Industrial Engineering
Bachelor	TR-NQF-HE: Level 6	QF-EHEA: First Cycle	EQF-LLL: Level 6

General course introduction information

Course Code:

IRL409

Course Name:

Contemporary Issues in Turkish Politics

Course Semester:

Fall

Course Credits:

Theoretical	Practical	Credit	ECTS
3	0	3	6

Language of instruction:

Course Requisites:

Does the Course Require Work Experience?:

Type of course:

Compulsory

Course Level:

Bachelor

TR-NQF-HE:6. Master`s Degree

QF-EHEA:First Cycle

EQF-LLL:6. Master`s Degree

Mode of Delivery:

Face to face

Course Coordinator :

Assoc. Prof. MEHMET KABASAKAL

Course Lecturer(s):

Assoc. Prof. MEHMET KABASAKAL

Course Assistants:

Course Objective and Content

Course Objectives:

The purpose of this course is to give students the ability to analyze the political issues. In line with this objective, the course will focus on the Contemporary Issues in Turkish political life. The course will cover historical development of political institutions/political parties and political culture; issues related with religion, ethnicity, gender, military- state relations, and Turkish Constitution; the role of civil society, NGOs and Media in consolidation of democracy. Recent changes will also be examined.

Course Content:

Turkish political agenda since 1990s; Interdependence of internal and external politics; Turkish-American Relations; Gulf Crisis and War on Iraq; Turkey-EU relations; Luxemburg and Helsinki Summits; October 3rd Decisions; Turkey’s Middle East Policy.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;

Learning Outcomes

1 - Knowledge
Theoretical - Conceptual
1) • evaluate the contemporary political events of Turkey with a critical perspective.
2) • analyze the Turkish political problems.
3) • analyze the relations between Turkish political history and contemporary political issues.
4) • recognize the development of Turkish political life, analyze the contemporary issues and develop some solutions to the problems.
2 - Skills
Cognitive - Practical
3 - Competences
Communication and Social Competence
Learning Competence
Field Specific Competence
Competence to Work Independently and Take Responsibility

