Course Description

Explores the relationship between public opinion and the political process in the United States. Public opinion and how it is measured, with an emphasis on understanding the science of polling and survey research. Topics include the nature of attitude formation, stability and change; the role of social identities in shaping how people approach politics; the link between attitudes and behavior; how elites influence opinion; political inequality; partisan polarization; and the relationship between public opinion and policy outcomes. Particular attention is paid to understanding the role that race, ethnicity, sex, and sexual identity play in understanding political divisions in U. S. politics.

Basic Enrollment Requirements: Unofficial Transcript – Bachelor’s Degree, or progress towards a Bachelor’s Degree + 3.0 GPA.

Refund Policy: The refund policy for Courses at Tufts offerings is dependent on the offering type: whether the offering is a course, workshop or short course, or in-demand offering. Please refer to the section details to confirm the type of offering as well as any exceptions to the standard refund policy. The refund policies for each offering type are viewable here: https://universitycollege.tufts.edu/policies/refunds#Courses-at-Tufts-(Academic-Year--Summer-Session)

Remission Eligible: Yes; first day of term; all university policies apply.