Undergraduate Courses
Introduction to the study of politics. Terminology and methodology of political science. Government and administration. Executive, legislative, and judiciary. Governance, political participation, political actors, government structures and processes. Basic concepts of political theory, comparative politics and international relations.
Constitutional developments in the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic. Comparative study of current and previous constitutions. Constitutional status of and relationship between legislative, executive, judiciary branches. (Taught in Turkish)
Prerequisite: POLS 101
Study of ancient Greek, Roman, and medieval political thinkers. Analysis of their major contributions to the development of political theory. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Analysis of the works of the major Western political theorists from Machiavelli to the present, with emphasis on general developments, trends, and basic issues in modern political theory.
Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 201
Introduction to statistical methods in social sciences. Basic descriptive and inferential techniques. Prerequisite: MATH 106
Decision theory, testing statistical hypotheses, statistical estimation, parametric and nonparametric statistics, correlation and regression analysis. Prerequisite: POLS203
Introduction to theory-oriented research in political science: Research problems, research designs, quantitative data collection techniques, data processing, data analysis, and interpretation of social science data with special emphasis on quantitative methods used in data analysis, and report writing on the basis of data analysis and findings. Prerequisites: POLS 203
Major concepts and theoretical approaches in comparative politics. Comparative party systems, electoral systems, political institutions, state-society relations, democratization, and political culture. Prerequisite: POLS 101
History of diplomacy and international relations from the French Revolution to the end of the Cold War. The emergence of balance of power systems, nationalism, colonialism, the World Wars, decolonization and the Cold War. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The rise and evolution of the nation-state system, the operation of balance of power, deterrence, coercion, conflict, diplomacy, crisis management, and the role of international law and institutions in inter-state relations. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The development of the Turkish political system from the Ottoman period to the present with emphasis on the interaction of state, politics, and society. Prerequisite: POLS 101, POLS 102
An introduction to the basic concepts, theories and methodologies of political economy. The interaction between states and markets and between power and wealth at domestic and international contexts. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Examination of the historical origins and development of democracy in a comparative perspective, with emphasis on major historical processes and contemporary debates. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Nationalism and nation-building in historical perspective. Ethnicity, national consciousness, and ethnic nationalism in an international and comparative framework. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Study of liberalism, conservatism, socialism, communism, social democracy, nationalism, from their origins in the 18th century to the present. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The etymological, philosophical, scientific and historical origins of secularism. A survey of the contemporary political philosophical critiques of secularism. An evaluation of the relation between secularism and democracy. Prerequisite: POLS101
The structures and processes of politics in developing countries with special attention on the dynamics of regime changes. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Comprehensive examination of the political economy of contemporary Turkey, with particular emphasis on the changing role of the state in the development process. Prerequisite: POLS 101, POLS 102
Properties of various electoral systems in comparative perspective. Theory and practice of elections. Plurality systems, proportional systems. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The structures and political processes in Latin American countries with a focus on populism, revolution, authoritarianism, and democracy. Historical and theoretical examination of political change and economic development in the region.
Analysis of U.S. society and socio-political developments through the works of American authors since mid-19th century, with emphasis on social change as reflected in the novel. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Politics as seen through the lens of selected movie directors. Critical appraisal of classical and contemporary political films and of the main political issues projected to the screen. Exploration of the political and social relevance of cinema. Prerequisite: POLS101
A general introduction to histories, peoples and politics of the Middle East. Colonialism, imperialism, orientalism, state, institutions, popular culture, nationalism, democratization, political Islam, patriarchy, social movements. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Examination of state tradition in Turkey. Structure of administration, recruitment and corporate interests of the bureaucracy. Bureaucratic politics, relations of bureaucracy with parliament and government. (Formerly Turkish bureaucratic structure). Prerequisite: POLS 101
Ontological, epistemological, and political-ideological underpinnings of the major approaches to social science. Relation of the social and human sciences to natural science. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Comparative analysis of political change and rapid economic development in East and Southeast Asia, with particular focus on Japan, China, and the East Asian NICs. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Contending theories of international relations. Realism, neorealism, theories of integration and interdependence, constructivism, postmodernist and feminist approaches. Paradigmatic changes and major debates. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242.
