Bilkent University Quality Management in Education

Foundation

1998

Qualification Awarded

Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Design

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 examinations YKS, administered by the national Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM). Based on the results of this exam, ÖSYM places students according to their preferences.
All international students who want to apply to Bilkent University for an undergraduate program have to go through an admission procedure. Various national exams and diplomas are used in evaluating the candidates.
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 enrol 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

Art Basic Field Qualification (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. Possesses knowledge related to art culture and aesthetics.
K2. Possesses knowledge about art history related to the specific field of art.
K3. Possesses knowledge about art and design materials.
K4. Possesses knowledge about art and design methods and techniques.
K5. Possesses knowledge about regulations and legal procedures about the related field of art.
K6. Possesses knowledge about interdisciplinary interaction for the related field of art.
K7. Possesses knowledge about research methods.
K8. Possesses knowledge about art criticism methods.
K9. Possesses knowledge about art and science ethics.
S1. Combines theory and practice.
S2. Uses methods and techniques related to the field of art in focus.
S3. Evaluates the interaction among sub disciplines within a field of art.
S4. Have the ability to make constructive comments.
S5. Develops multi-dimensional perception, thinking, designing, and application skills.
S6. Makes emotional perceptions concrete.
W1. Works individually, independently; and in harmony and productively with others when working in a group.
W2. Actively takes part in projects.
W3. Shares his / her original works with society and discusses the results.
L1. Questions his / her own works.
L2. Thinks critically and constructively.
L3. Adopts lifelong learning concept.
C1. Defines his / her target audience and shares his / her works with them.
C2. Possesses communication ability to present his / her works to the society
C3. Informs professionals or non-professionals in the field about ideas and solution proposals to problems by using visual, written and oral communication methods effectively and appropriately.
C4. Monitors the information in the field and communicates with colleagues by using a foreign language (General Level of European Language Portfolio: Level B1).
C5. Uses information and communication technologies together with computer software required by the field at least Advanced Level of European Computer Driving License.
F1. Be aware of national and international values regarding art and design.
F2. Have the ability to turn abstract and concrete concepts into creative thought and innovative and original works of art.
F3. Have the sensitivity to carry out business successfully in the field.
F4. Have aesthetical awareness

Education Objectives

1. Graduates of the Department will be the next generation of knowledgeable and responsible media professionals and scholars. 2. Graduates of the Department will contribute with high quality, innovative works, creative design storytelling and leadership across a broad spectrum of areas in all production platforms to a growing, global network of media professionals. 3. Graduates of the Department are distinguished collaborators with their knowledge and appreciation of art and design of all media platforms.

Program Outcomes

  1. a. Integrate theoretical and historical knowledge of art and culture with media production and design practice
  2. b. Identify, analyze, and solve problems related to visual communication
  3. c. Analyze, interpret, and engage in constructive criticism
  4. d. Recognize practices in communication and design as creative and/or business processes, and contextualize these processes from cultural and historical perspectives
  5. e. Demonstrate awareness of the inter- and multi-disciplinary nature of communication and design
  6. f. Integrate theory with practice through multifaceted communication and design projects
  7. g. Organize and contribute to collaborative teams that draw on all members’ strengths
  8. h. Demonstrate the ability to present work effectively to target audiences
  9. i. Recognize and respond to contemporary issues in communication, media, and design
  10. j. Show professional and ethical responsibility
  11. k. Recognize the need for life-long learning and demonstrate the ability to pursue it
  12. l. Produce effective visual, written, and oral communication
  13. m. Demonstrate advanced computer and communication technology skills
  14. n. Create a professional portfolio that reflects problem solving ability and innovative ideas
  15. o. Develop writing and communication skills necessary for effectively organize ideas, thoughts and convey them to various audiences.
  16. p. Introduce modern methods of scientific thought and equip students with tools to develop creative solutions for global challenges.
  17. q. 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)(l)(m)(n)(o)(p)(q)
K1
K2
K3
K4
K5
K6
K7
K8
K9
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
S6
W1
W2
W3
L1
L2
L3
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
F1
F2
F3
F4

