Academic dissertations on the social studies course curriculum in Turkey: A review of the literature (2006-2021)

Abstract

This research examines the content features of the postgraduate theses prepared about the social studies course curriculum. In the research, document analysis was used in qualitative research. For this purpose, the research materials consist of 64 postgraduate theses, which can be accessed from the website of the National Thesis Center of the Council of Higher Education, Turkey. These theses cover the years 2006-2021. There has been no regular increase in the number of theses produced over the years. Theses were made in 33 different universities. The highest number of theses are addressed to Marmara University, one of Turkey's well-established universities. The titles of thesis advisors are often doctors for master's degrees and more professors at the doctoral level. In the theses produced, mostly qualitative approach was adopted. As a model, the survey model was preferred more. In the theses, mostly curricula and teachers were chosen as samples. Survey and interview forms were mostly preferred in data collection tools. Content analysis was used most frequently in data analysis. “Social studies lesson” and “social studies lesson curriculum” were frequently used as keywords. The programs prepared in 2005 and 2018 were mostly discussed in the theses examined. Theses mainly include examining the programs (from various perspectives) with the opinions of teachers, students, parents, field experts, and pre-service teachers.