Theoretical perspectives on the politicization of gender, religion, ethnicity and locality. The construction of political identities in modern and postmodern socio-political culture, particularly in relation to key political concepts such as public sphere, state, law, nationality, citizenship and community. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Nature and function of international law. Analysis of trends in its development. Principles of public and private international law. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
This course offers a general introduction to international law (IL). Topics covered include the key sources, actors and institutions of IL; enforcement of IL; adjudication by international tribunals; and specific issues areas such as human rights and the use of force. In view of the politics and the polemics of the established canons in law we will engage in critical conversations with dominant doctrines of IL from feminist, postcolonial, and Third World perspectives. There are no prerequisites, co-requisites, or any other special skills or knowledge required for effective participation in this course.
In depth coverage of twentieth century diplomatic history. Causes and consequences of the two world wars, the emergence of the bipolar system, post-Cold War developments and conflicts. Prerequisite: POLS 101
International economic relations since World War II, globalization of finance, trade and production. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Political development and dynamics of environmental issues, with reference to both domestic and international contexts. Green movement and its implications for post-industrial politics. Environmental consequences of current political attitudes. Prerequisite: POLS101
Relationship between politics and territory. State boundaries, demographics, socioeconomic characteristics and activities. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Development of the modern state, the relationship of the state to society, with special emphasis on the nature of modern political institutions and processes. Prerequisites: POLS 101, SOC 101, SOC 108
This course examines local politics, government, and governance with specific focus on citizen participation from a comparative perspective. After introducing the main approaches and concepts regarding these issues, the course explores different forms and dynamics of political participation at the local level. Based on comparative analyses of specific cases, the conditions that facilitate and impede citizen participation are identified and critically evaluated. The course concludes with a general assessment of citizen participation and of the institutions specifically designed to enhance and deepen citizen participation in local politics and governance.
Examination of the emergence and development of parliamentarism in Turkey. Constitutional developments in the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 102
General principles of administrative law. Historical overview of administrative law in Turkey. Constitutional and institutional dynamics of Turkish public administration. Civil servants, public services and judicial review of administrative actions. Prerequisites: POLS 101, AD 131
Comprehensive analysis of the genesis and historical evolution of selected political concepts and controversies. Selected political thinkers and the in-depth appraisal of their contribution to political thought. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Examination of the relationship between law, politics and society, with emphasis on the social and political construction of law and crime. Leading theoretical perspectives and empirical research in the field. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Turkish foreign policy in historical perspective. Interaction of domestic politics and foreign policy. Role of major actors in the formulation and implementation of Turkish foreign policy. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 217
Theoretical perspectives on the analysis of the state, the public sphere and the conceptualization of the public /private dichotomy. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Survey of contemporary US government, with emphasis on the functioning of the federal system, the powers of the presidency, Congress, and the Supreme Court. Prerequisite: POLS 101
A study of the evolution of the European integration project from the European Coal and Steel Community to the present European Union, with emphasis on the politics of the deepening of integration and the expansion of EU membership. Prerequisite: POLS 101
History and diplomacy of Turkey's relationship with the European integration process, from the Ankara Treaty to the present. Major issues in EU-Turkey relations. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Historical evolution of the modern Middle East since the decline of the Ottoman Empire. Fundamental issues of the Middle East in contemporary world politics. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Typology of international organizations, nature of decision making processes in IGOs. The role and impact of international organizations in world politics. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 217, POLS 242
Introduction to the organization, powers and operation of the administrative structure of government. Judicial review. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 102
Discussion of current issues in Turkish political life with special emphasis on secularism, civil-military relations, and problems of democracy. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 102
Historical and contemporary political developments in Eastern Europe within a comparative perspective, with emphasis on the post-Cold War developments. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 205.
