Courses: Department of Central Eurasian Studies

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Comparative Turkic Linguistics
Catalog Number CEUS-U 690
Cigdem Balim

Pre - requisites: none

The course is structured around in depth reading about and discussion of major issues in Turkey from 1970s to date. These issues concern domestic politics and foreign policy; international relations; social structure and relations including gender issues and challenges of modernity; culture (including language, religion, education and communications); migration and transnational Turkish communities.

Introductory lectures of the course will dwell on the following topics: From Inner Asia to the Middle East and the Balkans; Seljuks and other dynasties; the Ottomans; Ottomans in the 18^th/19^th centuries: modernization; 19^th and early 20^th centuries: wars and migrations; Turkish Republic and modernization: development of the nation state.

Students will read about and have a chance to discuss in class various issues concerning contemporary Turkey including:

Economy: from state control to liberalization
Religion: state, society and religion
Islam and economy
Status of women
Education
Political parties
Political Islam?
Armed Forces
Minorities and minority rights
Language and politics
Media
Health, Social Security and Environment
Issues in Foreign Policy (including relations with USA)
Turkic speaking peoples of the world (after 1990) and their relations with Turkey
European Union and Turkey
Turkish transnational communities

Assessment:

Undergraduate

Class attendance and contribution to discussions: 10%

One oral presentation with bibliography and outline: 15%

One 5,000 word essay 75%

Graduate

Two oral presentations with bibliography and outline: 20%

One 7,000 word essay 85%

On completion of the course the students should

* have an understanding of the main trends and arguments in contemporary Turkish politics, economy, international relations, culture and society
* be able to collect, reflect on and use information from a variety of sources
* be able to plan and write essays based on independent research
* be able to plan and deliver oral presentations based on independent research

Class attendance and contribution to discussions:	10%
One oral presentation with bibliography and outline:	15%
One 5,000 word essay	75%

Two oral presentations with bibliography and outline:	20%
One 7,000 word essay	85%