Bilkent University Quality Management in Education

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

Foundation

2003

Qualification Awarded

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

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 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

The educational objectives of the Department of Philosophy are as follows; • To be able to recognize and analyze abstract problems and arguments in depth. • Being creative in the problem solving process and combining what they know in an original way • Responding to different opinions and criticisms by explaining the reasoning method • Communicate confidently and argue persuasively and persuasively • Ability to produce original ideas and express them clearly, clearly and consistently, in writing and orally • Taking a rational attitude by making logical judgments in the decision-making process

Program Outcomes

  1. a. Be able to reconstruct arguments in philosophical and non-philosophical texts and to critically evaluate their soundness.
  2. b. Be able to communicate and present philosophical ideas and arguments in writing and in speech that communicates clearly to professional and non-professional audiences. Be able to do so both in Turkish and in English.
  3. c. Be able to engage in self-directed philosophical research that integrates, evaluates, and further develops existing philosophical knowledge.
  4. d. Be able to characterize and compare basic approaches and positions in the different systematic areas of theoretical and practical philosophy.
  5. e. Acquire basic knowledge of the history of philosophy and be able to assess its relevance for problems of contemporary culture and society.
  6. f. Be able to recognize and critically evaluate normative judgments in the light of ethical and social-philosophical approaches.
  7. g. Acquire adequate research skills in the field of humanities, including the use of libraries, databases, modern methods of scientific thought and international academic literature. To equip students with tools such as mastery of computer software and information technologies relevant to the humanities that will to help them develop creative solutions for global challenges .
  8. h. Be able to apply philosophical knowledge and skills in critical thinking to the solution of social and professional problems in contemporary society.
  9. i. Demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
  10. j. Be equipped to engage in life-long learning, in philosophy and related fields.
  11. k. Acquire basic knowledge of the methods of natural and social sciences and of history, art, and literature.
  12. l. Gather experience with work processes, management, and organization in non-academic workplaces.
  13. m. 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)
K1
S1
S2
W1
W2
W3
L1
L2
L3
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
F1
F2
F3
F4
F5

Program Curriculum

First Year
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
CS 121 Introduction to Computer Applications and Programming 2 2 3 5
ENG 101 English and Composition I 5 0 3 5
GE 100 Orientation 0 0 1 2
MATH 105 Introduction to Calculus I 4 0 4 6,5
PHIL 101 Introduction to Logic 3 0 3 5
PHIL 103 Introduction to Philosophy I 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
ECON 103 Principles of Economics 4 0 3 5
ENG 102 English and Composition II 5 0 3 5 ELS 101 or ENG 101 or ENG 103
MATH 106 Introduction to Calculus II 4 0 4 6,5 MATH 105
PHIL 102 Ancient Philosophy 3 0 3 5
PHIL 104 Introduction to Philosophy II 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
GE 250 Collegiate Activities Program I 0 0 0 1
HCIV 101 History of Civilization I 3 0 3 5
HIST 200 History of Turkey 3 0 4 6,5
PHIL 201 Epistemology 3 0 3 5
PHIL 203 Rationalists 3 0 3 5
PHYS 180 Conceptual Physics 3 0 3 5
Second Foreign Language Elective 3
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
GE 251 Collegiate Activities Program II 0 0 1 2 GE 250
HCIV 102 History of Civilization II 3 0 3 5
MBG 110 Introduction to Modern Biology 3 0 3 5
PHIL 202 Ethics 3 0 3 5
PHIL 204 Empiricists 3 0 3 5
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 0 3 5
Second Foreign Language Elective 3
Third Year
 
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
COMD 358 Professional Communication 3 0 3 5
PHIL 299 Summer Training I 0 0 0 7 PHIL 202
PHIL 303 Kant 3 0 3 5
PHIL 307 Paradox and Infinity 3 0 3 5
PHIL 401 Metaphysics 3 0 3 5
Second Foreign Language Elective 3
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
PHIL 301 Political Philosophy 3 0 3 5
PHIL 306 Philosophy of Language 3 0 3 5
PHIL 308 Philosophy of Mind 3 0 3 5
Arts Core Elective 3
Second Foreign Language Elective 3
Fourth Year
 
Autumn Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
ECON 221 Introduction to Probability and Statistics I 3 0 3 5
PHIL 304 History and Philosophy of Science 3 0 3 5
PHIL 399 Summer Training II 0 0 0 7 PHIL 299
PHIL 403 Senior Thesis I 3 0 3 5
Computing Elective 3
Elective (2) 6
 
Spring Semester
Course Code Course Name Hours Credits Prerequisite Options
Lecture Lab/Studio
/Others
Bilkent ECTS
PHIL 302 Social and Legal Philosophy 3 0 3 5
PHIL 404 Senior Thesis II 3 0 3 5 PHIL 403
Elective 3
Social Science Core Elective 3


Elective Courses in the Curriculum

Elective Count Program Outcomes Options
Arts Core Elective 1 (Be equipped to engage in life-long learning, in philosophy and related fields.j) (Acquire basic knowledge of the methods of natural and social sciences and of history, art, and literature.k)  
Computing Elective 1 (Acquire adequate research skills in the field of humanities, including the use of libraries, databases, modern methods of scientific thought and international academic literature. To equip students with tools such as mastery of computer software and information technologies relevant to the humanities that will to help them develop creative solutions for global challenges .g) (Be equipped to engage in life-long learning, in philosophy and related fields.j) (Gather experience with work processes, management, and organization in non-academic workplaces.l)  
Elective 3 (Be able to reconstruct arguments in philosophical and non-philosophical texts and to critically evaluate their soundness.a) (Be able to communicate and present philosophical ideas and arguments in writing and in speech that communicates clearly to professional and non-professional audiences. Be able to do so both in Turkish and in English.b) (Be able to engage in self-directed philosophical research that integrates, evaluates, and further develops existing philosophical knowledge.c)  
Second Foreign Language Elective 4 (Be equipped to engage in life-long learning, in philosophy and related fields.j)  
Social Science Core Elective 1 (Be equipped to engage in life-long learning, in philosophy and related fields.j) (Acquire basic knowledge of the methods of natural and social sciences and of history, art, and literature.k)