Description
Purpose: The course has two basic goals. The first is to introduce students to the major themes, debates, and puzzles in the study of public opinion. The second is to allow students to grow familiar with some of the methodological challenges of studying public opinion (through evaluation and critique of the text) and then to develop a research proposal of their own that sets out a research question and a research plan for answering that question.
Content: This course is an introduction to the main issues in research about public opinion. The course covers two overlapping themes: First, we discuss the meaning and origins of public opinion. What is public opinion and how should we measure it? How do individuals form their opinions? Why should we care about public opinion? Second, we examine causes of public opinion, focusing on the role of the media. How do the media affect public opinion? How important is media influence compared to other factors? What is the relationship between new technologies, such as the internet, and public opinion? During the discussion we will critically examine the evidence and methods presented and generate new hypotheses and research topics. We mainly rely on literature developed in American politics, but students are welcome to bring up examples from other countries.
Methods of Instruction
Lectures, discussion of assigned readings.
Study Material
Aantal te bestuderen pagina’s literatuur ca. 800 pp.
Selected journal articles to be announced
Examination
Research Proposal 40%, Short essays 30%; Participation 30 %.
Schedule:
dinsdag 6 september t/m 25 oktober, 11.00-13.00 uur, 6C03 (behalve 27 sept 5A41, 11 okt 5A42) en
vrijdag 9 september t/m 28 oktober, 11.00-13.00 uur, 1A33 (behalve 7 okt zaal 5A42)
Entrance Requirements
Politieke Psychologie