This course offers an analysis of various issues and challenges of industrialization that states, firms and unions face in advanced indstrial countries. It explores the industrial policies, the firm, government relations, specific firm strategies and overall capital, labor relations during the post-war period in the United States, Japan and Europe drawing examples from specific industries. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Introduction to the interaction between political and economic factors from the perspective of public choice theory. Application of public choice concepts to public policy issues in both developed and developing countries. Prerequisite: POLS 101, EC 101, EC 102
Basic theoretical approaches to social policy, social problems, social policy, and the nature and functions of the welfare state. The causes and effects of governmental policies in selected fields. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Discussion of the history and nature of globalization and public policy responses to it with a focus on Europe and the OECD countries. Comparative analysis of economic, social and industrial policy responses to challenges raised by globalization of markets. Prerequisite: POLS 101
An interdisciplinary approach to the relationship between the constitution and the political system, political processes and judicial review of legislative acts. Case studies from the Turkish, Continental European, and Anglo-American contexts. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 102
Comparative analysis of the major European Union economies including Germany, France, Britain and Italy. Study of the impact of the European integration on these economies. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Introduction to the basic concepts of game theory and decision theory as they apply to political science. Prerequisite: POLS 101, POLS 203
Articulation of political power relations in the sphere of culture. Processes of ideological hegemony and political legitimacy. Autonomy of culture from politics and the economy. Cultural dimensions of globalization. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Study of gender in political discourse. The impact of gender on methodological and substantive issues of politics. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Theoretical exploration of the relationship between ethics and politics, discussion of major issues and dilemmas, with particular reference to Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche and modern theorists. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Discussion of the scope and the major themes of political philosophy, such as freedom, equality, truth, justice, the public good, rights and obligations. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Political, sociological, anthropological and economic approaches to the status of religions in today's world. Secularism in the East and in the West. Comparative analysis of political, social, cultural, scientific, economic and gender issues involved in secularization and desecularization. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The global revolution in mass communication and its impact on political processes, cultural identity, national and global issues. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Critical appraisal of modern and postmodern theories of ideology and discourse. Discussion of the contribution of contemporary debates in political thought to the theory and practice of discourse. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Theoretical overview of 20th century Marxist thought, particularly in its sociological, phenomenological, structural and postmodern variants. The evolution of Marxist theory from Gramsci, Lukács and the Frankfurt School to contemporary thinkers. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Contextual survey of the development of democratic theory since Hobbes, with special emphasis on contemporary problems.
Prerequisite: POLS 101
Social, economic, and political changes in the U.S.A. since World War II. The impact of technological change and global economic system on American politics. Current issues and debates on minorities, women, and American involvement in world politics. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Impact of psychological, cultural and social structural factors on individual and mass behavior in political life, with emphasis on voting behavior. Prerequisite: POLS 101
An overview of the different paradigmatic approaches to the study of politics and society such as positivism, phenomenology and hermeneutics, structuralism, and critical theory. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Comparative analysis of the origins, functions and organizational characteristics of political parties and interest groups in different political systems. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The foundations of the idea of European integration in Western political history. The concept and practice of local and international community from classical Greece to the present. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Introduction to the theories and empirical findings on political cognition, attitudes, values and beliefs. Theories of political socialization, political action, and protest behavior. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Study of works of literature as sources for understanding. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Analysis of social and political problems leading to the collapse of the Weimar Republic, rise and fall of the Third Reich, the establishment of the Federal Republic, and German Unification. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Examination of the evolution toward a common European foreign ad security policy. Policy-making in the EU vis-à-vis major issues in international affairs. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The interdependence of economic and political factors at the international level with special emphasis on the politicization of international economic relations. Prerequisites: POLS 101, EC 101, EC 102
Typologies of states and bureaucracies with particular emphasis on the relationship in different political systems. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Discussion of major approaches to capitalism and markets by an analysis of ethnographies of economy. Political economy, exchange, production, informality, performativity of modern sciences, market design, commodity circulation, and finance. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Institutionalism as a major strand of political economy. Domestic structures and inter-country variations in public choice and economic performance. Prerequisites: POLS 101, EC 101, EC 102
Introduction to the theory of social movements. Case studies of old and new types of social movements in a comparative perspective. Worker, woman and immigrant movements. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Political dynamics and developments in the Caucasus and Central Asia in the Post-Cold War period. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Social and political dynamics of Balkan states with emphasis on the causes and consequences of instability in the region. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The central traits of modernity in the 19th and 20th centuries and their relation to politics. Turn-of the-century arts, society and culture and their effects on political values, perceptions and practices. A multi-dimensional appraisal of the critiques of modernity. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The politics of postmodernity from 1968 to our day. The discourse of postmodernity and its effects on political values, perceptions and political movements. A multi-dimensional appraisal of the critiques of postmodernity. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Exploring various dimensions and modalities of human deprivation and exclusion. Study of linkages between globalization and exclusion, various theories on marginality, poverty, informality and inequality, analysis of political solutions and strategies.
