Üsküdar University launches a public seminar series

Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication is launching an eight-week free online seminar series aimed at sharing its academic knowledge and expertise with the public. The program will feature distinguished academics and address topics that closely relate to everyday life, including critical thinking, digital etiquette, Turkish TV series, and conscious consumption.

As part of its mission of social contribution and science communication, the Faculty of Communication at Üsküdar University will offer this free and open-to-public seminar series. Covering eight different topics presented by eight expert academics, the program aims to provide participants with up-to-date insights and practical perspectives.

The seminar series will be held entirely online and will take place every Wednesday at 8:00 PM over the course of eight weeks. Participants who attend the full program will receive a digital certificate of participation.

The first seminar will focus on critical thinking skills

The seminar series will begin on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, with a presentation by Assoc. Prof. Bahar Muratoğlu Pehlivan, Head of the Department of New Media and Communication (English).

Under the title “Critical Thinking Skills,” Assoc. Prof. Pehlivan will discuss logical fallacies that hinder rational thinking and explain ways to develop awareness of mental processes.

The following are the main topics and speakers that will be featured in the upcoming weeks of the program:

How do Turkish TV series influence identity formation?

On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Esennur Sirer, Head of the Department of Radio, Television and Cinema, will deliver a seminar titled “Reading Turkish TV Series: Culture and Representations.” She will evaluate the role of Turkish television productions in shaping cultural identity and their economic impact on international markets.

Digital etiquette: Netiquette!

Prof. Gül Esra Atalay, Dean of the Faculty of Communication, will lead the session on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. She will explore Netiquette, the foundation of respectful and ethical communication in the digital age and discuss strategies for preventing cyberbullying and managing online conflicts.

A focus on effective communication

On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Özge Uğurlu Akbaş will present a seminar titled “Effective Communication,” addressing ways to improve personal branding through body language, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.

How to become a conscious consumer?

Prof. Özgül Dağlı, Head of the Department of Advertising, will close the series on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, with her seminar “Being a Conscious Consumer.” She will explain consumer rights within the framework of the Law No. 502 on Consumer Protection and share key principles for making smart and mindful purchasing decisions.

How do designs shape social awareness and perception?

The seminar series also includes sessions from different disciplines within the field of media and communication. On January 21, 2026, Prof. And Algül, Head of the Department of Visual Communication Design, will lead a session titled “Reading Design.” In this seminar, participants will analyze advertising visuals through case studies and explore how design influences social awareness and perception.

Urban readings

On February 4, 2026, Assoc. Prof. Cem Tutar, Head of the Department of Cartoon and Animation, will present “Urban Readings: Urban Space and Neighborhood Culture.” His presentation will examine the changing dynamics of neighborhood life and the relationship between people and urban spaces within the context of urban transformation processes.

Citizen journalism

The seminar series will conclude on February 11, 2026, with Prof. Süleyman İrvan, Head of the Department of Journalism, presenting “Citizen Journalism.” Prof. İrvan will discuss the role of citizens who contribute to news production through digital technologies, the ethical principles surrounding this phenomenon, and how it differs from traditional journalism.

Those who wish to participate in the free online seminars and obtain more detailed information can fill out the registration form published by the Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication.