As the Sociology Club, we held a well-attended meeting on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM to plan the spring semester activities. The meeting was moderated by our club advisor, Dr. Nazar Bal, and provided a platform for members to express their expectations, requests, and suggestions. Task distribution was carried out under the themes of social responsibility and awareness and social and academic activities, with each member taking responsibility in their respective areas. A schedule for the events to be held in March was also created, ensuring that each activity would both engage our members and enhance their social awareness.
One of the key decisions made during the meeting was to diversify the monthly events. In this regard, it was decided that regular book and film workshops, cultural trips, institutional visits, and panels would be organized each month. The primary goal of the book and film workshops is to encourage students to approach social issues from different perspectives and analyze sociological concepts in relation to daily life. While books serve as guides to understanding different cultures, societies, and historical processes, films provide a visual representation of social structures and individual conflicts. This initiative will offer students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life situations. The book to be discussed in March is Sosyolojik Kafa by Mevlüt Özben, while the selected film is The Invisible Guest (Contratiempo), directed by Oriol Paulo in 2016.
A strong emphasis was placed on institutional visits for the spring semester, with plans to visit nursing homes, orphanages, and other social service institutions. These visits will allow students to closely observe the living conditions of different segments of society and raise their sense of social responsibility. Additionally, visits to institutions that serve migrants, women’s shelters, rehabilitation centers for individuals with disabilities, and psychiatric hospitals are planned. These visits aim to deepen members' understanding of concepts such as social justice, equality, and human rights, shedding light on various social issues. Observing sociological theories in practice and creating societal awareness through these visits is considered an effective approach.
There were also suggestions and requests regarding cultural trips, leading to a decision to visit different museums and historical sites in Istanbul every month. These trips will help students observe various cultures, social structures, and norms, thereby enhancing their sociological perspectives, raising social consciousness, and strengthening their sense of empathy. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, these trips will provide a deeper understanding of social issues.
