POLISCI 308 – Public Opinion in Politics: Examine how people’s opinions influence their behavior, and whether or not political leaders follow the “will of the public” or manipulate public opinion to achieve their own aims. Understand how surveys are conducted, including sampling and questionnaire design, and how to interpret their results. Become familiar with political science theories about how people form opinions and how those opinions change. Recognize when and how elites can manipulate public opinion.
