Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
6PSIR322Contemporary Political Thought3+0+03508.01.2025
Course Details
Language of Instruction French
Level of Course Unit Bachelor's Degree
Department / Program Political Science and International Relations
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Compulsory
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course This course aims to familiarize students with key theoretical concepts in political philosophy, demonstrating how abstract debates on justice, equality, freedom, and community connect to everyday experiences. Through an analytic exploration of traditions such as Utilitarianism, Marxism, and Feminism, the course encourages critical thinking and practical application of ideas in contemporary political thought.
Course Content This course explores foundational theories and contemporary debates in political philosophy, focusing on justice, equality, freedom, and community. Students will engage with major traditions, including Utilitarianism, Liberal Equality, Libertarianism, Marxism, Communitarianism, Citizenship Theory, Multiculturalism, and Feminism. Through lectures, discussions, and exams, the course aims to develop critical thinking and a deeper understanding of political and social structures. Midterm and final evaluations will emphasize conceptual mastery and application.
Course Methods and Techniques This course employs a range of teaching and learning methods such as lecturing, written assignments,essays, group debates and pop quiz.
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator None
Name of Lecturers Prof.Dr. Emel Topcu https://profil.hku.edu.tr/akademik/emel-topcu/ emel.topcu@hku.edu.tr
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources W. Kymlicka. (2002). Contemporary Political Philosophy an Introduction. Oxford University Press
Course Notes W. Kymlicka. (2002). Contemporary Political Philosophy an Introduction. Oxford University Press

Course Category
Social Sciences %100

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 % 25
Quizzes 2 % 20
Attendance 15 % 10
Final examination 1 % 45
Total
19
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Course Duration 15 3 45
Hours for off-the-c.r.stud 15 3 45
Assignments 2 10 20
Mid-terms 1 20 20
Final examination 1 20 20
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 Analyze and articulate the essential principles of key political philosophical traditions, including Utilitarianism, Marxism, and Feminism.
2 Understand and contextualize foundational concepts like justice, equality, and freedom within their historical and theoretical frameworks.
3 Apply political philosophy theories to contemporary social and political challenges.
4 Develop and employ critical and analytical skills to evaluate primary texts and arguments in political philosophy.
5 Assess the contributions of influential political philosophers and their relevance to modern debates.

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Introduction to the course, expectations and requirenments.
2 The concept of Equality, Equity, Justice
3 Utilitarianism
4 Liberal Equality
5 Libertarianis
6 Marxism
7 Communitarianism
8 Mid-Term
9 Citizenship Theory
10 Multiculticulturalism
11 Multiculticulturalism
12 Feminism
13 Feminism
14 Comparision of Marxism, Feminism and Multiculturalism
15 Course revision and fınal exam preparatıon
16 Final Exam

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

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