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Academic Year 2002/2003

Public Opinion and Foreign Policy
GOVT 314 FA

The relationship between leaders and the public remains a core concern of democratic theorists and political observers. This course examines the nature of public views on foreign policy, the ability of the public to formulate reasoned and interconnected perspectives on the issues of the day, and the public's influence on foreign policy decisions. The main focus is on the United States, although comparative examples are included. The role of the media and international events in shaping public perspectives and public attitudes toward important issues such as internationalism and isolationism, the use of force, and economic issues will be considered. Finally, the public's influence will be examined across a range of specific decisions.

MAJOR READINGS

Daniel Hallin, THE "UNCENSORED WAR": THE MEDIA AND VIETNAM, 1986
Douglas Foyle, COUNTING THE PUBLIC IN, 1999
Brigitte Nacos, ed., DECISIONMAKING IN A GLASS HOUSE, 2000
John Mueller, POLICY AND OPINION IN THE GULF WAR, 1994

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Midterm, final, research paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

"Students who wish to be eligible to register for the course during Drop/Add should place themselves on the wait list during on-line registration. Wait list preference rankings will be one factor I will consider in making Drop/Add period registration decisions."

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: GOVT155 OR GOVT151 OR GOVT157 Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003

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