Major issues in Turkeys foreign relations, regional problems and involvement. Evolution of Turkey’s foreign policy goals. Prerequisites: POLS 101
Critical aspects of scripts in diplomatic correspondence. Formats of diplomatic correspondence and their usage in other fields. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242
Methods and strategies of conducting diplomatic negotiations. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242, POLS 437
Survey of the theoretical literature on the study of diplomacy of selected countries. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Current developments in issues and problems areas of international politics. Prerequisite: POLS 101, POLS217
Foreign policy making processes and analyses. Politics and foreign policy. Actors, interests and interactios. Turkey's international relations and foreign policy making as a case study. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The logic of the post-war bipolar system based on nuclear deterrence, the arms race, disarmament and arms control negotiations. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242
Problems and prospects of European economic and political integration. EU enlargement. Post-Maastricht developments and current debates. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Comparison of the Cold War and post-Cold War eras. The search for a new security architecture of Europe. Prerequisites: POLS 101
Changing power configuration in Europe and Asia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with emphasis on foreign policy implications. Prerequisite: POLS 101
A basic understanding of the participants, factors and constraints that influence EU policy-making in its various arenas, levels, and stages. Analyzes of the capacity of EU institutions that monitor the enforcement of compliance with EU policy goals, strategies and outcomes in member states. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Review of conflict theories. Understanding the causes of international conflict. Dynamics of conflict escalation, management, settlement, and resolution. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242
Survey of the main features of Ottoman society and its institutions. Pre-Ottoman origins, the classical age, the process of decline, the reform movement and the demise of the empire. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The political processes of Middle Eastern countries and the impact of internal dynamics on the international politics of the area. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Politics of the Black Sea region, with special emphasis on implications for regional and global politics. Political, economic, and security aspects of the region. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Developing countries in global politics in the post-World War II period, with special emphasis on alternative explanations of inequality among nations, and the consequences of the end of the Cold War for the future of North-South relations. Prerequisites: POLS 101
In-depth examination of selected issues and concepts on European integration such as European citizenship and identity, immigration and asylum, local government and regionalism, and institutional reform. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Current developments in the European Union with regard to culture, identity and citizenship. Issues of immigration, human rights, gender relations, and new social movements. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Analysis of Japanese political culture, political processes. The dynamics of Japanese democracy, society, and economic life. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Change in power configuration in Asia. Global implication of the rise of China and India. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Nature and function of civil law. Development and nature of the principles, concepts, and approaches, especially with specific reference to the Turkish case. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 102
Survey of psychological, social, political and religious factors shaping conflict. Analyses of theories of peace, peacebuilding, and reconciliation. Management, transformation and resolution of conflict. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Examination of the politics or outer space, the polar regions, open seas, and the deep seabed. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242
This course offers an introduction to the law of international organizations (LIO). LIO is a subbranch of international law (IL). It focuses on organizations whose membership is that of states. Topics that will be addressed include the legal personality and powers of such institutions; the manner in which the states parties as members participate and enforce decisions through institutional mechanisms; the privileges and immunities enjoyed by these organizations and their relationship with national law and the role played in this regard by international law. We will also address the formation, membership, internal decision-making structures, sanctions, and accountability of such organizations. While, special emphasis will be placed on the United Nations, other intergovernmental organizations like the EU, the WTO and the IMF will also be examined. Furthermore, we will focus on international organization in the fields of human rights, environmental protection, international finance and trade, and peace and justice. Although not a hard prerequisite, students are recommended to have concluded POLS 324 successfully before enrolling in this course.
