Module POL3238 for 2019/0
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
POL3238: European Public Opinion
This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.
Module Aims
The module aims to equip you with the tools to understand and critically evaluate public opinion research, particularly in the context of Europe. The first part of the course deals with general theoretical frameworks of opinion formation and whether these approaches need to be revised given the role of social media or post factual politics. The second part of the course applies these theoretical frameworks in the context of issues such as European integration or redistribution. Since a lot of work in public opinion research is based on quantitative data, such as large-N surveys and experiments, an emphasis is also put on the development of skills needed to understand quantitative research. You will learn to critically evaluate quantitative research in order to assess the extent to which a particular research design, data set, or analysis offers empirical support for the conclusion drawn by its author(s). The course follows a seminar style format that puts much weight on your involvement: the instructor will introduce a topic, while the majority of the seminar builds on student presentations, student led discussions, and students’ written reactions to the required readings.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
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Module-Specific Skills | 1. demonstrate knowledge of the major theories in the field of public opinion research 2. apply theories of opinion formation to various issues in the context of European politics 3. demonstrate knowledge of basic and advanced methodologies used by public opinion researchers |
Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. understand and critically evaluate a broad spectrum of research designs, with a particular focus on quantitative research 5. exercise informed judgment concerning the use of empirical evidence in support of an argument in published research 6. synthesize competing theories to analyse new problems |
Personal and Key Skills | 7. demonstrate critical-thinking, in particular as related to quantitative evidence and conclusions 8. present complex arguments with clarity and concision 9. work independently and with peers to meet common research and assessment deadlines effectively |