POLS 324 Issues in Nuclear Security PolicyMEF UniversityDegree Programs PsychologyGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy Statement
Psychology
Bachelor Length of the Programme: 4 Number of Credits: 240 TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF: Level 6

Ders Genel Tanıtım Bilgileri

School/Faculty/Institute Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
Course Code POLS 324
Course Title in English Issues in Nuclear Security Policy
Course Title in Turkish Nukleer Guvenlik Politikasinda Konular
Language of Instruction EN
Type of Course Flipped Classroom
Level of Course Intermediate
Semester Spring
Contact Hours per Week
Lecture: 3 Recitation: Lab: Other:
Estimated Student Workload 135 hours per semester
Number of Credits 5 ECTS
Grading Mode Standard Letter Grade
Pre-requisites None
Expected Prior Knowledge None
Co-requisites None
Registration Restrictions Only Undergraduate Students
Overall Educational Objective Raising subject matter experts
Course Description This course is supported by The Stanton Foundation, created by Dr. Frank Stanton, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA with a grant offered to Prof. Kibaroglu as part of its Course Development Program in the fields of International and Nuclear Security. ..The primary objective of this course is to introduce the undergraduate students of the Political Science and International Relations Department to a number of existing and emerging threats to international security and stability in the 21st Century. ..In that context, dangers associated with the proliferation of nuclear weapons and their delivery vehicles, such as ballistic missiles; the current status of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the NPT; the military and political implications of Iran’s nuclear program for the Middle East; India’s and Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and the arms race in the Sub-Continent; North Korea’s nuclearization and its implications for regional security in the Far East; safety and security problems that arise in connection with the nuclear arsenals in the former Soviet republics; illegal trafficking of nuclear material, know-how and technology used in the manufacture of nuclear weapons; and the possibility of unauthorized seizure of such material by terrorist groups and their possible implications for nuclear security will constitute the main themes of the course. ..Students will undertake Policy Research Projects (PRP), which will have to be orally presented at the end of the semester. Project topics will be chosen by the students among the ones that will be suggested by Prof. Kibaroglu. ..One important distinguishing feature of this course will be the world-renowned scholars from the leading academic institutions who will be invited as guest lecturers to share their impeccable knowledge and experience in the above-mentioned topics with our students
Course Description in Turkish Bu ders, Cambridge, Massachusetts’te Dr. Frank Stanton tarafından kurulmuş olan “The Stanton Foundation” tarafından Prof. Kibaroğlu’na “Uluslararası Nükleer Güvenlik Politikaları” konularında “Yeni Ders Geliştirme Programı” kapsamında sağlana fon ile desteklenmektedir. ..Dersin en temel amacı, Siyaset Bilimi ve Uluslararası İlişkiler öğrencilerini 21. Yüzyılda karşılaşılan uluslararası güvenlik konuları hakkında bilgilendirmek ve nükleer silahların yayılmasının yarattığı tehlikelerin anlaşılmasını sağlamaktır. ..Bu kapsamda, nükleer silahların yayılması sorununun ortaya çıkışı ve gelişimi; İran’ın, nükleer programının Ortadoğu açısından, Hindistan ve Pakistan’ın nükleer silahlanma yarışının Asya ve Alt Kıta açısından, Kuzey Kore’nin nükleer silahlanmasının Uzak Dğu açısından yarattığı bölgesel sorunların neler olduğu; Sovyetler Birliği’nin dağılması sonrasında Orta Asya ve Kafkasya’da yaşanan güvenlik sorunları ve nükleer madde kaçakçılığının boyutları; 11 Eylül saldırıları ile güvenlik konularında değişen öncelikler ve nükleer terörizm olasılığına karşı alınan siyasi, askeri ve teknolojik önlemler; AB’nin ve ABD’nin güvenlik politikaları; Nükleer Güvenlik Zirvelerinin değerlendirilmesi gibi konular ele alınacaktır. ..Öğrenciler, dönem içinde Prof. Kibaroğlu’nun tavsiyelerini de dikkate alarak belirleyecekleri bir konuda dönem boyunca araştırma (PRP) yapacaklar ve dönem sonunda sözlü olarak sunacaklardır. ..Bu dersin önemli bir özelliği, konularında dünya çapında tanınmış akademisyenlerin dönem içinde öğrencilerimize misafir öğretim üyesi olarak ders verecek olmalarıdır.

Course Learning Outcomes and Competences

Upon successful completion of the course, the learner is expected to be able to:
1) Know the chronology of spread of nuclear weapons in different parts of the world;
2) Understand the fundamental motivations of states that aspire to developing nuclear weapons;
3) Analyze the factors that motivate the states to embark upon a nuclear (weapons) program;
4) Understand the essential differences between peaceful and military applications of nuclear science and technology;
5) Comprehend the measures necessary for the safety and security of nuclear material;
6) understand the dangers associated with the possible use of nuclear weapons either by states or non-state actors.
Program Learning Outcomes/Course Learning Outcomes 1 2 3 4 5 6
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation.
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts.
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline.
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards.
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences.
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level).
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement.
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses.
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning.
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations.

