This course will examine public opinion and assess its place in the American political system, and will emphasize both how citizens’ thinking about politics is shaped and the role of public opinion in political campaigns, elections, and government. While the course will focus on research on the current state of public opinion, throughout the course we will also discuss historical developments in opinion and its place in politics, including changes that arose with the development of polling and with the advent of television and other new media. We will also consider normative questions, including the role opinion should play in American democracy.
Important Note: This course was formerly offered as PLAP2270, “Public Opinion and Political Behavior.” You cannot receive credit for PLAP 3270 if you took the course previously as 2270.