This course introduces graduate students to major debates in political theory within the analytic tradition. It examines key questions about political values and concepts such as justice, equality, freedom, democracy, power, and authority. Emphasis is placed on critical engagement with theoretical texts and the development of conceptual and analytical skills for understanding and evaluating political institutions and practices.
Political Theory (POLS 502)
2025 Fall
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Political Science(POLS)
3
10
Faik Kurtulmuş afaikkurtulmus@sabanciuniv.edu,
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English
Doctoral, Master
--
Seminar,One-to-one tutorial,Group tutorial
Interactive,Learner centered,Communicative,Discussion based learning
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| Programs\Type | Required | Core Elective | Area Elective |
| Computer Science and Engineering - With Master's Degree | * | ||
| European Studies - Non Thesis | * | ||
| European Studies - With Thesis | * | ||
| Leaders for Industry Biological Sciences and Bioengineering - Non Thesis | * | ||
| Leaders for Industry Industrial Engineering - Non Thesis | * | ||
| Leaders for Industry Materials Science and Engineering - Non Thesis | * | ||
| Leaders for Industry Mechatronics Engineering - Non Thesis | * | ||
| Political Science - Non Thesis | * | ||
| Political Sciences - With Bachelor's Degree | * | ||
| Political Science - With Thesis | * |
CONTENT
OBJECTIVE
Refer to the course content.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Identify and explain major debates in contemporary political theory concerning central values and concepts, such as justice, equality, freedom, democracy, power and authority
- Analyze and critically assess normative arguments in key theoretical texts
- Articulate the implications of different normative frameworks for evaluating political institutions and practices
- Develop a nuanced understanding of political concepts that play a central role in both normative theorizing and empirical political research
- Engage in reasoned discussion and debate about contested political concepts
- Develop and defend their own normative and conceptual positions in written form
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
1. Develop and deepen the current and advanced knowledge in the field with original thought and/or research and come up with innovative definitions based on Master's degree qualifications 4
2. Conceive the interdisciplinary interaction which the field is related with ; come up with original solutions by using knowledge requiring proficiency on analysis, synthesis and assessment of new and complex ideas. 5
3. Evaluate and use new information within the field in a systematic approach. 5
4. Develop an innovative knowledge, method, design and/or practice or adapt an already known knowledge, method, design and/or practice to another field; research, conceive, design, adapt and implement an original subject. 4
5. Critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation of new and complex ideas. 5
6. Gain advanced level skills in the use of research methods in the field of study. 4
7. Contribute the progression in the field by producing an innovative idea, skill, design and/or practice or by adapting an already known idea, skill, design, and/or practice to a different field independently. 3
8. Broaden the borders of the knowledge in the field by producing or interpreting an original work or publishing at least one scientific paper in the field in national and/or international refereed journals. 5
9. Demonstrate leadership in contexts requiring innovative and interdisciplinary problem solving. 4
10. Develop new ideas and methods in the field by using high level mental processes such as creative and critical thinking, problem solving and decision making. 5
11. Investigate and improve social connections and their conducting norms and manage the actions to change them when necessary. 4
12. Defend original views when exchanging ideas in the field with professionals and communicate effectively by showing competence in the field. 4
13. Ability to communicate and discuss orally, in written and visually with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio C1 General Level. 5
14. Contribute to the transition of the community to an information society and its sustainability process by introducing scientific, technological, social or cultural improvements. 5
15. Demonstrate functional interaction by using strategic decision making processes in solving problems encountered in the field. 3
16. Contribute to the solution finding process regarding social, scientific, cultural and ethical problems in the field and support the development of these values. 4
1. Develop the ability to use critical, analytical, and reflective thinking and reasoning 5
2. Reflect on social and ethical responsibilities in his/her professional life. 4
3. Gain experience and confidence in the dissemination of project/research outputs 5
4. Work responsibly and creatively as an individual or as a member or leader of a team and in multidisciplinary environments. 5
5. Communicate effectively by oral, written, graphical and technological means and have competency in English. 5
6. Independently reach and acquire information, and develop appreciation of the need for continuously learning and updating. 5
1. Analyze historical and contemporary developments in Europe, specifically of the European integration process, from a multi-disciplinary perspective.
2. Grasp the main dynamics of the European order, politically, historically and economically.
3. Explain the European integration process and the EU's decision-making procedures and it's institutions.
1. Analyze historical and contemporary developments in Europe, specifically of the European integration process, from a multi-disciplinary perspective.
2. Grasp the main dynamics of the European order, politically, historically and economically.
3. Explain the European integration process and the EU's decision-making procedures and it's institutions.
1. Begin to grasp historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics. 5
1. Begin to grasp historical evolution and contemporary character of world politics. 5