Social and Cultural Analysis (MA)

Department Website

Program Description

The Department of Social and Cultural Analysis was established on September 1, 2005. With Africana Studies, Asian/Pacific/American Studies, Latino Studies, Metropolitan Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Social and Cultural Analysis, and American Studies, we offer one of the most cutting-edge programs of study at NYU, dedicated to advancing progressive interdisciplinary scholarship.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation, and
• A non-refundable application fee.

See Social and Cultural Analysis for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 30 credits, of which at least 24 must be taken within SCA. No more than 6 credits may be transferred from other graduates schools.

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Major Requirements
AMST-GA 3301	American Studies Seminar	4
AMST-GA 3310	SCA Pro-Seminar: The Art of Research	4
AMST-GA 3309	Reading in American Studies (Independent Study for Thesis Completion)	2
Electives
Other Elective Credits		20
Total Credits		30

Additional Program Requirements

Capstone

Students must write a thesis at the conclusion of their final semester of coursework. By the beginning of the second semester students should select their thesis project advisor and confirm topic choice with advisor. By the end of the second semester students should submit a Thesis Proposal with summer research plan and chapters outlined. A first draft of the thesis should be submitted no later than two months into intended term of graduation (ex. Nov. for January graduates; March for May graduates). A final draft (approved by the advisor and a second reader) is due no later than two weeks prior to graduation deadline. The MA thesis should be based upon original research and should approximately 40 to 60 pages in length and determined in consultation with your thesis advisor.

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid

1st Semester/Term		Credits
AMST-GA 3301	American Studies Seminar	4
Elective Course		4
Elective Course		4
	Credits	12
2nd Semester/Term
AMST-GA 3310	SCA Pro-Seminar: The Art of Research	4
Elective Course		4
Elective Course		4
	Credits	12
3rd Semester/Term
Elective Course		4
	Credits	4
4th Semester/Term
AMST-GA 3309	Reading in American Studies (Independent Study for Thesis Completion)	2
	Credits	2
	Total Credits	30

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have:

1. Development of literacy in a range of transdisciplinary research methods appropriate to the field of Social and Cultural Analysis: a) textual analysis, 2) ethnography, c) historical analysis, d) data analysis.
2. Ability to critically analyze, apply and discuss theories, concepts and critical issues in the field. 
3. Proficiency in written and oral communication appropriate to the field.
4. Demonstration of mastery of one or more research methodologies in the production of work of publishable quality.
5. The ability to make a significant contribution based upon original research to the field of interdisciplinary Social and Cultural Analysis, and specifically the production of a thesis with particular emphasis on methods of historical, textual and ethnographic analysis.

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.