Opticianry Preview
Associate	TR-NQF-HE: Level 5	QF-EHEA: Short Cycle	EQF-LLL: Level 5

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code:

UNI426

Course Name:

Sociology of Beliefs and Cross-Cultural Studies

Semester:

Fall
Spring

Course Credits:

ECTS

Language of instruction:

Turkish

Course Condition:

Does the Course Require Work Experience?:

Type of course:

University Elective

Course Level:

Associate

TR-NQF-HE:5. Master`s Degree

QF-EHEA:Short Cycle

EQF-LLL:5. 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) Knows the basic terms used in optics, the history of optics, its development and the profession of optician.
2) Knows the environmental, social and ethical problems related to her\his profession and assumes the responsibilities related to them.
3) Observes the health and safety measures related to her\his profession.
4) It adopts the total quality philosophy and supports the relevant corporate processes.
5) Gains the basic math and physics knowledge required in the optician profession.
6) Learns information technologies, uses basic computer programs and professional software programs.
7) Knows eye anatomy and optics, has information about eye diseases.
8) Learns the refraction errors, knows the optical equipment used to correct these defects, measures the diopters of optical glasses by means of a phonometer, and determines the type of lens.
9) Knows the properties of materials defined in optics and recognizes optical instruments.
10) She/He reads the prescriptions prepared by the ophthalmologist, supplies the optical equipment, selects the most suitable glass and frame for the patient, and performs the most appropriate glasses assembly procedures in order to eliminate or alleviate vision disorders.
11) When there is a problem with optical materials in the optician laboratory or establishment, she/he understands and fixes the problem.
12) Obtains the knowledge of history belonging to the Ottoman and Republican Periods.
13) Learns Turkish language structure and acquires a basic level of English grammer that will enable her/him to communicate.
14) He/she makes the necessary financial planning in his/her institution and has general accounting knowledge.
15) The researcher is open to changes, has creative, program-solving skills and the ability to share solution suggestions.

Course - Learning Outcome Relationship

No Effect	1 Lowest	2 Average	3 Highest

	Program Outcomes	Level of Contribution
1)	Knows the basic terms used in optics, the history of optics, its development and the profession of optician.
2)	Knows the environmental, social and ethical problems related to her\his profession and assumes the responsibilities related to them.
3)	Observes the health and safety measures related to her\his profession.
4)	It adopts the total quality philosophy and supports the relevant corporate processes.
5)	Gains the basic math and physics knowledge required in the optician profession.
6)	Learns information technologies, uses basic computer programs and professional software programs.
7)	Knows eye anatomy and optics, has information about eye diseases.
8)	Learns the refraction errors, knows the optical equipment used to correct these defects, measures the diopters of optical glasses by means of a phonometer, and determines the type of lens.
9)	Knows the properties of materials defined in optics and recognizes optical instruments.
10)	She/He reads the prescriptions prepared by the ophthalmologist, supplies the optical equipment, selects the most suitable glass and frame for the patient, and performs the most appropriate glasses assembly procedures in order to eliminate or alleviate vision disorders.
11)	When there is a problem with optical materials in the optician laboratory or establishment, she/he understands and fixes the problem.
12)	Obtains the knowledge of history belonging to the Ottoman and Republican Periods.
13)	Learns Turkish language structure and acquires a basic level of English grammer that will enable her/him to communicate.
14)	He/she makes the necessary financial planning in his/her institution and has general accounting knowledge.
15)	The researcher is open to changes, has creative, program-solving skills and the ability to share solution suggestions.

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