Course Information

Master of Arts in Social Sciences Curriculum 36 credits

This curriculum contains both a thesis track and a non-thesis track. Both tracks require the earning of 36 semester hours of graduate credit as a partial requirement of the degree. These credits must be earned as follows:

I. Multidisciplinary research Course (3 credits)

II. Primary Social Science Field (15-18 credits) Students will take 15-18 credits (15 if writing a thesis and 18 if taking the Comprehensive Exam) in one of the following disciplines: History, Anthropology.

III. Secondary Social Science Field (6 credits) Students will complete 6 credits in one of the aforementioned disciplines, but in consultation with the Program Director other disciplines may also be used in this category, including Economics, Communications, Psychology, and Counseling.

IV. Free Electives (9 credits)

V. Thesis (3 credits) Or Comprehensive Exam and Essay (0 credits)

VI. Final Oral Examination, including defense of thesis.

ANTH 601 Introduction to Museums (3 credit hours)

This course introduces students to museum work, covering all facets of museum operations, from collections care and utilization to Board responsibility and financial management. Students will have the opportunity to visit regional museums to learn first-hand about daily operations and administration.

ANTH 602 Introduction to Historic Preservation and Cultural Resource Management (3 credit hours)

This course examines public history and archaeology as they pertain to historic preservation and cultural resource management. Knowledge and applications of federal and state historic preservation laws to specific situations prepare the student to deal with real issues in the local, regional, state, federal, and tribal workplace. Assessing site significance, nominating a site for the national Register of Historic Places, and Federal planning related to the Section 106 process are among the topics to be examined by the class.

ANTH 615 Ritual, Magic and Myth (3 credit hours)

This course examines religious belief and ritu­al in non-literate societies as well as popular movements among followers of world reli­gions. It focuses on religion as an aspect of culture that offers people a means to under­stand and adapt to a changing world. Topics include theories of religious origins, magic and divination; witchcraft and sorcery; ghosts, spirits, and gods; mythology; and religious movements. Graduate students will demon­strate a deeper understanding of the complexi­ties of the anthropology of religion (Ritual, Magic, and Myth) as determined by the instructor.

ANTH 664 Culture, Illness and Curing (3 credit hours)

This course offers a cross-cultural understand­ing of health and illness beliefs and practices. It examines the impact of modern biomedicine upon traditional peoples and cultures, prob­lems of communication between health practi­tioners and patients of other cultures, as well as the confrontation in the United States between biomedicine and alternative systems of healing. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of medical anthropology (Culture, Illness and Curing) as determined by the instructor.

ANTH 671 Introduction to Archeology (3 credit hours)

This course provides an introduction to the field of archaeology, a sub-discipline of anthropology, which systematically studies man's prehistoric and historic past from the remains of human behavior given certain spec­ified objectives. The course will introduce stu­dents to a diversity of research problems, data gathering techniques, analyses, and conceptu­al frameworks which form an intrinsic part of modern day archaeology. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of archaeology.

ANTH 672 Cultures of the World (3 credit hours)

This course surveys world cultures and describes the methods anthropologists use to study them. It explores in cross-cultural per­spective such topics as adaptation to the envi­ronment, language, art, values, politics, law, marriage and the family, as well as culture change and the impact of the West upon tradi­tional societies.

ANTH 673 Archeological Field Study (3 -12 credit hours)

This course has two complementary aspects. During the summer and fall sessions archaeo­logical field techniques are applied to the excavation of actual sites. During the spring semesters archaeological laboratory tech­niques are applied to the preparation and analysis of archaeological data. Graduate stu­dents will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of archeological field stud­ies.

ANTH 674 Indians of North America (3 credit hours)

This course looks at the traditional and con­temporary cultures of Eskimos and North American Indians. It examines Native Ameri­can adaptations to the environment, social and political organization, religion, life styles and values, histories of contact with outsiders, and problems of survival in the modern world. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of Native North American societies and cultures as determined by the instructor.

