Bologna Process

About the Program

Economics is the study of how scarce resources should be managed to satisfy human needs. In most societies, resources are allocated not by a single central planner, but through the combined actions of millions of households and firms. Economists, therefore, study how people make decisions: how much they work, what they buy, how much they save, and how they invest their savings. Economists also study how people interact with one another. For instance, they examine how the multitude of buyers and sellers of a good determine the price at which the good is sold, and the quantity of the good that is sold. Finally, economists analyze forces and trends that affect the economy as a whole, including the growth in average income, and the rate at which the prices are rising.

Majoring in economics enables students to have a good grasp of economic theories. It equips them with the knowledge required to understand how global, regional and national economies function, and how economic institutions operate under numerous constraints.

The Department of Economics at Işık University offers its students both theoretical and applied perspectives of economics so that graduates develop a certain level of competencies over economic issues before they make their career preferences.

Therefore, the main objective of the economics program at Işık University is to endow its students with the academic credentials so that they will become eligible to continue on in their academic careers or find job opportunities in a wide spectrum of fields including companies and institutions at national, regional and international levels.

Degrees Awarded

Students who successfully complete their studies are awarded with Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.

Admissions to the Program

Student admissions to the Economics Undergraduate Program are done through the examination carried out by Student Selection and Placement Centre (ÖSYM) in accordance with examination regulations specified by The Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Students are admitted to the program by ÖSYM according to their exam scores.

International applicants are admitted based on the high school diploma GPA, international and national exam results or university entrance examinations' results, providing that the application requirement is not less than accepted minimum for each application criteria. The validity period for university entrance examinations is two years. High school exit examinations do not have any validity period limitation. (See International Student Application).

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students at Işık University may be exempt from some courses in accordance with the regulations. If the content of a course completed in another institution matches the content of the course offered in Economics Undergraduate Program and in the existence of the consent of department/faculty, student may be exempt from the relevant course.

Requirements and Conditions for Obtaining a Degree

To obtain the degree offered by Economics Undergraduate Program, students have to have a cumulative GPA 2.00 out of 4.00 and above, and have to complete the courses offered with a DD minimum.

Program Objectives

1. Graduates have acquired the necessary toolbox to pursue a career in both private sector (banking, finance, insurance etc.) and post-graduate studies in the field of economics.

2. Graduates have comprehended the basic principles of economics, have gained the ability to learn and perform various approaches of the field.

3. Graduates are open to teamwork, innovation and change, are able to demonstrate verbal and written communicative skills.

4. Graduates recognize professional and ethical responsibilities; are able to adjust their knowledge and skills according to changes in global economy.

Program Outcomes

The Economics Undergraduate Program aims to educate individuals who

have learned basic notions of economics, are able to think on fundamental economic problems, avoid frequent mistakes caused by not knowing economics as an employee, employer, consumer or citizen,

comprehend the trends in growth, inflation, unemployment, interest rates, parity, foreign investment and foreign trade in Turkish economy,

accept that there are various competing schools of thought in the discipline of economics, understand that there can be different views on, for example, the role of government in the economy,

apprehend the relationships in global economy, and the role of international organizations, conduct cost and benefit analysis of interdependency between countries,

comprehend professional and ethical responsibilities, significance of work safety,

employ statistics, basic mathematics and various theories in data analysis, have comprehended and think the issues from the perspective of humanities and social sciences (sociology, environmental sciences, political sciences, finance, world history, philosophy, etc.),

open to world cultures, respectful of different beliefs, opinions, and life styles, question existing body of information through scientific practice and reasoning,

describe changes in market equilibrium using models, interpret these using abstraction, analysis and synthesis methods,

are able to function in teams composed of members from various disciplines, take the initiative, lead,

can effectively communicate using written, verbal, and visual techniques,

understand the importance of life-long learning and participate this learning process both as a student and an educator,

have necessary skills to prepare reports that evaluate economy at firm, industry, and macroeconomic level; are able to appraise economy publications critically; follow trends in markets, stock exchange, foreign exchange, supply-demand; can analyze data on various economic fields, interpret these employing statistical and econometric techniques and necessary package programs, present the findings; can effectively take notes; are able to ask necessary questions to access to, interpret and transfer information,

apprehend the importance of environment and sustainable development.

