Bilkent University Quality Management in Education
Bachelor of Arts in American Culture and Literature

Foundation

1988

Qualification Awarded

Bachelor of Arts in American Culture and Literature

Level of Qualification

First Cycle Degree

Mode of Study

Full Time

Admission & Registration Requirements

To begin undergraduate studies at Bilkent, all Turkish citizens must take the entrance examination YKS, administered by the national Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM). Based on the results of YKS, ÖSYM places students according to their preferences.
All international students who want to apply to Bilkent University for an undergraduate In absence of these documents, the high school graduation score can also be evaluated for admission. The high school diploma and transcript along with an explanation of the high school's grading system will be needed.
English is the language of teaching at Bilkent University. Applicants are required to provide proof of their proficiency in English. Students whose level of English is insufficient to follow courses are required to enroll in the School of English Language.

Assessment of Student Performance

Apart from work conducted throughout the semester, students are usually asked to take a final examination and at least one midterm examination for a course. If a staff member considers it appropriate, practical laboratory work or other such assignments may be assessed as midterm examinations or as a final examination.

Grades are finalized when they are announced via the internet on the date specified in the Academic Calendar. Semester grades for practical studies and other non-lecture courses are determined by an evaluation of the student's overall work and performance throughout the semester.

Bilkent University's official grading system uses letter grades with pluses and minuses. Passing grades range from A+ to D; F, FX is failing. The quality-point equivalents of the grades are:

  A+   4.00   B+   3.30   C+   2.30   D+   1.30   F   0.00
  A   4.00   B   3.00   C   2.00   D   1.00   FX   0.00
  A-   3.70   B-   2.70   C-   1.70           FZ   0.00

Other grades used are S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory), I (Incomplete), P (In Progress), T (Transfer), and W (Withdraw). These grades do not have quality-point equivalents.

S : accorded to students who are successful in non-credit courses.
     
U : accorded to students who are unsuccessful in non-credit courses.
     
I : accorded to students who, although otherwise successful, have failed to complete the required assignments for a course due to illness or some other valid reason. Proof of illness or other reason for non-completion must be submitted to the department chair within three days of the date of the final exam. A student receiving an incomplete grade for any course must make up for the deficiencies within 15 days after the final exam in order to obtain a grade. Otherwise, the grade I automatically becomes FX. At the discretion of the department chair, the period specified above may be extended until the beginning of the following semester.
     
P : progress.
     
T : reflects approved transferred courses from other universities or from an exchange program. A student with a grade of T is exempted from an equivalent number of credits on the condition that the courses are accepted by the department on the recommendation of the department chair and with the approval of the board of the faculty/school. This grade may provide an exemption for a particular course at the program.
     
W : student has withdrawn from the course before the end of the semester.

A student with extraordinary performance in a course may be granted an A+ grade. However, the number of A+ grades in a given course is limited based on class size: If the class size is less than 25 students, no A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 25 and 74 students, only one A+ grade may be given; if the class size is between 75 and 124 students, two A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 125 and 174 students, three A+ grades may be given; if the class size is between 175 and 225 students, four A+ grades may be given; if the class size is more than 225 students, five A+ grades may be given. (The letter grade A+ was instituted beginning with the 2010-2011 academic year.)

An undergraduate student who receives a grade of C or higher in a course (or S in a non-credit course) is considered to have satisfactorily completed that course.

A student who receives a grade of C-, D+, or D in a course can only be considered to have completed that course if his/her Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 2.00 or higher.

A student receiving either F, FX, FZ, or U in a course is considered to be unsuccessful in that course. Students who have failed a course in the curriculum program must repeat the course within the following two semesters. Those who fail first year English courses must repeat these courses the very next semester they are offered. The university may register a student to these courses and not allow for a course to be dropped. Students on probation who received C-, D+ or D grades in previous semesters may repeat any of these courses.

In addition to taking the required courses in a given semester, students with "Satisfactory" standing may also repeat courses taken in the previous two semesters for which they received a B-, C+, C, C-, D+ or D grade, provided there is room in the section. Registration to these courses takes place on the dates as announced by the Rectorate.

On condition that at least one course of all curriculum requirements of an elective set has already been taken, an elective course from this elective set can be taken in place of courses taken before for this elective requirement. In this case, the previously taken elective course will appear in the transcript but will not be included in the CPA calculation. Once established, such course matching cannot be changed. The previously taken elective course can be repeated to fulfill another curriculum requirement.

A student's academic performance is determined at the end of each semester by computing an average of the grades he/she has received during that semester. For each course, the grade point equivalent of the letter grade received by the student is multiplied by the credit units for that course; the sum of these products is then divided by the total credit units taken in that semester to yield the Grade Point Average (GPA) for that semester. The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is calculated by multiplying the grade point equivalent of the letter grade by the credit units for each course and then dividing the total sum by the total credit units taken in the program.

National Degree Qualifications

Basic Field Qualifications for Humanities (Academic -Weighted) - 6th Level - Bachelor's
NQF-HETR
LEVEL		 KNOWLEDGE
- Theoretical
- Conceptual		 SKILLS
- Cognitive
- Practical		 COMPETENCES
Competence to Work
Independently and
Take Responsibility 		Learning Competence Communication and Social
Competence 		Field Specific Competence
6th Level Bachelor's
EQF-LLL:
6th Level
QF-EHEA:
1st Cycle
Qualifications that signify completion of the sixth cycle are awarded to students who
K1. Have advanced theoretical and practical knowledge that is supported by course materials, applied instruments, research methods and techniques used in field studies and other resources, including up-to-date information based on the competences acquired in the field of humanities.
S1. Use advanced theoretical and practical knowledge they acquire in the field of humanities.
S2. Use, analyze and apply advanced knowledge and skills they acquire in humanities for education, research and social service purposes.
W1. Work independently or assume responsibility as a team member to solve unpredicted and complex problems encountered in the field of humanities.
W2. Plan activities for professional development of their subordinates.
W3. Plan personal and institutional development, using the knowledge and skills they acquire in the field of humanities.
L1. Critically evaluate knowledge and skills they acquire in the field of humanities.
L2. Define learning needs of their subordinates, and manages learning processes.
L3. Adopt a positive approach to lifelong learning.
C1. Informs the relevant people and institutions in the field of human sciences and conveys their thoughts to them, proposes solutions to problems in theory and practice.
C2. Support qualitative and quantitative data on solutions to problems related to humanities and communicate this data to experts and non-specialists through various media.
C3. Participate in various social, cultural and artistic events held in the field of humanities.
C4. Follow the knowledge in humanities and communicates this knowledge to specialist and non-specialist individuals and institutions by speaking at least one foreign language at B1 level, as defined by the European Language Portfolio.
C5. Use computer software and information and communication technologies required by the field of humanities at the advanced level.
F1. Gather, analyze and interpret knowledge in the field of humanities, and communicate this knowledge to related individuals and institutions.
F2. Observes the ethical values in the process of applying the knowledge related to the field of humanities.
F3. Consider the universality of social, cultural and artistic rights in the field of humanities; have an awareness of social justice; protect historical and cultural heritage; and give importance to social and cultural values.
F4. Conducts interdisciplinary research and analysis in the field of humanities.
F5. Participate in and comply with quality management and quality processes.

Education Objectives

Having completed the degree of Bachelor in American Culture and Literature, graduates should be equipped to achieve one or more of the following objectives: 1. Gain employment in education, translation, non-profit organizations, media, and journalism 2. Successfully move on to national and international graduate studies programs in the humanities or political sciences in pursuit of a career in academia, politics, or research 3. Apply the critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge produced through American studies to practical problems in the workplace and in everyday life 4. Possess high-level written and oral English communication skills they can use in the workplace and in other practical circumstances 5. Practice a lifelong engagement with the foundational skills and knowledge acquired in American Culture and Literature and in a humanities education more generally to understand contemporary issues in a global context

Program Outcomes

  1. a. Develop writing and communication skills necessary to effectively organize ideas and thoughts, and to convey them to various audiences
  2. b. Produce a logically coherent argument about any issue that may arise in American studies based on evidence, clearly distinguishing between premises and conclusions and avoiding logical fallacies.
  3. c. Reflect in explicit and precise language on the importance of the study of culture and literature for personal and social development.
  4. d. Present clear analyses of the social, political, moral, and aesthetic exigencies of the cultures and histories of the United States.
  5. e. Conduct interdisciplinary research and analysis using concepts and methods pertinent to the fields of American History, Critical Theory, Literary Studies, American Studies, and Cultural Studies.
  6. f. Theorize and write critically about historical, literary, and cultural texts based on evidence, and discuss and defend these theories with others in a seminar setting.
  7. g. Work independently to produce original research.
  8. h. Identify how theoretical knowledge produced through American studies bears on practical problems in society, ethics, and education.
  9. i. Identify and apply lessons learned in American Culture and Literature and in a humanities education more generally to understanding contemporary issues in a global context.
  10. j. Introduce modern methods of scientific thought and equip students with tools to develop creative solutions for global challenges.
  11. k. Take advantage of the campus life where students are engaged in diversity, creativity and commitment outside coursework through artistic, cultural, sportive and intellectual activities.