ANTH 678 Native America Before Columbus (3 credit hours)

This course surveys the development of Native American cultures, as revealed in the archeological record, for the first 20,000 year before European contact. Models are examined which describe and explain the interrelationships between pre-Columbian cultural systems and their respective cultural and physical environments. Special emphasis is placed upon examining interrelationships among the technological sociological and ideological subsystems of individual pre-Columbian Native American cultural systems. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor.

ANTH 795 Internship in Anthropology (3-12 credit hours)

This internship in anthropology provides prac­tical, on the job experience and enables stu­dents to apply concepts and theories to the work environment. Further, it enhances stu­dent employability.

HIST 600 Public History (3 credit hours)

This course offers an examination of public history, that is history practically applied. It is a set of theories, methods, assumptions, and practices guiding the identification, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of historical artifacts, texts, structures, and landscapes for the public. Students will learn the principles and issues and the role of official public policy in public history. They will examine critically the public presentation of history and gain an awareness of the role of public history in contemporary culture as well as its use in the past.

HIST 605 China, Past and Present (3 credit hours)

This course briefly examines dynastic changes, philosophy and religions, and family and society of traditional China, but greater emphasis will be placed on contemporary history of China since the Opium War. Graduate students will be required to demonstrate a deeper understanding of Chinese history.

HIST 609 Japan, Past and Present (3 credit hours)

This course briefly introduces traditional Japan but focuses on contemporary Japan since the creation of the Tokugawa Shogunate in the 17th century. Graduate students will be required to demonstrate a deeper understanding of Japanese history.

HIST 610 Oral History (3 credit hours)

This course offers a detailed examination of oral histories. It introduces the student to oral history as a historical source and the complications of planning, development and operation of oral history projects for colleges, libraries, museums, corporations, professional organizations and public schools. The course will further emphasize finding interview subjects, research and preparation for interviewing, interviewing techniques, post-interview procedures, transcription, legal aspects, management of oral history collections, and the uses of oral history. Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree or completion of HIST200 and HIST400.

HIST 613 The Middle East: 20th Century (3 credit hours)

The course will cover the history and politics of the contemporary Middle Eastern Countries – Turkey, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Kuwait, Yemen, and Persian Gulf States, from the First World War until the present time. Special emphasis will be on international factors which contribute to the emergence of the National State System in the area and to the rise of nationalism. The factors leading to Arab-Israeli Dilemma and its impact on the foreign policies of the major powers will be fully examined.

HIST 614 History of Women in Europe (3 credit hours)

This course studies the political, social, and economic history of women in Europe from antiquity to the present. It examines and ana­lyzes traditional assumptions about women, but gives particular emphasis to the roles/con­tributions of women since the Renaissance. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of women in European history.

HIST 615 History of Women in the U.S. (3 credit hours)

This course studies the political, economic, and social history of women in the United States from colonization to the present. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of U.S. women's history as determined by the instructor.

HIST 616 History of Women in Global Societies (3 credit hours)

This course studies the history of women in a global context. It examines their status in pre­colonial times but concentrates on women since the beginning of the independence movements, analyzing their roles in the strug­gles for liberation. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of women’s history in global societies as determined by the instructor.

HIST 623 Readings in Latin American History and Politics (3 credit hours)

This course provides students the opportunity to do individual readings and study primary sources and secondary materials in colonial and modern Latin American history and poli­tics. The reading will be directed by a faculty member. Readings and topics will vary depending on the interests of student and fac­ulty. Students may register for history or polit­ical science credit.

HIST 624 Seminar in Latin American History and Politics (3 credit hours)

This course provides directed research in a specific period or topic. The culminating activity of the course is the preparation of a scholarly paper. Topics and periods will vary, depending upon the faculty member. Students may register for history or political science credit.

HIST 632 Medieval Europe (3 credit hours)

This course stresses the development of Euro­pean civilization and culture from the 5th cen­tury A.D. to about the middle of the 15th cen­tury A.D. Emphasis is placed on major social and economic attainments, on the work of the church, on political developments, and on intellectual movements. Gradute students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of Medieval European history.

HIST 634 History of Christianity (3 credit hours)

This course studies the political, social, and economic history of Christianity. It also exam­ines the causes and results of Christianity's geographic expansion, and draws comparisons between its various forms and expressions. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of the histo­ry of Christianity.

HIST 639 History of Modern Germany (3 credit hours)

This course examines modern German history beginning with the growth of the nation state, influence of the French Revolution, revolution and counter-revolution, World Wars I and II, rise of Hitler, and reconstruction after 1945. It also analyzes the impact of the Cold War and its conclusion on Modern Germany. Graduate students enrolled in this course will be required to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of Modern German history.

HIST 642 History of Nazi Germany (3 credit hours)

This course surveys the origins and develop­ment of the NSDAP (National Socialist Ger­man Workers Party, or Nazi) which held power in Germany from 1933-1945. It concentrates on the major political leaders and processes, the goals and appeal of the Nazis, and their impact upon Germans and Europeans. Gradu­ate students will demonstrate a deeper under­standing of the complexities of history of Nazi Germany as determined by the instructor.

HIST 652 History of Eastern Europe: 19th and 20th Centuries (3 credit hours)

This course provides a wide and deep cover­age – by lectures, reading, papers, reports – of the political, economic, social, and cultural developments of Eastern Europe with empha­sis on the areas of the Hapsburg Empire and the forces that foreshadowed its destruction, and on the impact of new ideologies of the 20th century on the successors of the Empire.

HIST 655 History of Russia since 1825 (3 credit hours)

This course examines Russia from 1825 through the present. It covers the Russian Empire, U.S.S.R., and the Russian Federation. Emphases include relationships of economic development, politics, competing ideologies and foreign policies.

HIST 660 US Historiography (3 credit hours)

Students in this course will explore the development of the historical theories and schools of the major historians from William Bradford to Allan Nevins. Availability and use of the major source collections will be discussed. The students will prepare a major paper dealing with a controversial problem in American History.

HIST 664 The Jacksonian Era: United States 1828-2848 (3 credit hours)

In this course, the background, precursors, philosophy, and ideals of the Jacksonian Era are studied through detailed readings, research, lectures, and discussions. Emphases in this course will be placed on the economic, political, and social changes in the United States which brought about Jacksonian democracy and its inherent influences on our society.

HIST 675 U.S. Military History (3 credit hours)

This course is a study of the development of the American colonial and United States mili­tary and naval establishments. Emphases are placed on the evolution, growth, and problems of military and naval policy rather than on spe­cific wars. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of military history.

HIST 669 History of the New Deal (3 credit hours)

This course provides an in-depth study of the maze of the shifting and contrary interpretations of this complex era in order for the student to develop a framework of understanding that will provide him/her with the proper perspective to evaluate the social, economic and political significance and legacy of the New Deal.

HIST 672 U.S. Social and Intellectual History II (3 credit hours)

The origins and developments of ideas, ideals, and philosophies which led to social movements and the establishment of cultural patterns in the United States will be studied in these courses. This course begins with 1876.

HIST 697 Africa: Culture and People (3 credit hours)

This course centers upon the social, political, and economic changes in modern Africa south of the Sahara. Special emphasis is devoted to the impact of European civilization upon tradi­tional African societies, the independence movements, and the role of African states in world affairs.

HIST 700 Methods of Historical Research (3 credit hours)

This course introduces students to the scope of history and historical research. It also stresses historiography and a variety of historical inter­pretations, with emphasis on newer method­ologies used by historians. Students will uti­lize computers and advances in the social sci­ences. Graduate students will demonstrate a greater understanding of the major sources and historiography of their respective areas of study and produce the first chapter of their the­sis or project paper.

HIST 713 History of Witchcraft (3 credit hours)

This course examines the history of witchcraft, and allegations of, in Europe and the United States from the early Middle Ages to the present. Its analyzes the role women played in the "witchcraze" through the 17th century in Europe and New England. Special attention focuses on the reaction of Christianity to the real and imagined practice of witchcraft. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the complexities of the history of witchcraft.

HIST 714 History of African American Women (3 credit hours)

This course examines the experiences of African-American women from the colonial period to the present. It analyzes the West African heritage, and African-American women's struggle and contributions to the political, economic, and social history of the United States. An important component is an examination of the intersection of race, class, and gender.

