Uluslararası Sosyal Bilimler Eğitimi Dergisi

Öz

The aim of this research is to examine postgraduate theses that address the relationship between social studies courses and democracy in terms of various variables. In line with this aim, 38 postgraduate theses related to the topic and available in the Turkish Council of Higher Education National Thesis Center database were analyzed based on their type, year, university, institute, the gender of the author, the title of the advisor, subject area, and research method. In this study, which is based on a qualitative approach, the theses were examined through document analysis, and the data obtained were analyzed using descriptive content analysis. As a result of the examination, it was found that the majority of the theses investigating the relationship between social studies courses and democracy were master's theses; interest in the subject began around 2003 and showed a notable increase especially in 2018–2019; male and female authors were equally interested in the topic; and nearly half of the thesis advisors held the title of assistant professor. It was also determined that the highest number of theses on this topic were written at Marmara University; they were prepared within social sciences and educational sciences institutes; and quantitative methods were predominantly used in the research. The theses examining the relationship between social studies courses and democracy mostly focused on the effectiveness of teaching methods and techniques, as well as the democratic attitudes and behaviors of teachers and prospective teachers. In light of the findings, it is recommended that more studies be conducted that address democracy within the context of social studies. In the light of the results of the study, it is recommended that more studies on democracy in the context of social studies be conducted.