Fall 2019  |  POL 3769 Section 001: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (20933)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 250
Enrollment Status:
Open (50 of 83 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Polls are ubiquitous, measuring what Americans think on topics big and small. This course examines the nature, measurement, and consequences of public opinion in the contemporary United States, with a particular emphasis on understanding why some voters preferred Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton - vice versa - in the 2016 presidential election. We'll address the following questions throughout the term. First, how do pollsters measure what the public thinks about government and public affairs? Second, can we assume that the responses people give to survey questions reflect their true thoughts and feelings about politics? Third, what are the major factors that shape voter decision making in U.S. presidential elections? By the end of this semester you will have a broader and deeper understanding of the nature, measurement, meaning, and consequences of public opinion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL3769+Fall2019
Class Description:
This course focuses on whether citizens and the broader public make sensible political decisions. We will assess whether ordinary citizens are capable of meeting their responsibilities as democratic citizens. The first part of the course focuses on what public opinion means, how it is measured, and how it changes over time. The second part of the course focuses on how voters decide which presidential candidate to vote for and whether to turn out on election day. Class time will feature lecturing, classroom discussion and debate, viewing political films/video, and evaluating the videos. Note finally that I will provide pdf copies of slides for each lecture a day or two before the materials are formally presented in class.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
25% Final Exam
25% Special Projects
15% Attendance
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: If you do the readings, show up regularly, pay attention in class, and study, you will do well in this course.
Exam Format:
A combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. There will also be extra credit opportunities on the exams.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
20% Film/Video
40% Discussion I will strive for the right mix of lecture and classroom discussion each day. In no case will I lecture for 3 straight hours. I lack sufficient charm to pull that off!
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
3 Exams
2 medium-length writing assignments
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20933/1199
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 October 2017

ClassInfo Links - Fall 2019 Political Science Classes

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