Relation to Program Outcomes and Competences

N None S Supportive H Highly Related
     
Program Outcomes and Competences Level Assessed by
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology. N
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation. N
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes. H Exam,HW,Participation
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts. N
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline. N
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards. N
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences. N
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level). N
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity. S Participation
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement. S HW,Participation
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses. N
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning. S Exam,HW
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations. H Exam,HW
Prepared by and Date MUSTAFA KİBAROĞLU , January 2024
Course Coordinator MUSTAFA KİBAROĞLU
Semester Spring
Name of Instructor Prof. Dr. MUSTAFA KİBAROĞLU

Course Contents

Week Subject
1) General introduction to the course topics and the PRP
2) Proliferation of NUclear Weapons: Emergence & Evolution
3) Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: Emergence and Evolution of the Problem
4) Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: Regions of Concern (Middle East)
5) Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in South Asia
6) Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: Prospects for Reversing Proliferation
7) Safety and Security of WMD Related Material and Technology
8) Threat of Terrorism with Nuclear Weapons and Countermeasures
9) NPT Review Conferences: Past, Present & Future
10) Impact of Populist Politics on the Future of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime
11) Impact Nuclear Security Policies on the Future of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
12) PRP Presentation
13) Project Presentation
14) Project Presentation
Required/Recommended ReadingsStudents will be provided with book chapters and journal articles written by the leading authorities in the field, which will be available in the Black Board system of MEF University, most of them will also be accessible on-line through the websites designated by Prof. Kibaroğlu as well as his personal website (www.mustafakibaroglu.com). Selected chapters from the following authors’ books will constitute the essential readings: ..Albright, David, Frans Berkhout, William Walker, Plutonium and Highly Enriched Uranium 1996, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, London, 1997 ..Allison, Graham T., Nuclear Terrorism: The Ultimate Preventable Catastrophe, Times Books, New York, 2004 ..Allison, Graham T., Owen R. Cote, Richard A. Falkenrath, and Steven E. Miller, Avoiding Nuclear Anarchy, The MIT Press, Massachusetts, MA., 1996 ..Aytaç, Osman and Mustafa Kibaroğlu (Eds.), Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism, IOS Press, Amsterdam, 2009 ..Blackaby, Frank, Joseph Rotblat, Jack Steinberger, and Bhalchandra Udgaonkar, A Nuclear-Weapon-Free World: Desirable? Feasible? Westview Press, Boulder, Colorado, 1993 ..Fischer, David, Towards 1995: The Prospects for Ending the Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, Dartmouth, 1993 ..Muller, Harald, David Fischer, and Wolfgang Kotter, Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Global Order, Oxford University Press, London, 1994 ..Prawitz, Jan and James F. Leonard (Eds.), A Zone Free of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East, UNIDIR Research Report, No. 96/24, New York & Geneva, 1996 ..Reiss, Mitchell and Robert S. Litwak (Eds.), Nuclear Proliferation After the Cold War, Woodrow Wilson Center, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1994 ..Sagan, Scott D., and Kenneth N. Waltz, The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: A Debate, W. W. Northon Company, New York, 1995 ..Shields, John and William C. Potter (Eds.), Dismantling the Cold War, The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA., 1997 Recommended Web Portals: ..Arms Control Association www.armscontrol.org ..Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists www.bullatomsci.org ..Carnegie Endowment for International Peace www.ceip.org ..Center for Nonproliferation Studies cns.miis.edu ..Center for Strategic and International Studies www.csis.org ..Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization www.ctbto.org ..Council on Foreign Relations www.cfr.org ..Federation of American Scientists www.fas.org ..Henry L. Stimson Center www.stimson.org ..International Atomic Energy Agency www.iaea.org ..International Institute for Strategic Studies www.iiss.org ..Nuclear Suppliers Group www.nsg-online.org ..Nuclear Threat Initiative www.nti.org ..The Stanton Foundationwww.thestantonfoundation.org ..Stockholm International Peace Research Institute www.sipri.se ..Union of Concerned Scientists www.ucsusa.org
Teaching Methods..Lectures as well as the reading material to be assigned/suggested by Prof. Kibaroğlu will constitute the main source of information for the students, who will also be asked to suggest articles for reading, if they wish to do so, to be discussed and debated in the classroom. ..Each student will undertake a Policy Research Project (PRP), whose topic will be chosen by the students among the ones that will be suggested by Prof. Kibaroğlu. ..Students will prepare short progress reports about their project every three-week in order for Prof. Kibaroğlu to make comments and suggestions, if necessary, as to how to proceed with their assignment.
Homework and ProjectsFor completing the PRP successfully, students will be expected to conduct comprehensive research on the current as well as the would-be positions of a number of countries (from North America, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific, each to be undertaken by different students) with respect to the issues that will be debated in the run up to and during the 202x NPT Review Conference. There will be only one written examination, which will take place toward the end of the semester, so as to leave enough time for students to carry out their research project with a high degree of concentration.
Laboratory WorkN/A
Computer UseN/A
Other ActivitiesN/A
Assessment Methods
Assessment Tools Count Weight
Attendance 14 % 10
Project 1 % 50
Midterm(s) 1 % 40
TOTAL % 100
Course Administration mustafa.kibaroglu@mef.edu.tr
Rectorate Building
There are basically three requirements that must be fulfilled successfully by the students to get a passing or a higher letter grade. ..First requirement is to attend classes and to participate in class discussions, which will count for 10% of students’ overall grade. Students will be expected to read the assigned articles and chapters before coming to class for a fruitful discussion in the classroom; ..Second requirement is to take the Mid-Term Exam in May 2018, which will count for 40% of students’ overall grade; ..Third requirement is to participate in a Policy Research Project (PRP) that will require a good deal of research, which will count for 50% of students’ overall grade. ..Progress reports about the PRP will have to be submitted to the instructor every three-week and an in-class presentation will have to be made at the end of the semester, most possibly during the week of the final exams.

ECTS Student Workload Estimation

Activity No/Weeks Hours Calculation
No/Weeks per Semester Preparing for the Activity Spent in the Activity Itself Completing the Activity Requirements
Course Hours 14 2 3 1 84
Homework Assignments 11 3 33
Midterm(s) 1 16 2 18
Total Workload 135
Total Workload/25 5.4
ECTS 5