Spring 2010

GOV 327L • Public Opinion and American Politics

Course Description

This pro-seminar introduces the literature on mass politics and elections. It provides a foundation for subsequent study and research in the field. Although we will cover many topics, we focus on the few themes that have consistently drawn the attention of scholars: the character of political attitudes in mass publics, party identification, turnout and participation, the vote decision, and the way media and parties structure the electoral process. Given the range of the course, coverage of these topics will not be exhaustive. However, we do review many of the "great works" that set the research agenda in the area, while also sampling the subsequent research literature that extends and revises the original results.

Grading Policy

Assignment Points % of Total Grade 1. Midterm Examinations 100 50% Midterm I (50) (25%) Midterm II (50) (25%) 2. Research Paper 80 40% Proposal (10) (5%) Draft (30) (15%) Final Paper (40) (20%) 3. Attendance/Participation 20 10%

Texts

American Public Opinion, Peason/Longman. 7th ed. Political Behavior of the American Electorate, CD Press, 11th ed.

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