KCOE 4395 - The Making and Analysis of Public Opinion

This course aims to provide students with the theoretical and analytical tools needed to understand public opinion in contemporary societies. Throughout the sessions, we will address the following questions: What is public opinion? How can it be measured and analysed? What are the key trends shaping public opinion today?

In sessions 2 to 5, students will explore theoretical perspectives on public opinion. In sessions 6 to 10, they will focus on the methodological principles underlying the measurement of public opinion, as well as their practical applications.

By the end of the course, students should be able to critically assess public opinion reports, as well as evaluate how surveys are used by media, business, and political actors.

Course taught in English Language, at least a C1 level is necessary to register for this course.

The course is an introduction to the major theoretical and methodological issues involved in measuring public opinion.

12 x 2h00.

Each session is organized as : a first presentation given by your teacher (one hour), followed by a discussion based on it and on the readings

Group homework with an oral presentation of the work.

• The evaluation will be based on the responses given to the questions raised by the Professor: 30%
• Participation 10%
• Final exam in the last class on site (two hours exam) 60%