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CS92PROD
Polls, Politics, and Public Opinion
GOVT 380
Spring 2012 not offered

Ordinary American citizens know little about politics and often appear as if they have few consistent opinions; yet elected officials, aspiring candidates, media, and organized interests spend considerable time scrutinizing political polls, which are increasing in number. Can citizens be uninformed and public opinion informative at the same time? If so, what are the implications for democratic representation? And how important is it to differentiate between polling methodologies? This course provides an in-depth examination of both the theoretical and practical issues involved in the measurement, analysis, and solicitation of American public opinion through survey research. In addition to providing a detailed look at developments in the field of public opinion and the politics that shapes opinion change, the class will gain experience with designing, implementing, and analyzing opinion polls. Students will not only become educated consumers of public opinion data, they will also get extensive practice analyzing and writing about quantitative information.

Essential Capabilities: Quantitative Reasoning, Writing
This course will teach students how to analyze polling data and to write effectively about quantitative information from public opinion surveys.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT
Course Format: SeminarGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Requirement for: (GOVT)(GOVT-American)

Last Updated on NOV-10-2024
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