Public Opinion & Media

Catalog description

This course is a brief overview of the role of public opinion and media in American democracy. We hold attitudes about relevant political and social groups, many of which shape our thoughts and actions. Further, if government is to be "by the people," understanding what "the people" want is of major importance to legislators, organized groups, and interested political scientists. The media, a critical source of political information, can inform the public, provide a mirror of public perception, but also shape ideas. In this course, we examine several complex questions: What is public opinion? Where does it come from? How and when does it change? Does everyone's opinion matter equally?