HIST 715 Seminar in Women’s History (3 credit hours)

This course provides an in-depth examination of the political, economic, social and cultural developments of women in history. Students read, research, write, and report on selected problems in women’s history.

HIST 730 Readings in European History (3 credit hours)

Students registering for this experience will do individual reading and study of sources and secondary materials on specific problems or areas in European history. These readings will be directed by a faculty member. Prerequisite: consent of the chairperson of the History Department.

HIST 739 Seminar in European History (3 credit hours)

This course provides directed research in a specific period or topic. The culminating activity of this course is the preparation of a scholarly paper. Topics and periods will vary, depending upon the faculty member present¬ing the course.

HIST 760 Readings in United States History (3 credit hours)

Students registering for this experience will do individual readings and study sources and sec­ondary materials on specific problems or areas in United States history. The reading will be directed by a faculty member. Prerequisite: consent of the chairperson of the History Department.

HIST 769 Seminar in U.S. History (3 credit hours)

This course provides directed research in a specific period or topic. The culminating activity of this course is the preparation of a scholarly paper. Topics and periods will vary depending upon the faculty member present­ing the course.

HIST 793 Independent Study (3 credit hours)

This experience is designed to meet the needs of the students who wish to prepare, under the direction of a member of the graduate faculty, individual studies or projects in the field of history. Prerequisite: consent of the depart­ment chairperson.

HIST 795 Internship in History (3-12 credit hours)

This internship gives students the opportunity to apply, improve, and develop historical skills in a variety of settings, including historic sites, archives, and other locations where institution­al histories are being developed. Graduate stu­dents will develop a deeper understanding of the skills acquired through internships in his­tory as determined by the instructor and site supervisor.

HIST 799 Thesis (3 or 6 credit hours)

Research for the Master's thesis is conducted under the supervision of the advisor. Prerequi­site: consent of the department chairperson.

SOC 600 Victimology (3 credit hours)

This course will examine the current theory and research regarding victims of crime, which include intimate violence, stranger vio­lence, workplace violence, and school vio­lence. The patterns of crime, patterns of vic­tim-offender relationships, the process and consequences of victimization, victim vulner­ability and victim culpability will also be examined. In addition, victim restitution, com­pensation and mediation will be addressed.

SOC 605 Urban Sociology (3 credit hours)

This course is the study of the urban commu­nity and the role that it plays in the social, cul­tural, economic and political aspects of Amer­ican society. Included will be the historical development of the city in other parts of the world and the impact of urban values and atti­tudes on the American way of life. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper under­standing of social stratification as determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: SOC100 or per­mission of the instructor.

SOC 610 Population and Ecology (3 credit hours)

An analysis of the composition and distribu­tion of human population and their impact on the ecological system. Study of fertility, morality and migration, the theory of demo­graphic transition and the changing ecological bases of social organization. Current problems with emphasis on the relationship between population pressure, life style and environ­mental deterioration. Prerequisite: SOC100 or permission of instructor. 

SOC 633 Methods of Policy Evaluation in Social Science (3 credit hours)

 An application of social scientific methods and concepts to critically analyze and compre­hensively evaluate contemporary public policy in America and its impact upon society. Case studies include reform proposals and policy on health care, poverty, housing, education, crim­inal justice, taxes, childcare, and the environ­ment. Prerequisite: SOC100 or permission of the instructor.

SOC 640 The Family as a Social Institution (3 credit hours)

This course presents the family as a major social institution within the American social system. Functional interdependencies between the family and other institutions, particularly education will be emphasized. Family patterns of some prominent subcultural groups will be included.

SOC 643 Sociology of Religion (3 credit hours)

This course emphasizes the scientific study of religion based on an examination of religious belief and practices in literate and non-literate cultures. The course also focuses upon the relationship of religion to economic and polit­ical structures as well as upon other aspects of life in an industrialized society. Students who complete this course will have a better under­standing of the interaction between society and religion. Prerequisite: SOC100 or permis­sion of instructor.

SOC 647 Work and Society (3 credit hours)

This course acquaints the student with work organizations in contemporary societies. The social significance of industrial and service employment is treated with regard to leisure, social control, value systems and social struc­tures. The relationship of the work place to the community in pre- and post-industrialized societies will be discussed from both a practi­cal and theoretical point of view. Prerequisite: SOC100 or permission of the instructor.

