The institutional revolutionary major?

Abstract

• InTurkish universities, the humanities and social sciences have for years been at the bottom of the academic pecking order, and academicians in general have been expected to stay out of politics. Given its base in humanities and social sciences and its overt political engagement, cultural studies would not at first seem destined for a brilliant future in Turkey. The academic climate is changing, in particular with the recent establishment of several private universities. Yet students show little inclination to take a course of study that, to their eyes, does not lead to a career. This article addresses the pragmatic issues of both persuading students that cultural studies is relevant (yes, and useful) and deciding which courses will make a coherent program of study. It argues that cultural studies' involvement with the `real world' might stimulate a renewed interest in the humanities and social sciences — and, along the way, perhaps reinject some politics back into academia •