PG 300 37 - Public Opinion

1.00

This course explores the structure and dynamics of public opinion, providing an in-depth introduction to the factors that shape citizens’ social and political attitudes in the United States. We will focus our analysis in three major areas: definitions of public opinion and theories of opinion formation, how public opinion is influenced and how public opinion is collected and analyzed in the contemporary American political scene. Our analysis will draw heavily both on readings in public opinion and current research in political behavior, allowing us to examine important political phenomena from a variety of perspectives. Ultimately, the goal of this course is for students to understand how the forces that shape American beliefs, attitudes, and opinions are gathered and how these attitudes and opinions translate into legislative outcomes. Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing. (Group I) (Writing)