University Courses

Find detailed information about University Courses below.

AL 102

Academic Literacies

The Academic Literacies course aims to expand the communicative, critical thinking and academic skills of students required for success at undergraduate level. In addition to oral presentations, discussions and the facilitations of seminars, students will develop the research and writing skills needed to construct sound, evidence-based arguments. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on the need to analyze and critically approach a variety of texts such as academic articles, media resources and short fiction. Students participate in formal sessions as well as intensive, personalized tutorials with instructors and peer groups utilising the latest information technology. Successful completion of this course equips students with the skills needed for sustained academic achievement as proficient and autonomous English Language communicators.

HIST 191

Principles of Atatürk and the History of the Turkish Revolution I

HIST 191 provides a comprehensive academic perspective on the history of the late Ottoman Empire and the societies that lived there in the past and present. HIST 191 is designed as complementary to HIST 192 that follows-up the content and timeline introduced in HIST 191 course, in a thematic order, by reflecting on major milestones in the history of the Ottoman Empire from the early 19th century up to the end of World War I. Taking the history of the late Ottoman Empire at its center, HIST 191 offers an interdisciplinary approach by relying on other disciplines including human history, political science, economy, and sociology. Besides, the content of HIST 191 is strongly related to the content of TLL 101. The thematic structure and the chronological framework of these separate courses follow parallel trajectories. To that end, the course provides a chance to relate the historical content of HIST 191 to the literary works that are studied in TLL 101. Finally, this course aims to teach basics of academic literacy, source criticism and fact-checking as integrated skills whilst dealing with the content material.

HIST 192

Principles of Atatürk and the History of the Turkish Revolution II

HIST 192 provides an academic perspective on the geography that we call the Turkish Republic today and the historical relations established among the human societies that lived there in the past and present. HIST 192 is designed to be a follow-up of HIST 191 and thus complements the content and timeline previously introduced, in a thematic order, by reflecting on major milestones in the history of the Turkish Republic from World War I up to the year 2020. With a focus on the history of Modern Turkey at its center, HIST 192 offers an interdisciplinary approach by relying on other disciplines, social sciences, and humanities, such as human history, political science, economy, and sociology. Apart from that, the content of HIST 192 is strongly related with the content of TLL 102. The thematic structure and the chronological framework of these separate courses compliment each other. To that end, the course provides a chance to relate the historical content of HIST 192 with the literary works that are studied in TLL 102. Finally, this course aims to teach basics of academic literacy, source criticism and fact-checking as integrated skills whilst dealing with the content material.

IF 100

Computational Approaches to Problem Solving

The course is an introduction to the key concepts in computational thinking such as algorithmic thinking, abstraction and decomposition. The students will also gain basic programming skills in order to apply computational thinking concepts in practice. Through the lectures, homeworks, and interactive recitations specific to different disciplines, the students will learn how to design algorithms, how to divide a problem into subproblems, and how to build a solution by means of compositions. Evaluation of the solutions in terms of correctness and efficiency will also be covered. In order to enable students apply computational thinking skills in practice, basic programming concepts, such as variables, statements, conditionals, iteration, and functions will be introduced by using a simple programming language such as Python.

MATH 101

Calculus I

Basic functions; their properties and applications to modeling. Rate of change, limit, derivative and linear approximation. Computational techniques. Local and global extrema. Applications to optimization problems. The definite integral. Antiderivatives and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Integration techniques. Improper integrals. Applications.

MATH 102

Calculus II

Sequences and series. Power series. Taylor polynomials, Taylor series and approximation. Visualizing functions of several variables; graphs and contour diagrams. Vectors. Differentiation in several variables; partial and directional derivatives. Linear and quadratic approxiamtion. Classification of local extrema. Optimization, Lagrange Multipliers. Integration in several variables. Iterated integrals. Change of variables; polar, cylindrical and spherical coordinates.

NS 101

Science of Nature I

Science of Nature courses aim to initiate a curiosity and desire for learning “scientific thinking” in students and at the same time to introduce some of the basic concepts of physical, chemical and biological sciences in connection with questions concerning the universe, nature and our daily life. The NS 101 course consists of two modules “(1) Are we alone in the universe?” and “(2) Is antibiotics resistance a big threat to the existence of humankind?” Scientific methodology and fundamental concepts in the physical, chemical, and biological sciences are introduced through an integrated approach in the framework of these questions. Upon completing NS 101, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate skills for critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving through integration of different concepts and information. 2. Distinguish among scientific laws, hypothesis and theory and use them to differentiate facts from fiction. 3. Apply mathematical concepts to solve quantitative problems. 4. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the terminology, major concepts and theories of one or more fields in physical, chemical, and biological sciences. 5. Describe the role of science and technology, and develop skills for communicating scientific concepts and facts to society in general. 6. Demonstrate professionalism and ethics when using scientific approach to make informed decision in daily life situations.

NS 102

Science of Nature II

Science of Nature courses aim to initiate a curiosity and desire for learning “scientific thinking” in students and at the same time to introduce some of the basic concepts of physical, chemical and biological sciences in connection with questions concerning the nature and our daily life. The NS 102 course consists of two modules: “(1) Are humans causing climate change?” and “(2) Can we ever comprehend the workings of the brain?” Scientific methodology and fundamental concepts in the physical, chemical, and biological sciences are introduced through an integrated approach in the framework of these questions. Upon completing NS 102 students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate skills for critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving through integration of different concepts and information. 2. Distinguish among scientific laws, hypothesis and theory and use them to differentiate facts from fiction. 3. Apply mathematical concepts to solve quantitative problems. 4. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the terminology, major concepts and theories of one or more fields in physical, chemical, and biological sciences. 5. Describe the role of science and technology, and develop skills for communicating scientific concepts and facts to society in general. 6. Demonstrate professionalism and ethics when using scientific approach to make informed decision in daily life situations.

SPS 101

Humanity and Society I

This course provides an introduction to the study of the human experience in the pre-modern world (from early humans to mid 18th century). It brings together various disciplinary approaches and major topics of the pre-modern world in a roughly chronological order. There are three central aims of this course. The first aim is to present our students the challenges and potential in the scientific study of human experience through the introduction of various analytical tools from disciplines such as history, sociology, anthropology and economics. The idea is to show to our students that the human experience is as much the realm of scientific inquiry and critical thinking as it is the case with the natural world. The second aim is to introduce the basic dynamics of the pre-modern world before the 18th century so that students would be adequately equipped to follow our consecutive course SPS 102 about the modern era and the concept of modernity. Finally, this course also aims to emphasize the structured use of language, in this case English, for the purposes of knowledge production and critical analysis. It accepts the role of language in humanities and social sciences as important as calculus is for physics. To that end, it pays special attention to critical reading and writing as evident from the course structure.

SPS 102

Humanity and Society II 

This course provides an introduction to the study of the human experience in the modern world. It brings together the history of major milestones in the modern era, from the mid-18th century to the 21st century, and prominent theoretical frameworks that are employed to analyze this transformative period in the history of our species. SPS 102 is designed to be a follow-up of SPS 101 and thus compliments the content and the academic skills that were previously introduced. There are three central aims of this course. The first aim is to present our students the challenges and potential in the scientific study of human experience through the introduction of various analytical tools from disciplines such as history, sociology, anthropology and economics. The second aim is to provide the intellectual foundations that would help our students to understand the dynamics of the contemporary world around them by historicizing its relatively recent formation in the history of humanity. Finally, this course also aims to emphasize the structured use of language, in this case English, for the purposes of knowledge production and critical analysis. It accepts the role of language in humanities and social sciences as important as calculus is for physics. To that end, it pays special attention to critical reading and writing as evident from the course structure.

TLL 101

Turkish Language and Literature I

This literature course aims to discuss the modernization process of the late Ottoman-early Republican period through literary texts. Organized in a coordinated and related manner with the HIST 191, the course has two complementary goals: (1) to examine how the history of modernization of the 19th century is reflected in literature and, at the same time, how literature affects the formation of this history; (2) to gain theoretical and practical skills on how to read, discuss, and interpret a literary text in written or oral form. In line with these goals, students are expected to read and discuss these literary texts and related secondary sources in two-hour discussion sessions each week and to prepare oral presentations and written works on these texts.

TLL 102

Turkish Language and Literature II

This literature course is a continuation of TLL 101 and aims to analyze novels, short stories, plays, and poems of Turkish literature written in the period beginning from the early 20th century until today, focusing on issues related to the modernization history of Turkey. The aim of the course, which is constructed in coordination and correlation with HIST 192, is twofold: On the one hand, it aims to analyze and discuss how the Republican Turkish history is reflected in literature and how in turn literature affects this history, and on the other hand, it aims to develop students' theoretical and practical skills in reading discussing and interpreting literary texts. This is achieved by using primary literary texts produced by prominent authors in this period as well as numerous critical texts on these authors. Students are expected to participate in the discussions on these works and the related secondary sources, prepare oral presentations and write papers.

CIP 101N

Civic Involvement Projects I-N

These are team projects that require volunteer work of the individuals with a civic organization. Students choose themselves a particular issue and a related project that they would like to work for. Passing the course depends on the dynamics of the projects and the evaluation of the supervisor students of the projects together with the approval of the Project Coordinator.

HUM 201

Major Works of Literature

This course explores major works of literature in a thematic and chronological framework, and introduces various traditions, movements, and innovations. Each lecture focuses on one or two works that are considered to be paradigmatic of an epoch, but includes comparisons with related works and discussions on the historical, intellectual, and aesthetic background in which they originated. Readings from a variety of authors from the Ancient World through Modernism will be the focus of this class. Discussions focus on the aesthetic and intellectual experience of reading these works as a distinct form of artistic expression. The course aims to provide the necessary knowledge of the literature of different cultures and time periods, to introduce different types of literature such as poetry, prose fiction, and drama , to encourage students to analyze literary works for meaning beyond what is immediately visible, to develop critical thinking skills through reading, discussing and writing, to extend students’ reading experience and awareness on the universal human condition , and to figure out how major works come to express human values within historical and social context.

HUM 202

Major Works of Western Art

This course deals with groundbreaking achievements in art and architecture. It is designed to be more comprehensive than the typical "art appreciation" courses offered elsewhere. Each lecture focuses on one work that is paradigmatic of an epoch, but will include comparisons with related works and a treatment of the historical, intellectual, and aesthetic background of the major work. Through lectures and discussions, students are given the opportunity to consider the intricacies of human creativity and the complex factors that come into play in a work of art. The course aims to assist students in developing criteria for their appraisal of the arts, as well as to stimulate them to reconsider their systems of values and to pursue their interests in the arts and humanities. In addition to the existing pre-requisite " to have completed 23 credits" for this course , a new condition will be added as "to complete SPS 101 and SPS 102 courses at least with D grade" as of the Fall semester of 2015-2016 Academic Year. Students who failed from SPS 101 and SPS 102 courses, do not have right to take this course.

HUM 207

Major Works of Western Philosophy

This course examines some of the major texts in the main areas of philosophy from philosophers of the Western tradition such as Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant and Nietzsche.

HUM 311

Major Works of Literature: The World Before Modernity

This course aims to explore one or more works of literature that have influenced their own times and continue to have an impact on our understanding of the world and its cultures. The course is designed to include critical reading and comparative analyses of selected works. The concepts of myth and archetypes in their various appearances are at the center of the discussions of this course. The emphasis is on imagination, feeling and expression in literature, with attention to cultural, social and political issues. Course work involves not only reading but also writing analytically and critically.

HUM 312

Major Works of Modern Art

Major Works of Modern Art aims to introduce students to one of the crucial periods of Western art which is the birth, development and "triumph" of Modern Art from the 1860's to the 1960's. The primary purpose of this course however is not to stress the chronological development of modern art but rather to focus on and pursue specific art-related and cultural issues that pertain to those chosen works. Even though the masterpieces are presented chronologically, the lectures themselves are kept fairly independent and presented like a series of visits to an 'imaginary museum'. The chosen works are discussed along with comparative material to explore specific issues that are selected for each work and to illustrate earlier and later thematic developments.

HUM 317

Major Works of Moral Philosophy

This course examines the main moral theories and their applications to various aspects of human life. Moral theories to be discussed include virtue ethics, deontology and consequentialism, which will be investigated through the major works of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Mill and Nietzsche.

HUM 321

Major Works of Literature: The Modern World

The course introduces students to a few major works of literature that have influenced their own times and continue to have an impact on our understanding of the modern world and its cultures. The works selected for the course have significantly shaped methodologies used by literary scholars to approach, evaluate and understand other works of literature. Although written in different geographies, depicting diverse situations, the following works are all variants of literary genres associated with the modern world. This course aims to afford students an opportunity to learn broader critical reading strategies and ways to approach texts.

HUM 322

Major Works of Art: The World Before Modernity

This course examines the arts of the pre-modern period from a cross-cultural perspective. One of the main objectives of the course is to thoroughly analyze the shared visual and artistic vocabularies of various works of art and/or art mediums across cultural geographies. Another objective is to help the students develop a critical understanding of the often-used concepts in art history – style, provenance, and appropriation. While the lectures are thematically organized, the selected artworks will be evaluated chronologically against the backdrop of historical and cultural contexts. The course covers art analysis, both stylistic and iconographical, as well as critical reading and writing.

HUM 371

Major Works of Literature: The Islamic World

Through the close reading a number of fictional and non -fictional texts, this course will look at fundamental features and aspects of literature and literary culture through a number of genres in Pre-Modern Islamic literature, such as literary vs. real space and time, individual vs. communal aspects of literature, orality vs. written culture, fiction vs. history, didacticism and entertainment, narrative credibility, frame story, narrator and levels of fictionality, the “Other”, intertextuality, author-, work -, and audience-focused approaches to interpretation, translation, relationship between form and content, high vs. popular culture. Aside from trying to contextualize these fundamental works in their own place and time, we will consider them as part of world literature, paying attention to their reception in both the West and the East.

PROJ 201

Undergraduate Project Course

In this course students are introduced to basic research environments and skills through working on a project with members from different faculties. They will conduct hands-on work, learn presentation skills and team work. Students team up as small groups and register to a project of their choice and work closely with the supervisor throughout the semester to fulfill the requirements of their chosen project. As the deliverables of the project work, students are expected to write a project proposal and make either a group presentation or design a poster explaining the project and its results.

SPS 303

Law and Ethics

This course aims to encourage students to reflect on the meaning of being an individual and a citizen. Certain fundamental questions, posed by the ancients but persisting in their relevance, informs the structure of the course: What is good life? How should we live? What does the life of a virtuous individual and citizen consist of? How can the likely conflicts between the two be resolved? Related to these, the course also explores the diverse relationships between law and ethics and adresses issues such as political authority, representation and consent, freedom, justice, and equality.