Occupational Profile of Graduates

Graduates of the Economics Undergraduate Program can follow an academic career by continuing their education for a Master's Degree and Ph. D. They can apply to specialist positions in ministries or relevant institutions or to researcher or auditor positions in commercial banks or auditing firms. Meeting the international standards, the program enables the graduates to apply to postgraduate programs, job opportunities and internship opportunities abroad. In addition, graduates of the Economics Undergraduate Program can also work in local government bodies, non-governmental organizations or organizations doing voluntary work.

Applying to Higher-Level Programs

Graduates of the Economics Undergraduate Program can apply to postgraduate education.

Examination, Evaluation and Grading

In addition to the midterm exams and/or the studies conducted during the semester, students are given final exams carried out during the periods indicated on academic calendar. Students are given at least one midterm exam in each semester. In addition to midterm exams, there may be unannounced short exams (quizzes).

Criteria regarding evaluation of success for a course (midterm exam, homework, final exam, etc.) and the weights of these on final grades are indicated on syllabi given to students/issued on web pages in the beginning of each semester. Final grades of the students are given by the course instructor, determined according to the grades of midterm and final exams, the studies conducted during the semester, and class attendance/participation. Courses not having any midterm and/or final exams during the semester are determined by the relevant department chairs and vocational school directors and information regarding these courses is sent Registrar's Office; final grades of these courses are determined according to the studies conducted by students during the semester.

Final grades are submitted to Registrar's Office with the criteria regarding evaluation of success by the course instructor.

Evaluation

In determining final grade of a student, the performance shown during the semester regarding the studies conducted during the semester, average of grades of the midterm exams and final exam are taken into account.

Repeating a Course

According to the Codes of Practice of the Senate Regarding articles 15, 16, 25, 31 of Işık University Associate and Undergraduate Education and Examination Regulations and Other Issues,

For students registered in the year of 2010 and before:

Students who failed some courses and are unable to graduate are given the right to take an F-exam for the courses determined by Board of Trustees provided that they pay a course/exam registration fee in order to pass the courses they failed.

For students registered after the year 2010:

Students who get a grade F and failed a course and whose overall standing is suspension are required to repeat the course in the very semester it is offered again.

Students who wish to improve their cumulative GPA can repeat the courses they've taken before. Class attendance is compulsory for repeated courses.

Students whose overall standing is suspension can repeat the courses they've taken before and passed with a grade DD or DC. Subject to the Article 46, Paragraph 1, in order to be able to complete the program, students must have a cumulative GPA 2.00 or above out of 4.00.

For repeated courses, the valid grade is the final grade of the last semester the course is taken regardless of previous grades.

Satisfactory Students

Students who have a GPA minimum 2.00 out of 4.00 are regarded as satisfactory. Students who are enrolled to at least normal course load and have GPA between 3.00 – 3.49 out of 4.00 are regarded as "Honor Student", and who have a GPA between 3.50 – 4.00 out of 4.00 are regarded as "High Honor Student".

Requirements for Graduation

In order to graduate from the program, students have to complete the courses in their curriculum with a passing grade and have a cumulative GPA minimum 2.00 out of 4.00.

Type of the Program

Economics Undergraduate Program at Işık University is a full-time program. Language of education is English.

Director of the Program

Assoc. Prof. Aslı Şen Taşbaşı (Chair) 444 07 99 / 7212, asli.sen@isikun.edu.tr

FIRST YEAR (FRESHMAN)
Fall (First Semester)		Credits	ECTS	Spring (Second Semester)		Credits	ECTS
CORE0101	History of the Turkish Republic I	2	2	CORE0102	History of the Turkish Republic II	2	2
CORE0103	Turkish I	2	2	CORE0104	Turkish II	2	2
CORE0105	Orientation	0	1	CORE0106	Career Planning	0	1
CORE0201	Nature, Science, Human I	3	5	CORE0202	Nature, Science, Human II	3	5
CORE0301	Numbers, Formulas, Human I	3	5	BUSI1302	Principles of Management	3	6
CORE0501	Art, Society, Human	2	3	MATH1301	Mathematics I	3	5
ECON1007	Introduction to Microeconomics	3	6	ECON1008	Introduction to Macroeconomics	3	6
ENGL1101	Academic English I	3	4	ENGL1102	Academic English II	3	4
ITEC1001	Computer Literacy	0	1
Total Semester Credits & ECTS		18	29	Total Semester Credits & ECTS		19	31

