Humanities

Aims

The rapid proliferation of knowledge and improvements in communication technologies have transformed our world into a global village; boundaries between countries have all but disappeared, and the term “GLOBALISATION” is ever increasing in prominence. At the same time, social movements such as the Peace movement, the Green movement, and the Human Rights movement, which occupy societies, cannot be ignored.

In democratic, modern societies, one of the most important goals of education is to raise individuals who value themselves, those around them, and their environment, who are confident in being a part of their society, and of the world, and who have the awareness to contribute to society. In this context, “students should be sensitive to problems in society and the environment, and should be willing to participate in the process of resolution”. Starting from the philosophy, to engender such an awareness, and raise students who contribute to society, are interested in social happenings, are aware of problems, and who can act to help both themselves and others in times of need.

The most important resource which will help a country reach its social, economic and technological goals is its well-rounded people.

Within this framework, especially at the primary stage, the Humanities will provide the greatest contribution to individuals. The Humanities are also the appropriate basic branch for global education.

These classes provide students with the first basic education to help them become individuals who embrace and protect Ataturk’s principles and reforms, secularism, democracy, and modern values. Students are given the awareness to realise Ataturk’s “ideal to raise our national culture above that of modern civilisation”.

They know that the Turkish Republic is a democratic, secular, social and lawful nation which depends upon human rights, and understand the characteristics and importance of the republican regime. They learn that living in a society is an absolute necessity, of the concept of ‘nation’, and the characteristics of the Turkish nation.

They recognise great Turks who have served their country and humanity in general, and those who have shaped history through their forward-thinking, heightened understanding, bravery, altruism, and heroism at the right time and in the right place.

They understand and appreciate both the national and the global importance of the nation’s guide, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and other great Turks; see that we, as a country, have a duty towards humanity, and gain a level of awareness necessary to loving, respecting and serving humanity.