University home
>
Unit and programme catalogues in 2014/15
>
Unit catalogue
>
Faculty of Social Sciences and Law
>
School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies
>
Public Opinion and Democracy
Unit information: Public Opinion and Democracy in 2014/15
Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information
for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
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
- Critically appraise measures of public opinion
- Analyse the relationship between public opinion and democracy
- Be able to discuss how public opinion is formed and assess the role of key agents in this process
- 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