Political Behavior and Public Opinion.

Catalog description

An exploration of the theoretical foundations, empirical approaches, and substantive debates in the study of political behavior and public opinion. Drawing on major works and recent scholarship, students will examine how individuals form political attitudes, make voting decisions, and engage in various forms of political participation. Special emphasis is placed on the role of partisanship, ideology, identity, media, socialization, and political psychology. Students will engage critically with survey data and experimental research, and will evaluate how public opinion shapes and is shaped by political institutions, campaigns, and policy outcomes.