Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
1POLS 513Contemporary Issues in European Politics3+0+03805.11.2025

 
Course Details
Language of Instruction English
Level of Course Unit Master's Degree
Department / Program MA Program in Political Science and International Relations (Thesis) (English)
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Elective
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course The aim of POLS 513 **"Contemporary Issues in European Politics"** is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the current political issues in Europe. The course focuses on analyzing the political, economic, and social dynamics of Europe, helping students grasp key challenges facing the European Union (EU) and national politics within Europe. Topics covered include pressing issues such as migration, economic crises, security, and environmental concerns, as well as the political responses to these challenges. The course also aims to develop students' ability to interpret and evaluate contemporary political developments in Europe, offering an in-depth understanding of European political structures, institutional developments, and regional cooperation.
Course Content POLS 513 **"Contemporary Issues in European Politics"** provides students with an in-depth examination of current political issues in Europe. The course covers topics such as the institutional structure of the European Union, its role in both internal and external politics, economic challenges, migration crises, security policies, and environmental concerns. It also explores the interaction between national policies and the EU, social movements, and sustainability issues. Students engage in discussions about the challenges Europe faces today and the political responses to these challenges, allowing them to analyze Europe’s global impact. This course offers students a comprehensive understanding of European political structures and developments, encouraging critical thinking about contemporary European politics.
Course Methods and Techniques
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator Associate Prof.Dr. Ali ASLAN
Name of Lecturers Associate Prof.Dr. ALİ ASLAN
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources Contemporary European Politics: A Comparative Introduction (José?Magone


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
Attendance 1 % 20
Final examination 1 % 50
Total
3
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Course Duration 14 3 42
Hours for off-the-c.r.stud 14 9 126
Mid-terms 1 30 30
Final examination 1 30 30
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 8 228

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
NoLearning Outcomes
1 Avrupa Birliği ve Kurumsal Yapılar: Öğrenciler, Avrupa Birliği'nin tarihini, kurumlarını ve AB'nin iç ve dış politikadaki rolünü tanımlayabileceklerdir.
2 Avrupa'daki Ekonomik ve Sosyal Sorunlar: Öğrenciler, Avrupa'daki ekonomik krizler, göç problemleri ve toplumsal eşitsizlikler gibi güncel sorunları analiz edebilecek ve bu sorunlara yönelik politikaları tartışabileceklerdir.
3 Güvenlik ve Dış Politika: Öğrenciler, Avrupa’nın güvenlik stratejileri ve dış politika meselelerini anlayarak, Avrupa'nın küresel ilişkilerdeki rolünü değerlendirebileceklerdir.

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Introduction and the Foundations of the European Union
2 EU Economic Policies
3 National Politics and Political Parties in Europe
4 Migration and Refugee Crises
5 Security and Defense Policies
6 Environmental Policies and Sustainability
7 Social Movements and Social Change
8 The Global Role of the EU and Foreign Policy
9 Crisis Management and the Future of Europe
10 Nationalism and Populism in Europe
11 Demographic Change in Europe
12 EU Reforms and Emerging Issues
13 General Review and Discussion
14 Final Exam

 
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5
All 5 4 4 4 4
C1 4 5 4 4 5
C2 4 4 5 5 5
C3 4 4 4 5 4

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

  
  https://obs.ihu.edu.tr/oibs/bologna/progCourseDetails.aspx?curCourse=247590&lang=en