SECOND YEAR (SOPHOMORE)
Fall (Third Semester)		Credits	ECTS	Spring (Fourth Semester)		Credits	ECTS
CORE0107	Creative Thinking and Problem Solving	2	3	BUSI2111	Financial Accounting	3	6
CORE0108	Major Works	2	3	ENGL2101	Advanced Academic English 1B	3	5
CORE0401	Society, Science and Human	3	4	POLS1201	Introduction to Political Science	3	6
CORE0402	Ethics, Law and Society	2	3	ECON2002	Macroeconomics	3	6
ECON2001	Microeconomics	3	6	MATH2208	Statistics for Economics and Administrative Sciences II	3	6
ECON2301	Mathematics for Economics and Administrative Sciences	3	6
MATH2207	Statistics for Economics and Administrative Sciences I	3	6
Total Semester Credits & ECTS		18	31	Total Semester Credits & ECTS		15	29

THIRD YEAR (JUNIOR)
Fall (Fifth Semester)		Credits	ECTS	Spring (Sixth Semester)		Credits	ECTS
ECON3101	Econometrics I	3	6	ECON3102	Econometrics II	3	6
ECON3105	Game Theory	3	6	ECON3201	Monetary Economics	3	6
ECON3301	International Economics	3	6	ECON3403	Economic Growth and Development	3	6
ECON3401	Public Finance	3	6	ECON4301	Current Issues in Global Economy	3	6
BUSI3221	Business Finance	3	6	ECON4503	Economic Policy	3	6
Total Semester Credits & ECTS		15	30	Total Semester Credits & ECTS		15	30

FOURTH YEAR (SENIOR)
Fall (Seventh Semester)		Credits	ECTS	Spring (Eighth Semester)		Credits	ECTS
ECON4003	Research Methods in Economics	3	6	ECON4601	Turkish Economy	3	6
ECON-AE-I	Area Elective I	3	5	ECON4901	Research Project	3	8
ECON-AE-II	Area Elective II	3	5	ECON-AE-IV	Area Elective IV	3	5
ECON-AE-III	Area Elective III	3	5	ECON-GE-III	General Elective III	3	5
ECON-GE-I	General Elective I	3	5	ECON-GE-IV	General Elective IV	3	5
ECON-GE-II	General Elective II	3	5
Total Semester Credits & ECTS		18	31	Total Semester Credits & ECTS		15	29
Total Credits = 133 (240 ECTS)

ECON-AE Area Elective Courses		ECTS
ECON 3303	International Finance	5
ECON 3405	Social Policy	5
ECON 3501	Economics of Gender	5
ECON 3601	Economics of Industrial Organization	5
ECON 3603	Labor Economics	5
ECON 3701	Agricultural Economics	5
ECON 3703	Environmental Economics	5
ECON 3705	Energy Economics	5
ECON 4501	Economics of EU	5
ECON 4505	History of Economic Thought	5
ECON 4507	Economic History of the Near East	5
ECON 4603	Social Network Analysis	5
ECON 4801	Special Topics: Financial Economics	5
ECON 4803	Special Topics: Tourism Economics	5

