Political Science and International Relations Middle East Technical University, Northern Cyprus Campus

Overview

Key facts

The aim of the Bachelor of Science degree programme at Middle East Technical University, Northern Cyprus Campus in Political Science and International Relations is to encourage and allow students to acquire the analytical skills to examine critically the organisation and expressions of political power, social power, economic power and cultural power that is, power in all its human expressions. Where Political Science was traditionally concerned with the study of power within states and International Relations was traditionally concerned with the study of power between states, here in the PSIR programme at METU NCC we are concerned with examining the totality of these expressions of power.

To that end, not only will undergraduate students be offered foundational courses in Political Science and International Relations thereby anchoring their knowledge in both traditions of enquiry but they will be encouraged to examine and explain the development of more complex expressions of global power. Thus their primary concern will be the interaction between domestic politics, state behaviour and the international system and international society, and the issues these raise for the future of international relations in a world of changing economies, social structures, technologies, environments and ideologies.

It is the aim of this programme, therefore, to provide students with a thorough knowledge of the processes and practices which characterise the relations of power within states and between states whilst encouraging students to examine the combined development of world history.

On the basis of a firm foundation in study of government, economy and society, international history, and political and social theory, as well as law, students will then progress to a more interdisciplinary analysis of more specialist fields of enquiry. Having also completed a special course in research methods in social and political sciences, students will be guided through focused study in social and political theory, political economy and war and peace studies as well as being offered a number of electives across a range of specialisms.

The syllabus is designed to enable the student to examine and explain the complexities and processes that make up global power relationships, including analysis of the history, organisation and dynamics of state institutions and international instutions. Students will be able to examine the development, structural characteristics and crises in a wide range of political settings and political issues.

In addition to the subject-specific study of Political Science and International Relations students will gain from the PSIR programme at METU NCC :

• A commitment to learning which will be life-long. Students will leave our programme equipped with the means to continue in critical enquiry and learning for years after they graduate, that will enable them to deal with problems in a critical and reflective manner in whichever walk of life they pursue;
• A set of practical skills introduced and developed during the programme which will allow students to write properly in a number of different styles and for different purposes, feel confident in giving oral presentations in English, develop research and investigation skills, including the use of electronic resources, and promote organizational and timetabling skills.
• A capacity to conduct analyses of critical and routine problems in a scientific, logical, evidence-based and critical manner, consistent with the founding METU principles that there should be no hindrance to the discovery and sharing of new knowledge [and] an environment should be created in which research, creativity and student self-development can be fostered.
With those ends in mind the PSIR programme will foster both intellectual and practical skills, including

(a) intellectual skills

• The ability to carry out careful study on specific topics, and to evaluate arguments and data in a scientific and critical manner;
• The ability to put forward reasoned arguments and defend and modify them against criticism;
• The ability to separate out the significant from the trivial in studying problems, and to suggest solutions to problems raised
• The ability to think critically and develop independence of thought;

(b) practical skills

• The ability to put ideas across both orally and in writing, and a capacity to deal with critical responses;
• The ability to identify, investigate, collate and record research materials from a wide range of sources and kinds;
• The ability to organise work time, meet deadlines, and fulfil agreed objectives.

Formal Description of the PSIR program

The PSIR programme has four levels, normally corresponding with four years of study. The anticipated normal duration of study will therefore be four years (or eight semesters), though a maximum of 14 semesters is possible.

The language of instruction, study and examination for all credit courses is English. Typically students will be registered for 5 courses per semester, though there are some minor variations especially in the first and second year.

The credit norm for each PSIR course is 3 credits. Accumulated credits for graduation is 125 credits. Course examinations are normally taken during and at the end of each course using a variety of modes of assessment.