UNI425 Sociology of Beliefs and Cross-Cultural StudiesIstinye UniversityDegree Programs Nursing (English)General Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational Qualifications
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Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code: UNI425
Course Name: Sociology of Beliefs and Cross-Cultural Studies
Semester: Fall
Course Credits:
ECTS
5
Language of instruction: English
Course Condition:
Does the Course Require Work Experience?: No
Type of course: University Elective
Course Level:
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE:6. Master`s Degree QF-EHEA:First Cycle EQF-LLL:6. Master`s Degree
Mode of Delivery: E-Learning
Course Coordinator: Dr. Öğr. Üy. BURCU DOĞAN KOÇAK
Course Lecturer(s): Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Burcu Doğan Koçak
Course Assistants:

Course Objective and Content

Course Objectives: The aim of this course is to enable students to understand the complex relationships between belief systems and cultural structures from a sociological perspective. By examining how different societies construct, interpret, and practice beliefs, students will analyze the effects of cultural norms, values, and social structures on beliefs. In this way, they will develop an in-depth understanding of the diversity and commonalities of belief systems worldwide. The cross-cultural analyses conducted within the course will allow students to critically evaluate the role of beliefs in shaping individual identities and social dynamics.
Course Content: This course delves into the intricate relationship between belief systems and cultural frameworks through a sociological lens. Students will explore how various societies construct, interpret, and practice beliefs, examining the influence of cultural norms, values, and social structures. By engaging in cross-cultural analyses, the course aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the diversity and commonalities in belief systems worldwide. Through lectures, discussions, and case studies, students will critically assess the role of beliefs in shaping individual identities and societal dynamics

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1) Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Analyze the Interplay Between Belief Systems and Cultural Structures 2. Apply Sociological Theories to Belief Systems 3. Conduct Cross-Cultural Comparisons 4. Assess the Impact of Beliefs on Social Stratification 5. Evaluate the Role of Religion in Contemporary Society 6. Develop Cultural Competence 7. Engage in Critical Reflection These outcomes align with the goals of similar sociology courses that focus on the intersection of religion, culture, and social structures

Course Flow Plan

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction to the basic concepts of sociology and the sociological imagination. Understand the basic definition and scope of sociology. Recognize the role of sociological imagination (Mills).
2) Examination of the relationship between culture and social structure.
3) Analysis of belief systems from a sociological perspective. Students will explore how societies construct and maintain belief systems.
4) Study of the social functions of religion and processes of secularization Discussions will include religion's role in social integration and its transformation in modern contexts.
5) Exploration of intercultural differences and similarities. Comparative studies of cultural practices and beliefs will highlight diversity and commonalities.
6) Discussion of identity and social belonging in a cultural context. Students will examine how identity is formed and maintained within cultural frameworks.
7) Debate on cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. The class will discuss the challenges and implications of these concepts in global interactions.
8) Midterm exam
9) Evaluation of the impact of belief systems on social change. Case studies will be used to analyze how belief systems influence societal transformations.
10) Discussion of modernization, globalization, and processes of cultural change. Students will study the interplay between global forces and local cultural adaptations.
11) Analysis of the relationship between belief systems and social inequalities. The focus will be on how belief systems contribute to or challenge social hierarchies.
12) Examination of the influence of religion on political behavior and public culture. Topics will include the role of religion in political movements and public policy.
13) Analysis of the societal impacts of religious institutions through case studies Real-world examples will illustrate how religious institutions shape and are shaped by society.
14) General review of the topics covered throughout the course. The final session will summarize key themes and allow students to reflect on their learning outcomes.
15) Final exam. The students are given five questions to answer at home. They are expected to answer the questions by combining the things that they have learned in class with their own life experiences.
16) Final week

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Handbook of the Sociology of Religion edited by Michele Dillon
References: Lecturer notes, powerpoint slides and videos

