Political Theory I (POLS 301)

2020 Fall
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Political Science(POLS)
3
6
Nedim Nami Nomer nnomer@sabanciuniv.edu,
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English
Undergraduate
SPS101 SPS102
Formal lecture,Interactive lecture
Interactive,Communicative,Discussion based learning
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Programs\Type Required Core Elective Area Elective
Philosophy Minor *
Political Science *
Political Science and International Relations *
Political Science and International Relations *
Political Science (Previous Name: Social and Political Sciences) *

CONTENT

All societies reflect on how to structure and govern common life, the values that ought to guide it, and the forces that shape it. This course surveys the varying answers given to these questions by different political philosophers such as Aristotle, Nizamülmülk, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Marx, Namık Kemal ve Mill.

OBJECTIVE

This course introduces students to some of the fundamental concepts, issues and perspectives in political philosophy. The themes that the course will cover are wide ranging: Political obligation and its limits, rationality, the individual, Enlightenment, morality, modernity and power, among many others. Different perspectives will be carefully studied and questioned, especially with regard to what they can teach us about our contemporary situation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Identify and discuss the major concepts deployed in a theory and their argumentative articulation. 2. Comprehend and critique such theories. 3. Evaluate ideas, arguments and texts.

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES

1. Understand the world, their country, their society, as well as themselves and have awareness of ethical problems, social rights, values and responsibility to the self and to others. 5

2. Understand different disciplines from natural and social sciences to mathematics and art, and develop interdisciplinary approaches in thinking and practice. 2

3. Think critically, follow innovations and developments in science and technology, demonstrate personal and organizational entrepreneurship and engage in life-long learning in various subjects; have the ability to continue to educate him/herself. 3

4. Communicate effectively in Turkish and English by oral, written, graphical and technological means. 5

5. Take individual and team responsibility, function effectively and respectively as an individual and a member or a leader of a team; and have the skills to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. 3

1. Develop knowledge of theories, concepts, and research methods in humanities and social sciences. 5

2. Assess how global, national and regional developments affect society. 4

3. Know how to access and evaluate data from various sources of information. 4

1. To analyze national and global events from various social science perspectives. 4

2. To demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge on political science and international relations and to state views and positions with advanced oral and written skills. 4

3. To compete for increasing career opportunities in national and global institutions. 1

4. To (be able to) understand and follow the changes in political behaviours, opinions and structures. 5

5. To gain the ability to make logical inferences on social and political issues based on comparative and historical knowledge. 5

1. Understand and follow changes in patterns of political behavior, ideas and structures. 5

2. Develop the ability to make logical inferences about social and political issues on the basis of comparative and historical knowledge. 4

ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA

  Percentage (%)
Midterm 45
Assignment 10
Term-Paper 45

RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS

Readings

The readings are specified in the course outline below