| Course Objectives: |
This course examines how core concepts of cultural psychology—such as family, the individual, human development, society, and culture—are shaped and understood within specific cultural contexts. Cultural psychology offers a critical alternative to universalist approaches by emphasizing the dynamic interplay between psychological processes and cultural environments. In this framework, the course will also engage with related fields such as cultural studies, performance studies, gender studies, ethnography, and anthropology, drawing on their theoretical and methodological contributions. Special attention will be given to how psychological concepts are reinterpreted and experienced across different cultural settings. By the end of the course, students are expected to critically reconsider foundational psychological concepts from a cultural perspective, engage in cross-cultural comparative analysis, and develop a culturally informed, reflective approach to psychological inquiry. |
| Course Content: |
Key Concepts in Cultural Psychology
Socialization and Enculturation
The Relationship Between Culture and Play
Masculinity Culture and Performance
Culture, Sexuality, and Gender
Race, Psychopathology, and Culture
Culture and Subjectivity
Migration and Culture |
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) are those describing the knowledge, skills and competencies that students are expected to achieve upon successful completion of the course. In this context, Course Learning Outcomes defined for this course unit are as follows:
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| Knowledge
(Described as Theoritical and/or Factual Knowledge.)
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1) Explain the core concepts of cultural psychology, including family, individual, human development, society, and culture.
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2) Analyze how psychological processes are shaped within cultural contexts.
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3) Identify key theoretical and methodological approaches from related disciplines such as cultural studies, performance studies, gender studies, ethnography, and anthropology.
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4) Evaluate the processes of re-production and experience of psychological concepts across different cultural contexts.
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5) Critically examine fundamental psychological concepts from a cultural perspective.
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6) Conduct cross-cultural comparative analyses to understand cultural similarities and differences.
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7) Develop a critical, culturally sensitive, and holistic perspective towards cultural diversity and interactions.
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| Skills
(Describe as Cognitive and/or Practical Skills.)
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| Competences
(Described as "Ability of the learner to apply knowledge and skills autonomously with responsibility", "Learning to learn"," Communication and social" and "Field specific" competences.)
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| Week |
Subject |
Materials Sharing * |
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Related Preparation |
Further Study |
| 1) |
Meeting and introduction |
Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı, Benlik, Aile ve insan Gelişimi Kültürel Psikolojide Kuram ve Uygulamalar. Koç Üniversitesi Yayınları. 2019. (5. Baskı)
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Introduction to the scope of the Cultural Psychology course and discussion of expectations |
| 2) |
Key Concepts in Cultural Psychology |
Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı, Benlik, Aile ve insan Gelişimi Kültürel Psikolojide Kuram ve Uygulamalar. Koç Üniversitesi Yayınları. 2019. (5. Baskı)
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To gain knowledge about the main areas of study in cultural psychology |
| 3) |
Socialization and Enculturation |
Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı, Self, Family and Human Development: Theory and Applications in Cultural Psychology. Koç University Press, 2019 (5th edition).
Chapter 3: “Socialization for Competence” (pp. 81–109)
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Gaining knowledge about the processes of an individual gaining a place in society and internalizing cultural values. |
| 4) |
The Relationship Between Culture and Play |
Lev Vygotsky. Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Doruk Publishing, 2022. “The Role of Play in Development”, pp. 123–138.
J. Huizinga. Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture. Ayrıntı Publishing, 2021. “The Nature and Significance of Play as a Cultural Phenomenon”, pp. 16–48.
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Through this topic, students will explore the cultural meanings of play, its social functions, and its role in human development. |
| 5) |
Masculinity Culture and Performance
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Clifford Geertz, “Notes on the Balinese Cockfight,” pp. 446–459 and 468–478.
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To be able to discuss masculinity as a social construct shaped by cultural norms and values. |
| 6) |
Culture, Sexuality, and Gender
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Margaret Mead, Coming of Age in Samoa
Yeliz Turan Yunusoğlu, Yatak Odasındaki Kalabalık
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Understanding how culture shapes our understandings of sexuality and gender, how individuals form identities and relationships |
| 7) |
Race, Psychopathology, and Culture |
Frantz Fanon, Black Skin, White Masks. “The Negro and Psychopathology,” pp. 88–164.
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To discuss how the interaction between race, psychopathology, and culture plays a critical role in understanding individuals' mental health and social experiences. |
| 8) |
Midterm exam |
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Midterm exam is applied |
| 9) |
Culture ve Psychology |
Sigmund Freud, Totem and Taboo
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To understand how culture shapes individuals' spiritual experiences and meaning-making processes, resulting in diverse expressions of spirituality. |
| 10) |
Migration and Culture |
Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı, Self, Family, and Human Development: Theory and Applications in Cultural Psychology. Koç University Press, 2019. (5th edition) (Chapter 10).
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To discuss how the experience of migration profoundly affects individuals' psychological processes, shaping the dynamics of identity, belonging, and adaptation. |
| 11) |
Student group project |
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The group project being presented and evaluated by the entire class. |
| 12) |
Studen group project presentations |
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The group project being presented and evaluated by the entire class. |
| 13) |
Student group project presentations |
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The group project being presented and evaluated by the entire class. |
| 14) |
Student group project presentations |
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The group project being presented and evaluated by the entire class. |
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Programme Learning Outcomes |
Contribution Level (from 1 to 5) |
| 1) |
Explain the fundamental concepts, historical development, and theoretical framework of graphic design. |
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| 2) |
Define typography, color theory, and composition principles in visual communication design. |
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| 3) |
Evaluate the social, cultural, and ethical aspects of graphic design to develop an interdisciplinary perspective. |
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| 4) |
Develop original and innovative design solutions using creative problem-solving methods. |
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| 5) |
Apply visual hierarchy, perception psychology, and user experience (UX) principles to design for international markets. |
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| 6) |
Effectively use digital tools and design software to produce professional graphic design work. |
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| 7) |
Take responsibility in international graphic design projects individually or within a team to develop creative solutions. |
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| 8) |
Manage graphic design projects and plan processes while applying a professional work discipline. |
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| 9) |
Continuously improve by following global innovations, technologies, and methodologies in graphic design. |
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| 10) |
Adopt intercultural design principles to create visual solutions for global audiences. |
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| 11) |
Develop design solutions that are culturally sensitive, ethically appropriate, and sustainable. |
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| 12) |
Work independently or participate in teamwork within graphic design processes. |
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| WORKLOAD OF TEACHING & LEARNING ACTIVITIES |
| Teaching & Learning Activities |
# of Activities per semester |
Duration (hour) |
Total Workload |
| Course |
14 |
3 |
42 |
| Laboratory |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Application |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Special Course Internship (Work Placement) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Field Work |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Study Hours Out of Class |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Presentations / Seminar |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Project |
14 |
2 |
28 |
| Homework Assignments |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Total Workload of Teaching & Learning Activities |
- |
- |
70 |
| WORKLOAD OF ASSESMENT & EVALUATION ACTIVITIES |
| Assesment & Evaluation Activities |
# of Activities per semester |
Duration (hour) |
Total Workload |
| Quizzes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Midterms |
1 |
36 |
36 |
| Semester Final Exam |
1 |
46 |
46 |
| Total Workload of Assesment & Evaluation Activities |
- |
- |
82 |
| TOTAL WORKLOAD (Teaching & Learning + Assesment & Evaluation Activities) |
152 |
| ECTS CREDITS OF THE COURSE (Total Workload/25.5 h) |
6 |