Lesson Plan

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	• Describe the course • Describe the course boks and other course related materials • Explain the syllabus • Explain the grading and evaluation system • Identify the place of political history in political science studies. • Explain the content of the syllabus • Explain the course program • Explain the importance of the course books and their writers • Discuss the extra course related materials • Identify the history of political life in Turkey
2)	• Define political systems • Explain the functioning of political systems • Explain the notion of political parties • Discuss the functions of political parties via examples • Identify the emergence of political system and parties in Turkey
3)	• Define the notion of democracy • Exlain the place of democracy in Turkish political history • Identify the relation between politics and democracy • Discuss the democratization theories • Discuss the contemporary democracy issues via examples • Explain the history and functioning of Turkish political system • Discuss the functioning of elections in Turkey • Explain the emergence of the democracy in Turkish political history • Discuss the relation between politics and democracy in the context of Turkey. • Discuss the democracy issues in the contemporary Turkish politics	Read: Özbudun, (2000), pp.73-103 Kabasakal, “Factors influencing intra-party democracy and membership rights: The case of Turkey”, Party Politics, 2014, pp. 700-711.
4)	• Define political systems • Explain the functioning of political systems • Explain the notion of political parties • Discuss the functions of political parties via examples • Identify the emergence of political system and parties in Turkey • Explain political systems comperatively • Explain the functioning of Turkish parliamentary system • Identify the emergence of political parties in Turkey • Discuss the functionings of political parties In Turkey • Identify the historical progress of political system and parties in Turkey	Read: the passage from the handout distributed in the class
5)	• Explain the effects of religions on politics • Identify the notion of secularization historically • Discuss the relation between religion and politics in the historical context via the examples across the world • Define the relation between postmodernity and identity politics • Identify the relation between religious identity based politics and postmodernism • Explain the evolution of Turkish political system in the context of religion and secularism • Define the notion of secularism in Turkey historically • Illustrate the relation between religion and politics in Turkey historically and societally • Explain the rise of identity politics in Turkey through postmodernity • Discuss the relation between religious identity based politics and postmodernism in Turkey	Read: Cornell (2001), pp. 31-46. Saylan (2012 ), pp. 377-415
6)	• Define the notion of ethnic identity • Illusrate the effects of ethnicity on political structure • Identify the correlation between democracy level and recognition of different ethnic identities • Explain the place of minority politics in a democratic system through pluralism • Compare the difference between political systems on ethnic identities • Explain the position of ethnic identities in the political structure of Turkey in historical context • Explain the progress of ethnic identity politics in Turkey • Discuss the position of political system in Turkey on the subject of recognizing different ethnic identities • Discuss the effectiveness of pluralism in Turkey • Discuss the level of minority rights in Turkey in the perspective of democracy	Read the passage from the handout distributed in the class
7)	• Evaluate students via Midterm • Define the notion of political system • Evaluate the connection between postmodernism and identity politics • Compare the effects of coup d’etats on the political system of Turkey • Discuss the economic and political effects of 1980 coup d’etat in Turkish politics	Özbudun, (2000), pp. 105-123
8)	• Evaluate students via Midterm • Define the notion of political system • Evaluate the connection between postmodernism and identity politics • Compare the effects of coup d’etats on the political system of Turkey • Discuss the economic and political effects of 1980 coup d’etat in Turkish politics • Evaluate students’ comprehension of the material via midterm exam • Compare different political systems • Illustrate the functionings of political system and parties in Turkey • Explain the progress of secularism in Turkey in historical context • Explain the emergence of 28 February 1997 postmodern coup d’etat in historical and societal context.	Read: the passage from the handout distributed in the class
9)	• Define feminist theory • Explain the historical progress of different feminist approaches • Explain the participatory condition of women in democratic societies • Discuss the relations between democratic values and women rights by reference to the discrimination against women in patriarchal societies • Describe women’s positions in politics • Explain the progress of feminist thought in Turkey • Explain the progress of women’s political rights in Turkey and discuss their contemporary position. • Identify the societal and political reasons of discrimination against women in Turkey • Define the notion of affirmative action	Özbudun, (2000), pp.125-147
10)	• Define the notion of civil society • Identify the historical progress of the notion of civil society • Illustrate the connection between civil society and democracy • Explain the democratic progress through NGO’s • Identify the effects of civil society on politics • Explain the historical progress of civil society in Turkey • Illustrate the effects of civil society on politics in Turkey • Compare the NGO’s through their contrubutions to the progress of democracy in Turkey • Discuss the position of civil society in Turkish politics. • Discuss the reasons why civil society in Turkey has not made enough progress	Ahmad, Feroz, (2014), pp. 119-146
11)	• Identify the basic institutions of democratic systems • Explain the importance odf separation of powers in democratic political systems • Discuss the role of executive in politics • Discuss the role of judiciary in politics • Discuss the role of legislature in politics • Discuss the role of media as the fourth power • Identify the basic institutions of democratic system in Turkey • Explain how separation of powers workin practice in Turkey • Explain the functioning and the role of executive in Turkish politics • Explain the functioning and the role of judiciary in Turkish politics • Explain the functioning and the role of legislature in Turkish politics • Discuss the notion of freedom of press in Turkey	Björnberg, Kjell, Cranston, Ross, The Functioning of the Judicial System in the Republic of Turkey (2005)
12)	• Explain the role of judiciary as a check and balance to the legislative and executive branches • Identify the basic role of freedom of judiciary in terms of seperation of powers. • Explain the importance of freedom of judiciary in democracies. • Explain how political systems lose their democratic features when the judiciary be in under control of executive • Discuss the issues that harm the freedom of judiciary via examples • Explain the role of judiciary as a check and balance to the legislative and executive branches in Turkey • Identify the basic role of freedom of judiciary in terms of seperation of powers in Turkey • Explain how freedom of judiciary works in practice in Turkey • Discuss the relation between judiciary and executive branches in Turkey • Discuss the issues that harm the freedom of judiciary via examples in Turkey	Özbudun (2000), pp.49-71 Ahmad, Feroz, (2014), pp. 150-189
13)	• Discuss the notion of constitutional regime • Compare different constitutional systems • Define presidential system • Define semi-presidential system • Identify the functioning of parliamentary system • Identify the constitutional system in Turkey • Compare the constitutions of 1924,1961 and 1982 of Turkey • Explain the preparation and the contents of 1961 constitution in Turkey • Explain the preparation and the contents of 1982 constitution in Turkey • Discuss the amendments that were made in 1982 constitution in last decade.	Read: the passage from the handout distributed in the class
14)	• Identify the media’s functioning as the forth power • Define the notion of freedom of press • Discuss the relation between freedom of press and democracy • Discuss the examples that harm the freedom of press • Discuss the relation between censorship and authoritarianism • Explain the functioning of media in Turkish political life • Discuss how the freedom of press works in practice in Turkey • Identify the relation between freedom of press and democracy in Turkey • Discuss the examples that harm the freedom of press in Turkey • Discuss repercussion of censorship against press in Turkey on political structure
15)	• Evaluate students via Final Exam • Explain feminist approaches • Discuss the position of civil society in Turkish politics • Compare 1961 and 1982 constitutions from the point of view of their preparation and content. • Discuss the relation between freedom of press and democratic structure • Final exam • Explain the historical progress of feminist thoght in Turkey • Discuss the 1982 constitution in terms of legislaion, execution and judiciary • Explain the role and the functioning of judiciary in Turkey • Explain the notion of affirmative action

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:

Ahmad, Feroz, (2014), Turkey: The Quest for Identity, Oneworld Publications: Revised edition
ISBN: 1780743017

References:

Kalaycıoğlu, Ersin ve Sarıbay, Ali, Yaşar, (2009), Türkiye’de Politik Değişim ve Modernleşme, Bursa: Dora Yayıncılık.