Program Outcomes/Degree Qualification Matrix

 Program Outcomes
Qualification(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(i)(j)(k)
K1✓✓✓✓✓✓
S1✓✓✓✓
S2✓✓
W1✓✓✓
W2✓
W3✓✓✓
L1✓✓✓✓
L2✓✓
L3✓✓✓
C1✓✓✓✓✓
C2✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
C3✓✓✓✓
C4✓✓✓✓
C5✓✓
F1✓✓✓✓✓✓
F2✓✓✓
F3✓✓✓✓
F4✓✓✓✓
F5✓
Qualification
Program Outcome

Program Curriculum

First Year
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others		 Bilkent ECTS
AMER 115 Methods and Texts I 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 195 Introduction to American Studies I 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
CS 121 Introduction to Computer Applications and Programming 2 2 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
ENG 101 English and Composition I 5 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
ENG 117 Advanced English Grammar I 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
GE 100 Orientation 0 0 1 2 [ Syllabus ]
TURK 101 Turkish I 0 0 2 3,5 [ Syllabus ]
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others		 Bilkent ECTS
AMER 116 Methods and Texts II 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 196 Introduction to American Studies II 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
ENG 102 English and Composition II 5 0 3 5 ELS 101 or ENG 101 or ENG 103 [ Syllabus ]
ENG 118 Advanced English Grammar II 3 0 3 5 ENG 117 [ Syllabus ]
TURK 102 Turkish II 0 0 2 3,5 [ Syllabus ]
Second Year
 
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others		 Bilkent ECTS
AMER 207 American Texts and Contexts I 3 0 4 6,5 AMER 116 and AMER 196 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 293 American History I 3 0 3 5 AMER 116 and AMER 196 [ Syllabus ]
GE 250 Collegiate Activities Program I 0 0 0 1 [ Syllabus ]
HIST 200 History of Turkey 3 0 4 6,5 [ Syllabus ]
HUM 111 Cultures Civilizations and Ideas I 3 0 3 5 ENG 101 [ Syllabus ]
MATH 103 Thinking Mathematically I 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others		 Bilkent ECTS
AMER 208 American Texts and Contexts II 3 0 4 6,5 AMER 207 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 294 American History II 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
GE 251 Collegiate Activities Program II 0 0 1 2 GE 250 [ Syllabus ]
HUM 112 Cultures Civilizations and Ideas II 3 0 3 5 HUM 111 or HUM 121 [ Syllabus ]
PHYS 180 Conceptual Physics 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
POLS 104 Politics II: How Does It Work? 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
Third Year
 
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others		 Bilkent ECTS
AMER 290 Summer Training I 0 0 0 6 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 303 Film Studies in American Culture to 1960 3 0 4 6,5 AMER 207 or AMER 293 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 343 American Theater 3 0 3 5 AMER 207 or AMER 293 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 357 American Intellectual History I 3 0 3 5 AMER 207 or AMER 293 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 383 American Novel to 1900 3 0 3 5 AMER 207 or AMER 293 [ Syllabus ]
COMD 358 Professional Communication 3 0 3 5 [ Syllabus ]
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others		 Bilkent ECTS
AMER 304 Film Studies in American Culture Since 1960 3 0 4 6,5 AMER 208 or AMER 294 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 358 American Intellectual History II 3 0 3 5 AMER 208 or AMER 294 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 374 American Poetry 3 0 3 5 AMER 208 or AMER 294 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 384 American Novel From 1900 3 0 3 5 AMER 208 or AMER 294 [ Syllabus ]
Arts Core Elective 3 [ Courses ]
Fourth Year
 
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others		 Bilkent ECTS
AMER 390 Summer Training II 0 0 0 6 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 427 Topics in Theory for American Culture 3 0 3 5 AMER 303 or AMER 357 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 459 Race and Ethnicity in American Culture 3 0 3 5 AMER 303 or AMER 357 [ Syllabus ]
General Elective (2) 6 [ Courses ]
Restricted Elective 3 [ Courses ]
Social Science Core Elective 3 [ Courses ]
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others		 Bilkent ECTS
AMER 406 Senior Project 0 0 3 5 AMER 303 or AMER 357 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 426 American Studies in a Global Context 3 0 3 5 AMER 304 or AMER 358 [ Syllabus ]
AMER 492 Gender Studies in American Culture 3 0 3 5 AMER 304 or AMER 358 [ Syllabus ]
General Elective 3 [ Courses ]
Restricted Elective (2) 6 [ Courses ]


Elective Courses in the Curriculum

Elective Count Program Outcomes Options
Arts Core Elective 1   [ Courses ]
General Elective 3   [ Courses ]
Restricted Elective 3   [ Courses ]
Social Science Core Elective 1   [ Courses ]