Program Curriculum

First Year
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
COMD 101 Visual Communication Design I 2 8 6 8,5
CS 153 Introduction to Computer Graphics 0 3 3 5
ENG 101 English and Composition I 5 0 3 5
FA 171 Introduction to Art, Design and Culture I 3 0 3 5
GE 100 Orientation 0 0 1 2
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 0 3 5
TURK 101 Turkish I 0 0 2 3,5
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
COMD 102 Visual Communication Design II 2 8 6 8,5 COMD 101
CS 154 Introduction to Web Design 0 3 3 5
ENG 102 English and Composition II 5 0 3 5 ELS 101 or ENG 101 or ENG 103
FA 172 Introduction to Art, Design and Culture II 3 0 3 5
PSYC 102 Introduction to Social Psychology 3 0 3 5
TURK 102 Turkish II 0 0 2 3,5
Second Year
 
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
COMD 203 Media Studies I 3 0 3 5
COMD 210 Introduction to Screenwriting 0 3 3 5
COMD 281 Media and Design Studio I 2 3 4 6,5 COMD 102
CS 155 Interactive Media Design and Development 0 3 3 5 CS 154 or GRA 131
GE 250 Collegiate Activities Program I 0 0 0 1
HUM 111 Cultures Civilizations and Ideas I 3 0 3 5 ENG 101
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
COMD 204 Media Studies II 3 0 3 5 COMD 203
COMD 207 History of Film and Media 3 0 3 5
COMD 282 Media and Design Studio II 2 3 4 6,5 COMD 205 or COMD 281
GE 251 Collegiate Activities Program II 0 0 1 2 GE 250
HUM 112 Cultures Civilizations and Ideas II 3 0 3 5 HUM 111 or HUM 121
MATH 103 Thinking Mathematically I 3 0 3 5
Third Year
 
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
COMD 290 Summer Practice I 0 0 0 6 COMD 204
COMD 321 Analysis of Moving Image 3 0 3 5
COMD 341 Media and Society 3 0 3 5 COMD 203
COMD 381 Media and Design Studio III 0 4 4 6,5 COMD 206 or COMD 282
ECON 103 Principles of Economics 4 0 3 5
Restricted Elective 3
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
COMD 356 Digital Culture 3 0 3 5 COMD 203
COMD 382 Media and Design Studio IV 0 4 4 6,5 COMD 305 or COMD 381
ENG 312 Introduction to Creative Writing 3 0 3 5 ENG 102 or ENG 118
HIST 200 History of Turkey 3 0 4 6,5
Restricted Elective 3
Fourth Year
 
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
COMD 390 Summer Practice II 0 0 0 6 COMD 306 or COMD 382
COMD 471 Media Ethics 3 0 3 5
COMD 481 Visual Communication Project I 0 4 4 6,5 COMD 306 or COMD 382
Restricted Elective 3
Social Sciences and Humanities Elective 3
Unrestricted Elective 3
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
COMD 422 Advanced Issues in Communication Studies 3 0 3 5 COMD 203
COMD 482 Visual Communication Project II 0 4 4 6,5 COMD 481
Restricted Elective 3
Social Sciences and Humanities Elective 3
Unrestricted Elective 3


Elective Courses in the Curriculum

Elective Count Program Outcomes Options
Restricted Elective 4 (Integrate theoretical and historical knowledge of art and culture with media production and design practicea) (Identify, analyze, and solve problems related to visual communicationb) (Analyze, interpret, and engage in constructive criticismc) (Recognize practices in communication and design as creative and/or business processes, and contextualize these processes from cultural and historical perspectivesd) (Demonstrate awareness of the inter- and multi-disciplinary nature of communication and designe) (Integrate theory with practice through multifaceted communication and design projectsf) (Organize and contribute to collaborative teams that draw on all members’ strengthsg) (Demonstrate the ability to present work effectively to target audiencesh) (Recognize and respond to contemporary issues in communication, media, and designi) (Show professional and ethical responsibilityj) (Produce effective visual, written, and oral communicationl) (Create a professional portfolio that reflects problem solving ability and innovative ideasn)  
Social Sciences and Humanities Elective 2 (Analyze, interpret, and engage in constructive criticismc) (Demonstrate awareness of the inter- and multi-disciplinary nature of communication and designe) (Organize and contribute to collaborative teams that draw on all members’ strengthsg) (Demonstrate the ability to present work effectively to target audiencesh) (Recognize and respond to contemporary issues in communication, media, and designi) (Show professional and ethical responsibilityj) (Recognize the need for life-long learning and demonstrate the ability to pursue itk) (Produce effective visual, written, and oral communicationl)  
Unrestricted Elective 2