ADM5154 THEORIES OF THE STATE
| Course Code: | 3105154 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 8.0 |
| Department: | Political Science and Public Adm. |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Graduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. AYLİN TOPAL |
| Offered Semester: | Fall or Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
This seminar critically interrogates the state as a contested theoretical construct and empirical reality, delving into debates about state power, legitimacy, and transformation. Students will master complex theoretical traditions—from classical accounts of sovereignty to contemporary critiques. The course also aims to emphasize the historicity of state formation, examining how colonialism, capitalism, and crises have produced divergent institutional pathways, with comparative analysis of Global North and South cases.
Course Content
This course focuses on the analysis of various historical forms of the state based on the views of different schools of thought. Also, a considerable part of the course dwells upon the modern debates on the controversial aspects and functions of the same phenomenon.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Systematically evaluate competing theories of the state
Critique canonical frameworks on the relationship between state and society
Trace the contested historical development of statehood
Analyze how colonialism, capitalism, and crises transform state society relations
Propose theoretically grounded interventions for real-world challenges
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | The ability to interpret and assess the ways in which power is generated and used socially, institutionally, economically and culturally at the local, national and international levels. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | The ability to conduct interdisciplinary studies and research when assessing the social phenomena in the field of Political Science and Public Administration. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | To attain a sound formation regarding the basic topics, like state-society relations, history of political thought, organisational theory, Turkish politics and comparative politics, in the field of Political Science and Public Administration. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | The ability to use the classical and new approaches in social sciences comprehensively and critically. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | To acquire the methodological knowledge and scientific skills which would enhance the capacity to conduct scientific research and produce publications including a M.S. thesis. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | The ability to evaluate the different dimensions of the problems in the policy areas which are studied through the use of different theoretical perspectives and to develop strategies on this basis. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | To uphold ethical principles in science, academy and life. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | To approach the issues by an independent, critical and inventive cognitive orientation, which could also support the professional career development. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution