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GOVT314
Public Opinion and Foreign Policy
GOVT314 SP
Not Currently Offered
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-22-1999
Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to
submit comments or suggestions.
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459