NQF-HETR Qualifications of Field of Social and Behavioral Sciences - 6th Cycle (Bachelor's)			Program Outcomes
			1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13
Knowledge	Theoretical Conceptual	Have the advanced level of basic conceptual knowledge related to the field, taking the reflections in practice into account.
		Understand the basic concepts and the relations within these concepts in social and behavioral sciences.
		Have the basic knowledge about operational rules of relationship between humans and societies.
		Have the basic knowledge about the causes and effects of the transformations their societies experienced.
		Have knowledge of Social Research and Planning.
		Have the necessary knowledge to acquire information by processing advanced level data in both theoretical and practical level.
Skill	Cognitive Practical	Have the necessary skill to analyze theoretical knowledge related to field and evaluate the practical reflections.
		Access authentic sources of knowledge by using written and visual records in social and behavioral sciences.
		Generate knowledge by processing information related to the field using technical means and have the ability to report and present the knowledge by using the technical means required by the field.
		Have the skill to use the acquired field specific knowledge in decision-making, applying decisions and develop behavior.
		Have the skill to make interpretations and analyses by forming relations between the subfields of the field and other fields of social sciences and develop these skills.
Competence	Competence to Work Independently and Take Responsibility	Have the awareness of carrying out the tasks and responsibilities they assumed.
		Solve a field specific matter in a team or on their own.
		Assume responsibility as an individual level or in a team to solve a field specific setback or a problem, take initiative if necessary.
		Plan the timing and procedures group research in the field and related subfields, carry out the planned tasks on time and dimension demanded.
		Behave in socially desired fashion, set an example with their manner and attitude.
Competence	Learning Competence	Filter and evaluate the field specific knowledge acquired in terms of causes, results and critique.
		Know what to learn and how to learn.
		Determine the lack of knowledge and application related to field.
		Demonstrate that they are on a level that keeps the interest and demand toward the field active.
		Direct the education they got toward an advanced level education in the same field or an occupation at the same level.
		Have the qualification of sharing knowledge and learning together.
		Have the awareness of lifelong learning and questioning.
Competence	Communication and Social Competence	Transfer the acquired field specific knowledge and skills both written and verbally.
		Have the ability to use and apply the data acquired during their education process in working life.
		Reflect the diversity created by their theoretical basis and conceptual riches to their individual careers in working life.
		Use the expert knowledge they have with their social responsibility awareness.
		Transform the field specific knowledge and applications to projects and activities in social responsibility approach framework.
		Pursue the information and communicate with colleagues by using a foreign language at least at B1 General Level of European Language Portfolio.
		Use the information and communication techniques with basic level of European Computer Driving Licence computer software required by the field.
Competence	Field Specific Competence	Follow the social, cultural, scientific and ethical values while building the field specific knowledge and know-how (collecting, interpreting, and publishing the results).
		Have the necessary awareness about the universality of social rights, social justice, quality and cultural values, and protection of environment, occupational health and safety.
		Have an open attitude about change and innovation.
		Have the competence to develop opinions about social and behavioral phenomena by using the method and knowledge set provided by the field and interpret the events.

COURSES		OUTCOMES
		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13
ECON1001	Introduction to Microeconomics	x		x		x			x
ECON1002	Introduction to Macroeconomics	x	x	x		x			x
ECON1007	Introduction to Microeconomics	x		x		x			x
ECON1008	Introduction to Macroeconomics	x	x	x		x			x
ECON2001	Microeconomics	x		x					x
ECON2002	Macroeconomics	x	x	x	x				x	x	x	x	x
ECON2101	Introduction to Economic Data Analysis		x				x		x		x		x
ECON2301	Mathematics for Economics and Administrative Sciences	x	x				x		x				x
ECON3101	Econometrics I						x		x	x	x		x
ECON3102	Econometrics II						x		x	x	x		x
ECON3105	Game Theory	x				x	x		x
ECON3201	Monetary Economics		x								x
ECON3301	International Economics				x		x		x	x			x
ECON3303	International Finance		x		x		x		x				x
ECON3401	Public Finance	x		x		x			x				x
ECON3403	Economic Growth and Development		x		x			x	x			x
ECON3405	Social Policy	x		x						x			x
ECON3501	Economics of Gender			x		x		x			x
ECON3601	Economics of Industrial Organization	x	x				x	x	x		x		x	x
ECON3603	Labor Economics	x		x	x				x
ECON3701	Agricultural Economics	x		x	x			x	x					x
ECON3703	Environmental Economics	x		x	x	x	x	x	x	x	x		x	x
ECON3705	Energy Economics			x	x				x		x		x
ECON4003	Research Methods in Economics						x		x		x		x
ECON4301	Current Issues in Global Economy		x	x	x	x		x
ECON4501	Economics of EU							x				x
ECON4503	Economic Policy	x	x	x	x				x
ECON4505	History of Economic Thought			x	x			x
ECON4507	Economic History of the Near East			x	x			x				x
ECON4601	Turkish Economy		x			x						x	x
ECON4603	Social Network Analysis				x		x		x				x
ECON4801	Special Topics: Financial Economics	x	x		x		x		x				x
ECON4803	Special Topics: Tourism Economics						x		x	x	x		x
ECON4901	Research Project		x		x		x		x		x		x