Unit information: Public Opinion and Democracy in 2014/15

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Unit name Public Opinion and Democracy
Unit code SPAI20023
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Professor. Surridge
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims to: Encourage students to think critically about the relationship between public opinion and democracy Offer an overview of the mechanisms by which public opinion is linked to representation Develop an understanding of how public opinion is formed Consider the impact of social and political change on public opinion Understand tools used for the measurement and analysis of public opinion

Intended Learning Outcomes

  1. Critically appraise measures of public opinion
  2. Analyse the relationship between public opinion and democracy
  3. Be able to discuss how public opinion is formed and assess the role of key agents in this process
  4. Understand the impact of social and political change on public opinion

Teaching Information

1 hour lecture and 2 hour seminar.

Assessment Information

Critical evaluation of public opinion poll data (25%, 1500 words) (assesses learning outcome 1&4). 2000 word essay (75%) (assesses learning outcomes 1-4)

Reading and References

  • Dalton, RJ (2008) Citizen Politics: Public Opinion and Parties Washington DC: CQ Press
  • Denver, D et al (2012) Elections and Voters in Britain London: Palgrave MacMillan
  • Inglehart, R (1990) Culture Shift in Advanced Industrial Society Cambridge: CUP *Pattie, C et al (2004) Citizenship in Britain Cambridge: CUP
  • Zaller, J (1992) The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion Cambridge: CUP

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