocks of studying politics such as legitimacy, sovereignty, state, classes, as well as political elites. Fundamental knowledges such as Political parties, regimes, ideologies, election systems will be given to students. In line with the fundamental methodologies of studying political science, the major political perspectives will be analyzed throughout the semester.

INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

Course outcomes

1. 01 By the end of the term, the students are expected: (1) to define basic political concepts;
2. 02 (2) to describe how politics can be studied scientifically;
3. 03 (3) to acquire basic skills necessary to analyze politics;
4. 04 (4) to identify, compare and contrast main political ideologies;

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Andrew Heywood & Matthew Laing (2025). Politics, Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan. (The main book)
2. 02 James N. Danziger & Charles Anthony Smith (2016) Understanding the Political World (12th edition), New York: Pearson
3. 03 Eddie J. Girdner (1999) People and Power, 2nd edition, Istanbul: Literatür.

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 By the end of the term, the students are expected: (1) to successfully define basic political concepts SOLO 3
2. L02 to describe how politics can be studied scientifically SOLO 3
3. L03 to acquire the basic skills necessary to analyze political developments SOLO 4
4. L04 to demonstrate an understanding of major political ideologies SOLO 4
5. L05 to demonstrate knowledge of key political thinkers, scholars and their works SOLO 4
6. L06 to explain the significance of specific historical events and processes in the context of global political and economic development. SOLO 3

Program Outcomes

1. P01 1- To have advanced theoretical and practical knowledge supported by textbooks, application tools and other resources including current information in the field of Accounting and Finance.
2. P02 2- To be able to use advanced theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the field of Accounting and Finance.
3. P03 3- To be able to interpret and evaluate data, identify problems, analyze and develop solutions based on research and evidence by using advanced knowledge and skills acquired in the field of Accounting and Finance.
4. P04 4- To be able to take responsibility as an individual and a team member in order to solve complex and unpredictable problems in accounting and finance applications.
5. P05 5- To be able to plan and manage activities for the development of employees under the responsibility of a project.
6. P06 6- To be able to determine the learning requirements in the field of Accounting and Finance and to direct their learning.
7. P07 7- To be able to inform people and institutions about issues related to the field of accounting and finance, and to be able to transfer their ideas and solution proposals in writing and orally.
8. P08 8- To be able to use information and communication technologies together with computer software at the European Computer Driving License Advanced Level required by the field of Accounting and Finance.
9. P09 9- To act in accordance with social, scientific, cultural and ethical values in the stages of collecting, interpreting, applying and announcing the results related to the field of accounting and finance.

Po-Lo Matrix