GOVT314

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GOVT314

Public Opinion and Foreign Policy GOVT314 SP

Next Offered in 9899 SP

This course studies the domestic politics of foreign policy, especially the relationship between leaders and people which is central to democratic theory and practice. We will examine the nature of public and elite opinions on a variety of international issues, such as nuclear weapons, military intervention in areas like Central America, and military spending, in historical and, to a lesser extent, comparative perspective. We look at questions such as the impact of U.S. public support during the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars, including the role of the media, the function of demographic factors like race and gender in determining attitudes, and the effects of foreign policy events on national elections.

MAJOR READINGS

Herbert Asher, POLLING AND THE PUBLIC: WHAT
EVERY CITIZEN SHOULD KNOW, 3RD EDN. 1995
Daniel Hallin, THE "UNCENSORED WAR": THE MEDIA AND VIETNAM,
1986
John Mueller, POLICY AND OPINION IN THE GULF WAR, 1994
Richard Sobel, ed. PUBLIC OPINION IN U.S. FOREIGN POLICY:
THE CONTROVERSY OVER CONTRA AID, 1993

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Computer-aided learn exercises. Media poll analysis (5-6 pages). Research paper (15-18 pages). Registrar scheduled final exam.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

The course will count toward the international politics, public policy, and the American politics concentrations. 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: Discussion Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS GOVT

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998

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