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Department of Turkish Language and Literature
The Department of Turkish Language and Literature at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Faculty of Letters , was established in 1993. Undergraduate education began in the 1994–1995 academic year and has continued uninterruptedly since then. As of the 2024–2025 academic year, the evening education program has been closed, and from this period onward, approximately 30 students are admitted annually to the regular undergraduate program.
The curriculum of the Department of Turkish Language and Literature is structured to cover the subject areas of the following divisions: Old Turkish Language, Modern Turkish Language, Old (Classical) Turkish Literature, Modern Turkish Literature, and Turkish Folk Literature. In the first four semesters, students take compulsory courses providing fundamental knowledge, while in the last four semesters, in addition to compulsory courses, elective courses enable students to specialize in fields aligned with their interests. In order to promote interdisciplinary studies, students are required to take one elective course from outside the department each semester during the final four semesters. Furthermore, starting from the fourth year, students must complete a graduation project course to support specialization in their field. Students also have the opportunity to take pedagogical formation courses during their education.
Courses are delivered in detail by faculty members who are experts in their respective fields, with an emphasis on practical applications. In this context, a contemporary learning environment is provided through the effective use of technological resources such as computers, presentations, and videos. Research assignments are also given to encourage students to deepen their knowledge. To graduate, students are required to complete a total of 240 ECTS credits from compulsory and elective courses.
Education in the department is conducted by a strong academic staff consisting of 7 professors, 6 associate professors, 4 assistant professors (PhD), and 3 research assistants with PhDs, within a modern learning environment supported by technological facilities.
The Department adopts a student-centered education approach. Students actively participate in determining course and examination schedules through class representatives. Departmental satisfaction is evaluated through course and instructor assessment surveys conducted each semester, and continuous improvement efforts are carried out in line with student feedback. Opportunities and support are provided for students’ scientific and artistic activities. Throughout the academic year, student information and career events, panels, conferences, and reading days are organized.
Student clubs coordinated by the department’s faculty members include Literature, Text Linguistics, Fiction and Narratology, Art and Literature, Cinema, Poetry and Musical Arts, Creative Writing, Diction and Communication, and Linguistics. Through these clubs and with active student participation, various literary and artistic events, award-winning poetry and writing competitions, poetry and reading workshops, academic excursions, meetings, and seminars are organized each semester.
Objectives of the MSKÜ Turkish Language and Literature Program
The aim of the Department of Turkish Language and Literature is to educate individuals and researchers who possess knowledge of the structure and development of the Turkish language; the periods, figures, works, and characteristics of Turkish literature; and Turkish culture, within the framework of the fundamental objectives of Turkish higher education. The program seeks to raise individuals who are conscious of national culture, in harmony with universal culture, creative thinkers, disciplined in working methods, and capable of producing solutions. Additionally, the department aims to contribute to research on the linguistic and cultural characteristics of the Muğla region.
Graduates are trained to:
Teach and promote Turkish language, literature, and culture in institutions and organizations operating domestically and internationally;
Educate new generations in public and private secondary education institutions with a scientific approach;
Pursue postgraduate studies to develop academic careers at universities in Turkey and abroad;
Work as support personnel in the fields of media and communication.
Program Educational Objectives
To develop the ability to understand, interpret, and critically evaluate written and oral sources of Turkish language and literature based on scientific criteria.
To ensure effective and accurate use of Turkish in all written and spoken contexts.
To provide the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the academic field of Turkish language and literature.
To instill professional and ethical responsibility.
To raise awareness of lifelong learning and a research- and development-oriented mindset.
To develop the ability to apply and transfer field-specific knowledge in professional life.
To foster an interdisciplinary perspective and collaboration skills.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be able to:
I. Use sufficient theoretical and applied knowledge in the field of Turkish Language and Literature.
II. Identify, define, formulate, and solve problems in the field using appropriate research and analysis methods.
III. Understand, interpret, and analyze a period, work, or text and apply contemporary methods and theories.
IV. Complete at least two elective courses outside the field.
V. Select, use, develop, and effectively utilize contemporary tools and information technologies required for field applications.
VI. Design studies, collect data, analyze results, archive materials, and perform text analysis and interpretation in the field.
VII. Work effectively both individually and in teams.
VIII. Use Turkish accurately, effectively, and eloquently, and possess knowledge of at least one foreign language.
IX. Demonstrate lifelong learning awareness, access information efficiently, follow developments in science and technology, and continuously improve oneself.
X. Possess professional ethics and responsibility.
XI. Be aware of the universal and societal impacts (environmental issues, economy, sustainability, etc.) and legal consequences of knowledge in the field.
XII. Support the universality of social and cultural rights, develop social justice awareness, and protect historical and cultural heritage.
XIII. Apply theoretical and practical knowledge in education, research, and community service, and develop and implement solutions.
Graduate Studies (Master’s / PhD)
Faculty members of the Department of Turkish Language and Literature also conduct graduate programs at the Department of Turkish Language and Literature within the Institute of Social Sciences at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University. Approximately 15 students are admitted annually to the master’s program and 5 students to the doctoral program.
Graduate education is offered with specialization opportunities in Old Turkish Language, Modern Turkish Language, Old (Classical) Turkish Literature, Modern Turkish Literature, and Turkish Folk Literature.
Degree Awarded / Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Department of Turkish Language and Literature may work as Turkish Language and Literature teachers in public and private schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education upon fulfilling the required pedagogical formation. They may also be employed in research institutions related to Turkish studies and the Turkish language, archives and libraries, as well as media and publishing organizations.