This course is a survey of the many literatures that study public opinion and its place in a democratic polity. The subject has been under active investigation in the social sciences for the past 100 years and has roots in Greek philosophy. Consequently, we won't be able to touch on everything, and what we do encounter will be biased towards recent research in the field. Our investigation will focus on the ways public opinion does and does not influence the decision that governments make. Even if much of this research comes from the study of American politics, the course will dedicate some insights based on a literature anchored in comparative politics. Among topics covered during this semester, let's cite the foundations of public opinion, the role of information in politics, and the democratic value of public opinion polls.
Kevin ARCENEAUX
Séminaire
English
Autumn 2024-2025
Oral presentation (according to individual capabilities to access Zoom courses) or written memo on a scientific controversy dealing with public opinion (2 published articles presenting opposite results) – 30% (individual)
Research paper (individual or collective – max. 2 pers.) on a topic validated by the instructor
No mandatory reading. 1 article per week (see detailed syllabus)