Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (323-0-20)

Instructors

Julianne Lee Merseth Cook
847/467-0276

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-415: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This course examines public opinion and voting behavior in the United States, focusing on topics such as the formation of political identities and issue preferences, theories and explanations of vote choice and turnout, and measurement challenges in the study of political attitudes and behavior.

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate knowledge of topics related to the formation of political identities and issue preferences, group differences in political attitudes, and the impact of public opinion on elections and policymaking

Analyze theories and explanations of vote choice and turnout; examine major debates in the literature (declining participation, uninformed voters, increased polarization)

Understand empirical measurement challenges in the fields of public opinion and voting behavior, including the merits and limitations of survey methodology

Teaching Method

Lecture and discussion sections

Class Materials (Required)

Erikson, Robert S. and Kent L. Tedin. 2019. American Public Opinion, 10th Edition. Routledge. (ISBN 9781138490703)

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area