Teaching

Introduction to Political Science

The objective of this course is to present the students an overall knowledge of the fundamental concepts and issues in politics. The course introduces students to the study of the key actors, political processes, institutions, and potential outcomes. More importantly, it emphasizes the importance of developing an interest in politics in everyday life, and the tools to engage in more thoughtful, critical analysis and debate with a focus on current issues in international politics such as European integration, Brexit, economic crisis, migration issue, etc.

Let’s Explore Europe!

European Union (EU) membership has been an important state agenda in Turkey for years, but then do we really know what it is about? This course provides an understanding of the different institutions of the EU with reference to specific issues of interest such as the idea and evolution of Europe, the EU and its citizens, economic, environmental, agricultural policies, and its relations with the rest of the world. Other topics will also be incorporated based on students’ interests. While the course is designed to be largely based on discussion, quizzes are always a possibility to keep the students updated with the readings.

International Migration

International migration has become the concern of all in some form or another, with the questions of how to understand international migration in a globalized world, how to take advantage of it, live with it and how to manage it. These attempts have to keep pace with the growth of the phenomenon and the complexity of its linkages with other global issues. The course seeks to discuss the following issues: why we need to think about international migration, who are the migrants, what are the main causes and consequences of international migration, what links migration and globalization, what links migration and development, what is irregular migration, how asylum seekers and refugees differ from other migrants, and what is the future of international migration. Throughout the lectures there will be a special emphasis on the linkage between international migration, nationalism, and globalization through which a historical perspective will be developed over the transformations occurred from the 20th century to the 21st century with a geographical focus of Europe, where Turkey’s migratory system is largely contingent.

Migration and Mobility within Europe

This course will address the social, political and economic challenges and opportunities created by the free movement of people within the European Union as well as the debates on fortress Europe. The course explores the ways in which nation states and the EU seek to promote the benefits of migration and mobility but at the same time counter risks rising from dislocation. The pros and cons of migration are pondered, where the critical question becomes how to define who has gained or lost from migration. Discussions will focus on, but not limited to, the impact of immigration on unemployment in the host states, the motivation for migration within the EU as well as the issues of societal integration of migrants and the so-called need for control as a result of increasing migration. The course will bring different fields such as European studies, migration studies, social policy, human geography, international relations and sociology together. While the course is designed to be largely based on discussion, quizzes are always a possibility to keep the students updated with the readings.