POLS 3430 A (CRN: 15475)
Political Science: Public Opinion and Voting (A)
3 credit hours
About POLS 3430 A
An examination of the quality and sophistication of public attitudes, as well as the motivations that underlie political participation and electoral choice. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisites: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013; three hours of Political Science at the 2000-level.
Notes
Prereqs enforced by the system: POLS 1300 or POLS 1013; three hours of Political Science at 2000 level; Minimum Junior standing. PACE students with permission and override. System waitlisting enabled for this section.
Section Description
The phrase vox populi lies at the heart of modern democratic government. How should “the voice of the people” be captured, and do politicians really listen? This Spring, in POLS 3430: “Public Opinion and Voting,” we’ll explore cutting edge research on the mechanics of polling—including why the polls have been disastrously wrong in recent years—and we’ll tackle a range of other pressing issues, too, from the dynamics of public attention on climate change, to partisan resistance to COVID-19 vaccines, the dramatic shift in attitudes towards immigration, and the dangerous spread of misinformation and “fake news” online. What is public opinion? Where does it come from? How does it change? And why does it matter? Enroll today to find out!
Section Expectation
Our emphasis throughout the semester will be on critical thinking and the development of strong, analytical writing skills. Graded assignments are designed to evaluate your growth in these areas. Assignments are also designed to give you many opportunities, using different skills, to build a strong grade in this course.
Evaluation
Two essay-based “blue book” exams will be administered in POLS 3430, each worth 20% of your final grade. Both will be administered during normal class hours.
Occasional pop quizzes on the reading assignments will account for 10% of your grade. The number of quizzes will not be determined in advance, nor the dates announced.
Your attendance and active participation are essential to the effectiveness of this class. You are expected to attend every class session and to be prepared to discuss the issues raised in the reading assignments. A set of discussion questions will be provided in advance help you to prepare. Your performance here will account for 20% of your final grade.
Finally, you will complete a 25-minute oral presentation (with slide deck) at the end of term, scheduled during normal class hours, in which you apply our public opinion materials to a topic in current events. Based on comments and suggestions from the class, you will then submit a
reflection paper during the final exam block scheduled by the Registrar’s Office. This project, all together, will make up the remaining 30% of your final grade.
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.
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Resources
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