SOC 664 Race and Ethnic Relations (3 credit hours)

This course acquaints the student with the major racial and ethnic groups in contempo­rary America. Various sociological approach­es, both past and present, are used to critically examine ethnicity, racism, discrimination, and interethnic relations. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of social stratification as determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: SOC100 or permission of the instructor.

SOC 670 Social Gerontology (3 credit hours)

The intent of this course is to provide a brief but comprehensive introduction to the field of human aging, with particular emphasis on the social dimension. A brief summary of the impact of aging on biological and psychologi­cal functioning is included as useful informa­tion enabling the student to better put the social aspects of aging into a realistic context. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the social dimensions of aging as determined by the instructor. Prereq­uisite: SOC100 or permission of the instructor.

SOC 675 Social Principals of Religion and Myth (3 credit hours)

A thorough review and comprehensive analy­sis of social principles contained within the sacred literature of world religions and mythology with an emphasis upon the social justice traditions of Christianity and the social impact of applied creeds as expressed in liber­ation theology, creation spirituality and the social gospel. Prerequisite: SOC100 or per­mission of instructor.

SOC 700 Advanced Research Methods (3 credit hours)

Students in the course will study the method­ology and techniques of social research. The focus is on research design, execution, and data analysis. The course is designed for soci­ology majors, but other graduate students may enroll. Prerequisite: SOC500.

SOC 730 Seminar in Qualitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)

This course introduces students to the research methods and strategies used by qualitative researchers in the social sciences. Emphasis is placed on the qualitative study of human behavior and society. Topics addressed include the design of qualitative research, ethical concerns, interviewing, focus groups, ethnographic field strategies, action research, archival strategies, case studies, and content analysis. This course will be useful for sociology majors, and majors from a variety of other disciplines, who expect to work in the area of human service. Prerequisite: Principles of Sociology (SOC 100) or permission of the instructor.

SOC 757 Social Stratification (3 credit hours)

This course is designed to acquaint prospec­tive students with types and forms of systems of differential ranking within societies and their various subsystems. Emphasis is placed on theories and methods in this area, as well as on substantive findings. The theories of class division, problem of mobility, and the source of power-elites, oligarchies, and ruling minori­ties, bureaucracy, and social power. The socio­logical framework will focus on social class, social mobility and caste. Graduate students will demonstrate a deeper understanding of social stratification as determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: SOC100 or permis­sion of the instructor.

SOC 790 Independent Study (2-5 credit hours)

The independent study program aims to serve those students whose scholarly bend seems most clearly adapted to independent work. Students are permitted, with faculty supervi­sion, to undertake an advanced research project and earn credit for work performed outside the classroom requirement of any specific course in the curriculum. Students completing independent studies are encouraged to present their papers or research at professional confer­ences.

Admission Requirements

All admission materials should be sent to : School of Graduate Studies, 219 Meadville Street, Reeder Hall - 3rd Floor, Edinboro, PA 16444 or via emailgradstudies@edinboro.edu or via fax 814-732-2611  

1. Complete the online graduate application (gradschool.edinboro.edu)

2. Application fee of $30 (if not former EUP student), or $7 (if former EUP student)

3. Submit an official transcript reflecting baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.

4. Applicants should obtain scores averaging at or above the 50th percentile for verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or score of 390 or above on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT)

5. Three letters of reference; forms are available at the REFERENCE FORMS link of the School of Graduate Studies and Research homepage.

6. Professional Resume

7. Typed essay (2-3 pages) answering the following questions:

                      a) What attracted you to the profession of social sciences?

                      b) What professional goals do you have for the next 10 years, and how will the Master of Arts in Social
                           Sciences help you attain those goals?

                      c) What attributes do you possess that suggest success in graduate school and as a practicing
                           social scientist?

For information or assistance regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by persons with a disability, contact Dr. Robert McConnell, Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), at (814) 732-2462 t/tty or mcconnell@edinboro.edu. For additional information, visit the OSD web page.

How to Apply: Please follow the link on the bottom of this page.

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