Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
7PSIR412Current Issues in World Politics3+0+03510.12.2024
Course Details
Language of Instruction English
Level of Course Unit Bachelor's Degree
Department / Program Political Science and International Relations
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Elective
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course This course offers students an opportunity to critically examine and analytically deepen their understanding of pressing issues in international relations that shape the modern global order. It fosters engagement in debates on the nature of contemporary challenges and crises in international politics, as well as potential policy responses. With a strong policy focus, the course emphasizes critical analysis of the origins, dynamics, and implications of current global affairs. Students will also explore the interplay between International Relations as an academic discipline and the practical workings of world politics. The objectives are:
1. Analyze contemporary crises in international politics and their implications for the global order.
2. Examine key global issues such as radicalization, terrorism, migration, environmental problems, and global health crises.
3. Explore the limits of state sovereignty and the complexities of global governance.
4. Evaluate the interplay between International Relations theory and real-world politics.
5. Develop analytical skills to assess policy responses to pressing global challenges.
Course Content This course introduces students to key controversies and debates in world politics, with a focus on global challenges that transcend the capacity of individual states to address effectively. These issues pose significant challenges to the existing international system, which remains rooted in the centuries-old concept of state sovereignty. The course examines a range of pressing global problems, including radicalization, terrorism, mass migration, weapons proliferation, transnational crime, environmental issues and global health challenges Through these topics, students will gain insights into the complexities of global governance and the evolving nature of international relations.
Course Methods and Techniques Lecture
Discussion based lecture
Case study
Activities within a Student Body or Research Project
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator None
Name of Lecturers Prof.Dr. Cenker Korhan DEMİR
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources Richard Payne (2016). Global Issues: Politics, Economics, and Culture (Boston: Pearson).
Alex P. Schmid (2013). “Radicalisation, de-radicalisation, counter-radicalisation: A conceptual discussion and literature review,” ICCT Research Paper 97.
Course Notes A minimum attendance of 70% is required for this course. Students are expected to focus solely on course-related activities during class sessions. Active participation will positively contribute to the final grade.


Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Activities are given in detail in the section of "Assessment Methods and Criteria" and "Workload Calculation"

Assessment Methods and Criteria
In-Term Studies Quantity Percentage
Mid-terms 1 % 30
Final examination 1 % 50
Total
2
% 80

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Course Duration 14 3 42
Hours for off-the-c.r.stud 1 3 3
Assignments 2 5 10
Presentation 2 5 10
Mid-terms 1 25 25
Practice 10 2 20
Final examination 1 40 40
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 5 150

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
NoLearning Outcomes
1 CLO1: Understand and explain the theoretical and practical dimensions of global challenges, including their historical and systemic underpinnings. (PLO1: Basic Concepts and Theories, PLO3: Be Updated)
2 CLO2: Critically analyze the origins, nature, and implications of political, security, and economic crises, including radicalization, terrorism, and financial instability. (PLO1: Basic Concepts and Theories, PLO4: Interdisciplinary Study)
3 CLO3: Evaluate potential policy responses to global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and migration, debating their feasibility and ethical implications. (PLO6: Taking Responsibility, PLO8: Be Able to Construct Intercultural Relations, PLO10: Ethics)
4 CLO4: Demonstrate an understanding of how International Relations theories inform the practice of addressing transnational issues like global crime and health challenges. (PLO1: Basic Concepts and Theories, PLO4: Interdisciplinary Study)
5 CLO5: Independently research and critically assess specific global challenges, using evidence-based approaches to propose innovative solutions. (PLO2: Research Methods, PLO5: Independent Studying)
6 CLO6: Collaborate effectively in discussions and projects to develop informed perspectives on global challenges, fostering intercultural understanding and communication. (PLO6: Taking Responsibility, PLO7: Social Communication, PLO8: Be Able to Construct Intercultural Relations, PLO9: Social Responsibility)

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Introduction No assignment Payne (2016), pp.1-14
2 The Struggle for Primacy in a Global Society Reading Payne (2016), pp.15-25
3 Human Rights Reading Payne (2016), pp.26-40
4 Promoting Democracy Reading Payne (2016), pp.41-53
5 Radicalization reading Schmid (2013), pp.5-19
6 Global Terrorism Reading Payne (2016), pp.54-70
7 Weapons Proliferation Reading Payne (2016), pp.71-82
8 MID-TERM
9 Global Trade and Financial Crisis Reading Payne (2016), pp.83-110
10 Global Inequality and Poverty Reading Payne (2016), pp.111-127
11 Environmental Issues Reading Payne (2016), pp.128-142
12 Population and Migration Reading Payne (2016), pp.143-157
13 Global Crime Reading Payne (2016), pp.143-157
14 Global Health Challenges Reading Payne (2016), pp.173-184
15 General Overview and Discussion No assignment No assignment

 
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10
C1 5 4
C2 3 4 2
C3 3 2 5 4
C4 4 4
C5 2 3 3
C6 2 3 4 4

  Contribution: 1: Very Slight 2:Slight 3:Moderate 4:Significant 5:Very Significant