PSIR237 PRINCIPLES OF LAW

Course Code:3540237
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:6.0
Department:Political Science and International Relations
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Assoc.Prof.Dr. HANDE SÖZER
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

1. To familiarise students with the nature and scope of law

2. To gain an understanding of basic legal principles

3. To facilitate critical analysis on the role of law in society

4. To cultivate the students’ ability to identify and analyse some of the contemporary issues involved in the legal environment


Course Content

This is an introductory course in which basic concepts and general principles of law, as well as issues concerning the Turkish legal system, are studied in order to provide an introduction to legal concepts and institutions that will serve as a foundation for other courses dealing with legal studies. The scope of the course includes, but is not limited to, the characteristics of law as compared to other rules of social conduct; functions of law; basic legal concepts and legal institutions; sources of law; the court systems; and other related issues.


Course Learning Outcomes

Successful students will be able to:

Understand the nature of law, the major legal concepts and the role of law in society

Use skills in interpretation & understanding, critical analysis, and communication

Appreciate values related to legal rights & duties, justice & morality, and social awareness & responsibility


Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Having academic knowledge in Political Science and International relations disciplines
2Developing an interdisciplinary perspective incorporating other areas of the social sciences as well
3Being capable of evaluating political, economic and social matters at local, national and international levels
4Being capable of making sense of, follow and analyze political, economic and social events
5Being sensitive to global, environmental and social problems
6Developing a critical mind capable of making constructive criticisms, open to lifelong learning, researching, inquiring, questioning and problems solving
7Being capable of individual work, entrepreneur, good time management and able to actively take part in group work for common purposes
8Having effective communication skills in Turkish and English languages
9Being capable of using communication technologies in reaching to information and organizing and presenting this information in a systematic way

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution