Information Package / Course Catalogue
Introduction to Social Policy
Course Code: ÇEKO106
Course Type: Non Departmental Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

Core Subject Course. The aim of the course Introduction to Social Policy is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts, historical development, and areas of application of social policy. Within the scope of the course, students will develop the ability to comprehend the role and key principles of social policy in addressing societal problems, and to analyze social policy practices in Turkey and around the world within both historical and contemporary contexts. Additionally, the course aims to foster students’ sensitivity to core issues such as social inequalities, gender roles, unemployment, poverty, and social security.

Course Content

The Introduction to Social Policy course addresses the definition, scope, and historical roots of social policy, as well as key social policy practices in Turkey and around the world. Throughout the course, students will acquire knowledge of the theoretical foundations of social policy, gain an understanding of the methods used in the analysis of social problems, and develop the ability to engage in critical evaluations within the framework of principles such as social justice, equality, gender, and inclusiveness. Furthermore, students will analyze the impacts of contemporary developments such as digitalization, globalization, and sustainable development on social policies.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Assoc. Prof. Mehmet Atilla GÜLER
Learning Outcomes
1.Learns the fundamental concepts, historical development, and theoretical approaches of social policy.
2.Acquires the ability to analyze fundamental social problems such as poverty, unemployment, and gender inequality from a social policy perspective.
3.Gains the role of social policy within the framework of social justice, equality, and ethical values, and develops a critical perspective.
4.Develops the ability to analyze current developments such as sustainable development, digitalization, and globalization in the field of social policy.
5.Gains knowledge of social policy practices in Turkey and globally within both historical and contemporary frameworks and engages in comparative evaluations.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Alcock, P., May, M., Rowlingson, K. (2011). Sosyal Politika: Kuramlar ve Uygulamalar. Ankara: Siyasal Kitabevi.
2.Koray, M. (2022). Sosyal Politika. Ankara: İmge Kitabevi.
3.Tokol, A. & Alper, Y. (2022). Sosyal Politika. Bursa: Dora Yayınları.
4.Oran, S. (2023). Sosyal Politika: Yeniden İnşanın Eleştirisi. Ankara: Nika Yayınları.
5.Buğra, A. (2024). Kapitalizm Tarihi İçinde Sosyal Politika. İstanbul: İletişim Yayınları.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Definition, Scope, and Importance of Social Policy
Week 2 - Theoretical
Historical Development and Theoretical Foundations of Social Policy
Week 3 - Theoretical
The Industrial Revolution and the Emergence of Social Policies
Week 4 - Theoretical
National and International Actors in Social Policy
Week 5 - Theoretical
Welfare State Models and Comparative Analysis
Week 6 - Theoretical
Poverty and Social Assistance
Week 7 - Theoretical
Unemployment and Employment Policies
Week 8 - Theoretical
Social Security Systems and Reforms
Week 9 - Theoretical
Gender and Social Policy
Week 10 - Theoretical
Policies for Children, Youth, and the Elderly
Week 11 - Theoretical
Disability and Combating Social Exclusion
Week 12 - Theoretical
Digitalization and Its Impact on Social Policy
Week 13 - Theoretical
Sustainable Development and Social Policy
Week 14 - Theoretical
The Development of Social Policy in Turkey
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory143384
Midterm Examination115217
Final Examination122224
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)125
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
OÇ-1
3
2
2
1
2
2
2
3
2
1
1
OÇ-2
2
3
2
1
2
3
3
3
3
2
2
OÇ-3
3
2
2
1
2
2
2
4
3
2
2
OÇ-4
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
2
OÇ-5
3
3
2
2
2
3
2
3
3
2
2
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026