Comparison of social studies, Turkish Republic Revolution History and Kemalism, History of Kazakhstan and World History curricula in the secondary education in Turkey and the Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make a comparison between history topics in Social Sciences course, Ataturk's Principles and History of Turkish Revolution course in secondary schools in Turkey and History of Kazakhstan and World History courses in secondary schools in Kazakhstan. This study that has adopted qualitative research methods is a comparative educational research. Data has been collected through data analysis method. In the study, the curriculum of Social Sciences course and Ataturk's Principles and History of Turkish Revolution course in secondary schools in Turkey and the curriculum of History of Kazakhstan and World History courses in secondary schools in Kazakhstan have been compared in terms of objectives, content and weekly course schedule.<br />Findings show that subject that is based on historical content take place as units in 5th, 6th and 7th grade Social Sciences course. Social Sciences course is three hours per week for 5th and 6th graders. History topics in Social Sciences course include first states in Anatolia, Huns that is the first Turkish state, Turkish states founded in Central Asia, Turks' migration to Anatolia, foundation and development of Ottoman states, science, art and economic structure. Additionally, the rise of Islam, states founded by Muslims, conversion of the Turks to Islam, development of science and art are among the history topics, as well. In 8th grade, for Ataturk's Principles and History of Turkish Revolution course, students attend two hours of lecture per week. This course covers foundation of the Republic of Turkey, Ataturk's life, Ataturk's Principles and political developments of the related period. In Turkish secondary schools, there is not a course on world history. On the other hand, in Kazakhstan, for the History of Kazakhstan, 5th grade students attend one hour of lecture while 6th, 7th and 8th grade students attend two hours of lecture per week. In the curriculum of the History of Kazakhstan, Turkish states founded in Kazakhstan starts with the Sakas and it covers Turkish states in history, their foundation, development and improvements in science, art and economy. Additionally, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students attend one hour of lecture for the World History course. This course includes topics such as states founded in Asia, Europe, America and Africa, foundation and development of Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey that are among states founded by Turks in Anatolia and developments in science, art and economic structure of the related states.