The twenty-first century has once again shown us that creativity, critical thinking, empathy, ethical awareness, and fairness are not only personal qualities but also essential skills and values for social life. These values and skills cannot flourish in individuals and communities confined to a single perspective. This is why, as the Department of Common Courses, we aim to provide our students with a rich and nurturing learning environment where they can cultivate these qualities.

We seek to ensure that our students go beyond becoming merely competent in their own fields of expertise, and instead are enriched by knowledge from diverse areas such as philosophy, sociology, political science, psychology, history, literature, art, and the natural sciences.

In this way, we believe that our students will come to understand what it means to be broad-minded, creative individuals who contribute to society. Practices that expand and deepen ways of thinking prevent individuals from becoming one-dimensional; and it is only on this foundation that critical reasoning—which makes development possible—and an ethical perspective—which safeguards the well-being of all—can take root.

With this understanding, the Department of Common Courses undertakes the organization and delivery of a wide range of courses spanning from the humanities and social sciences to natural sciences, arts, and sports.

For we need not only good engineers, good lawyers, and good business professionals, but also good human beings.
Our hope is to build a better future together.

Assoc. Prof. Selda Salman Sakızlı 
IKU Head of the Department of Common Courses