Course - Program Learning Outcome Relationship

Course Learning Outcomes

1

Program Outcomes
1) Understand the concepts and concepts related to the field of health at the undergraduate level, and have advanced theoretical and practical knowledge supported by textbooks, application tools and other sources of current information in the field of health.
2) Knowledge of nature, source, limits, accuracy, reliability and validity of knowledge.
3) Uses advanced theoretical and factual knowledge acquired at the undergraduate level.
4) Interprets, evaluates, identifies, analyzes, shares information and makes teamwork with scientifically proven data by using the advanced knowledge and skills acquired in the field of health.
5) Uses computer programs, related technologies and educational tools in the field of health.
6) Carries out a study independently by using its advanced knowledge in the field of health and takes responsibility as a team member in cooperation with other professional groups working in this field.
7) Takes responsibility individually and as a team member to solve unforeseen complex problems encountered in the practices related to the field of health.
8) Plans, manages, and monitors and evaluates the activities for the development of employees in a project.
9) Evaluates the advanced knowledge and skills acquired in the field of health with a critical approach.
10) Determines learning needs and learning resources, directs learning function by using resources effectively.
11) Develops a positive attitude towards life-long learning and turns it into behavior.
12) Informs the related persons and institutions about the health field; conveys his / her thoughts and solution suggestions in writing and orally, and receives the opinions, requests and expectations of the relevant persons and institutions.
13) With the awareness of social responsibility, organizes and implements projects and activities in cooperation with other professional groups for the social environment in which he lives.
14) Follow the information in the field and communicate with colleagues by using a foreign language at least at B1 General Level of European Language Portfolio.
15) Express themselves effectively in verbal and written.
16) Uses information and communication technologies together with computer software required by the field at least at the Advanced Level of European Computer Driving License.
17) Monitors and evaluates the events / developments on the agenda of the society and the world in the field of health.
18) Acts and participates in accordance with Quality Management and Processes.
19) They cooperate with people from related disciplines and acts in accordance with social, scientific, cultural and ethical values ​​in the stages of collecting, interpreting, applying and announcing the results related to health field.
20) Have enough consciousness about individual and community health, environmental protection and occupational safety.

Course - Learning Outcome Relationship

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Average 3 Highest
       
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Understand the concepts and concepts related to the field of health at the undergraduate level, and have advanced theoretical and practical knowledge supported by textbooks, application tools and other sources of current information in the field of health.
2) Knowledge of nature, source, limits, accuracy, reliability and validity of knowledge.
3) Uses advanced theoretical and factual knowledge acquired at the undergraduate level.
4) Interprets, evaluates, identifies, analyzes, shares information and makes teamwork with scientifically proven data by using the advanced knowledge and skills acquired in the field of health.
5) Uses computer programs, related technologies and educational tools in the field of health.
6) Carries out a study independently by using its advanced knowledge in the field of health and takes responsibility as a team member in cooperation with other professional groups working in this field.
7) Takes responsibility individually and as a team member to solve unforeseen complex problems encountered in the practices related to the field of health.
8) Plans, manages, and monitors and evaluates the activities for the development of employees in a project.
9) Evaluates the advanced knowledge and skills acquired in the field of health with a critical approach.
10) Determines learning needs and learning resources, directs learning function by using resources effectively.
11) Develops a positive attitude towards life-long learning and turns it into behavior.
12) Informs the related persons and institutions about the health field; conveys his / her thoughts and solution suggestions in writing and orally, and receives the opinions, requests and expectations of the relevant persons and institutions.
13) With the awareness of social responsibility, organizes and implements projects and activities in cooperation with other professional groups for the social environment in which he lives.
14) Follow the information in the field and communicate with colleagues by using a foreign language at least at B1 General Level of European Language Portfolio.
15) Express themselves effectively in verbal and written.
16) Uses information and communication technologies together with computer software required by the field at least at the Advanced Level of European Computer Driving License.
17) Monitors and evaluates the events / developments on the agenda of the society and the world in the field of health.
18) Acts and participates in accordance with Quality Management and Processes.
19) They cooperate with people from related disciplines and acts in accordance with social, scientific, cultural and ethical values ​​in the stages of collecting, interpreting, applying and announcing the results related to health field.
20) Have enough consciousness about individual and community health, environmental protection and occupational safety.

Assessment & Grading

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 14 % 10
Midterms 1 % 30
Final 1 % 60
total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 40
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 60
total % 100

Workload and ECTS Credit Calculation

Activities Number of Activities Workload
Course Hours 14 42
Study Hours Out of Class 14 28
Homework Assignments 4 31
Midterms 4 23
Total Workload 124