Özbudun, Ergun ve Hale, (2010) William, Türkiye’de İslamcılık,Demokrasi ve Libaralizm: AKP Olayı, Doğan Kitap.

Berktay, Fatmagül, (2004), Kadınların İnsan Haklarının Gelişimi ve Türkiye, İstanbul: Bilgi Üniversitesi Yayınları.

Keyman, Fuat (2006), Türkiye’de Sivil ToplumunSerüveni: İmkansızlıklar İçinde Bir Vaha, Ankara: Sivil Toplum Geliştirme Merkezi.

Özbudun, Ergun, (2007), Çağdaş Türk Politikası: Demokratik Pekişmenin Önündeki Engeller, Çev.Ali Resul Usul, 2.Baskı, Doğan Kitapçılık A.Ş., İstanbul.

Özkorkut, Nevin, Ünal (2002), “Basın Özgürlüğü ve Osmanlı’daki Görünümü”, Ankara Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergis iCilt 51 Sayı: 3, s 65-84.

Karakaya, Hande Özhabeş (2013) Yargı Paketleri, Hak ve Özgürlükler Açısından Bir Değerlendirme: Geniş Kapsamlı Rapor, TESEV

Course-Program Learning Outcome Relationship

Learning Outcomes	1	2	3	4
Program Outcomes
1) Adequate knowledge in mathematics, science and engineering subjects pertaining to the relevant discipline; ability to use theoretical and applied information in these areas to model and solve engineering problems.
2) Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems; ability to select and apply proper analysis and modelling methods for this purpose.
3) Ability to design a complex system, process, device or product under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way so as to meet the desired result; ability to apply modern design methods for this purpose. (Realistic constraints and conditions may include factors such as economic and environmental issues, sustainability, manufacturability, ethics, health, safety issues, and social and political issues according to the nature of the design.)
4) Ability to devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for engineering practice; ability to employ information technologies effectively.
5) Ability to design and conduct experiments, gather data, analyse and interpret results for investigating engineering problems.
6) Ability to work efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; ability to work individually.
7) Ability to communicate effectively i Turkish, both orally and in writing; knowledge of a minimum of one foreign language.
8) Recognition of the need for lifelong learning; ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continue to educate him/herself.
9) Awareness of professional and ethical responsibility.
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 engineering solutions.

Course - Learning Outcome Relationship

No Effect	1 Lowest	2 Low	3 Average	4 High	5 Highest

	Program Outcomes	Level of Contribution
1)	Adequate knowledge in mathematics, science and engineering subjects pertaining to the relevant discipline; ability to use theoretical and applied information in these areas to model and solve engineering problems.
2)	Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems; ability to select and apply proper analysis and modelling methods for this purpose.
3)	Ability to design a complex system, process, device or product under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way so as to meet the desired result; ability to apply modern design methods for this purpose. (Realistic constraints and conditions may include factors such as economic and environmental issues, sustainability, manufacturability, ethics, health, safety issues, and social and political issues according to the nature of the design.)
4)	Ability to devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for engineering practice; ability to employ information technologies effectively.
5)	Ability to design and conduct experiments, gather data, analyse and interpret results for investigating engineering problems.
6)	Ability to work efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; ability to work individually.
7)	Ability to communicate effectively i Turkish, both orally and in writing; knowledge of a minimum of one foreign language.
8)	Recognition of the need for lifelong learning; ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continue to educate him/herself.
9)	Awareness of professional and ethical responsibility.
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 engineering solutions.

Learning Activity and Teaching Methods

Expression
Lesson
Reading
Homework
Q&A / Discussion

Assessment & Grading Methods and Criteria

Written Exam (Open-ended questions, multiple choice, true-false, matching, fill in the blanks, sequencing)
Oral Examination
Homework

Assessment & Grading

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Attendance	1	% 10
Homework Assignments	1	% 10
Project	1	% 25
Midterms	1	% 25
Final	1	% 30
total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 70
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 30
total		% 100

Workload and ECTS Credit Grading

Activities	Number of Activities	Workload
Course Hours	15	45
Project	15	15
Homework Assignments	15	15
Midterms	15	45
Final	15	45
Total Workload		165