From Philosophy to Psychology, Sociology to International Relations, disciplines that center around the individual and society are being reshaped by the new dynamics of the digital age. Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences stands out to prospective students with its educational model that leads this transformation.
Dr. Zeynep Gümüş Demir, Vice Dean of the Faculty, emphasized that their faculty’s key distinction lies in combining traditional social sciences education with digital literacy, analytical thinking, and experiential learning opportunities. She stated: "We do not just teach lessons, but we prepare our students for life. We teach them how to question, understand, think differently, and view the world critically. And we do this not only through books but also by integrating the possibilities of the digital world with the social sciences."
Speaking to prospective students who aim for a career in the social sciences during the university selection period, Dr. Gümüş Demir provided detailed insights about the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Üsküdar University.
“We do not just teach lessons!”
Responding to the question of why a student should choose the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Üsküdar University, Dr. Gümüş Demir said: "We do not just teach lessons, but we prepare our students for life. We teach them how to question, understand, think differently, and look at things through a critical lens. And we do this not only with books but by integrating digital tools and opportunities into the social sciences. Our faculty does not just aim to help students acquire knowledge, but to analyze, evaluate, and creatively apply that knowledge. We offer case studies, discussion-based courses, and project-based learning to help students develop analytical thinking and gain broad perspectives. Furthermore, digital literacy is structured as a core competency in every program, as a requirement of the age."
Designing the future together with an interdisciplinary perspective
Highlighting the importance of understanding the present and shaping the future together through an interdisciplinary lens, Dr. Gümüş Demir noted: "At our faculty, learning is not confined to four walls, and classrooms transform into learning spaces where knowledge is always accessible. Our graduates are equipped with the competencies required by the times and find positions in emerging career fields. Today, social sciences are no longer merely an academic interest, but a powerful field at the center of the digital world. Every department within our faculty is structured to offer both theoretical depth and practical learning opportunities. For example, in the Psychology Department, experimental methods are applied in lab settings; the Sociology Department integrates field research and digital data collection tools. The Political Science and International Relations Program includes simulations and diplomacy workshops, while the Philosophy Department hosts discussion-based workshops on contemporary philosophical issues. Students in the English Translation and Interpreting Program work in translation technology labs to prepare for professional life."
Building strong connections with students
Dr. Gümüş Demir also emphasized the strong connection the faculty builds with its students: "Through academic advising, scholarship opportunities, project support, and achievement incentives, we support our students’ academic and personal growth. Whether it is in a research project, a student club, or in the campus corridors, we continue to think, create, and learn alongside our students. As the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, we do not just aim to graduate students, but we aim to nurture individuals who will contribute to the future, who understand society, and who have the courage to transform it. Because we believe that without understanding humanity, it is not possible to change the world. And this change begins right here, at Üsküdar University."
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)