Development and nature of the principles, structures, and legal processes of international institutions, with special emphasis on the United Nations. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Study of European Union law and legal processes, with emphasis on acquis communautaire and the European Court of Justice. Issues related to jurisdiction and enforcement. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Theoretical foundations and historical development of human rights. Evolution of international human rights regimes and their impact on international and domestic politics. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Introduction to human rights in the European and international contexts. The definitions and foundations of human rights, instruments for their protection, their juridicial application at international, regional and domestic levels. Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Review of recent applications of game theory and of decision theory in recent formal models of voting and party competition theory and rational choice in international relations and comparative politics. Prerequisite: POLS 101, POLS 370
Comparison of political systems of North America and Western Europe. Emphasis on Great Britain, France, and the Federal Republic of Germany. Historical legacies, key political institutions, and political culture. Prerequisite: POLS 101
The aim of the course is to familiarize the students with especially the intellectual foundations of any type of authoritarianism and totalitarianism, which are anti-liberalism, anti-universalism and relativism and irrationalism.
Analysis of the relationship of Islam to politics. Islamist movements in theoretical and comparative perspective. Prerequisite: POLS 101
This course aims to revisit some of the ever important and forever valid themes of political philosophy (such as freedom, equality, justice, democracy, the public good, political power, rights and obligations) while specifically focusing on social justice.
Theoretical exploration of gender and politics in the Middle East. Analysis of feminist criticism of basic concepts of politics related to the dynamics of politics in the region. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Investigation of media and communication systems' connection to globalization. Survey of key debates on media, globalization and politics, the use of media by global political activism and the role of the state in responding to these processes. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Issues and problems in contemporary American foreign policy, focus on different theories and doctrines, with respect to their effect on American foreign policy, analysis of factors determining the US foreign policy.
Field research projects carried out by students from the selection of a research problem to drafting of a final report. Prerequisite: POLS 101, POLS 203, POLS 206
Field research projects carried out by students from the selection of a research problem to drafting of a final report. Prerequisite: POLS 101, POLS 203, POLS 206
Advanced Seminar on selected topics in comparative politics. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 215
Advanced seminar on selected topics in political theory. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 201, POLS 202
Examination of selected issues in Turkish government and political processes. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 102
Advanced seminar on selected topics in international relations. Prerequisites: POLS 101, POLS 242
Individual research projects or intensive reading for specialization in field of interest. Prerequisite: POLS 101
Individual research projects or intensive reading for specialization in field of interest. Prerequisite: POLS 101
An extensive study of selected topics in Amerian politics, literature, society and history with an interdisiplinary approach.
Students with a minimum GPA of 3.00 will be admitted to this course. Each student will be required to complete a senior thesis under the direction of a faculty member.
This course offers a general introduction to international law (IL). Topics covered include the key sources, actors and institutions of IL; enforcement of IL; adjudication by international tribunals; and specific issues areas such as human rights and the use of force. In view of the politics and the polemics of the established canons in law we will engage in critical conversations with dominant doctrines of IL from feminist, postcolonial, and Third World perspectives. There are no prerequisites, co-requisites, or any other special skills or knowledge required for effective participation in this course.
