Course ID: | POLS 4510. 3 hours. |
Course Title: | Public Opinion and American Democracy |
Course Description: | Major methods and findings of survey research, with particular attention to attitudes and beliefs and their implications for the role of citizens in a representative democracy. |
Oasis Title: | PUB OPIN AMER DEMO |
Prerequisite: | POLS 1101 |
Semester Course Offered: | Not offered on a regular basis. |
Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
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Course Objectives: | This course is designed to introduce students to the study of public opinion in the
American context. A primary course component consists of understanding the
measurement of public opinion via the use of scientific polling. In addition,
students will be exposed to various political science theories relating to the topics
such as political socialization, the linkage between opinion and policy outcomes, the
determinants of opinion formation at the individual level, and the effect of
mediating groups such as the media on opinion. Students will be required to
critically evaluate, discuss, and apply these theories in both written and oral
contexts. Students may be evaluated using a variety of devices, including exams,
research papers, and class discussions and/or presentations. |
Topical Outline: | Public Opinion and Democracy
Polling
Micro-Level Determinants of Opinion
Political Socialization
Groups and Opinion
The Media and Public Opinion
Interest Groups, Political Parties, and Opinion
Public Opinion and Elections
The Opinion-Policy Linkage |
Honor Code Reference: | All academic work must meet the standards contained in "A Culture of Honesty."
Students are responsible for informing themselves about these standards before
performing academic work. The penalties for academic dishonesty are severe and
ignorance is not an acceptable defense. Also note that the course syllabus is a
general plan for the course and that deviations announced to the class by the
instructor may be necessary. |