Course description
Course Description
The MA in Public Opinion and Polling introduces students to the latest research on the nature and dynamics of public opinion. As well as examining the variations in opinion across the electorate, it looks at how citizens acquire information and use it to understand the political world.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
BRITISH POLITICAL PARTIES
COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF CENTRAL EUROPE
COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Compulsory: POLITICAL BEHAVIOUR
CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY
CONTEMPORARY THEORIES OF JUSTICE
Core: DISSERTATION - MA SCHEMES
Core: POLITICAL EXPLANATION
Core: THE ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC OPINION
DEMOCRACY BEYOND THE NATION STATE? THE CASE OF EUROPE
DEMOCRACY, CITIZENSHIP AND CONSTITUTIONS
EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
EUROPEAN POLITICS
GLOBAL AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS
GLOBALISATION AND WORLD POLITICS: APPROACHES, ORIGINS, TRENDS
HUMAN RIGHTS AND POLITICAL THEORY
HUMAN RIGHTS IN POST-COMMUNIST DEMOCRACIES
IDEOLOGY AND POLITICAL DISCOURSE
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
POLITICAL PRINCIPLES, HUMAN RIGHTS AND PUBLIC POLICY
POLITICAL THEORY
POLITICS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
RATIONAL CHOICE THEORIES OF POLITICS
RESEARCH SEMINAR IN POLITICAL THEORY AND METHODS
RULE AND RESISTANCE: POLITICAL THEMES IN LITERATURE AND FILM
THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Advanced knowledge of different modes of explanation and theoretical perspectives in public opinion at an appropriate level.
A2 : Understanding of the main quantitative methods used in political analysis.
A3 : Critical awareness of the use of evidence in political science.
A4 : Knowledge of the main research findings, and main developments and debates in the analysis of public opinion.
A5 : Systematic knowledge of the relevant sources of information.
A6 : Knowledge of the design, implementation, processing and analysis of public opinion surveys
Teaching Methods
A1-5 Lectures, computer laboratory sessions, participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, writing essays and dissertation, oral and written feedback on essays.
A1 specifically in GV917: The Analysis of Public Opinion
A2 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation
A3 specifically in GV900, GV917 and in supervision of individual dissertations
A4 specifically in option chosen in consultation with Scheme Director.
A5 specifically in independent learning and dissertation.
A6 specifically in GV917: The Analysis of Public Opinion.
Assessment Methods
Outcomes A1-A5 are assessed through coursework. Coursework includes oral presentations, assignments, class tests and essays. In addition, the assessed work includes a dissertation.
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : To question received thinking.
B2 : To develop independent thinking.
B3 : To muster evidence.
B4 : To evaluate and analyse evidence.
B5 : To reason critically.
B6 : To argue coherently and concisely.
B7 : To communicate ideas effectively in writing.
B8 : To carry out independent research.
Teaching Methods
B1-7. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, individual guidance on researching and writing essays, oral and written feedback on essays, individual interviews and group sessions with Study Skills Officer
B3 especially in supervised dissertation.
B4 especially in GV900 Political Explanation and GV917.
B8 especially in dissertation.
Assessment Methods
B1-8. Written assignments and essays, written examinations and dissertation.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Organize and structure an extended argument.
C2 : Use concepts correctly.
C3 : Compile systematic bibliographies.
C4 : Provide references according to accepted conventions.
C5 : Use libraries and IT to access information and scholarly resources.
C6 : Sift and synthesize complex information.
Teaching Methods
C1-6. Participation in and presentations to group seminars and classes, individual guidance for essayst and dissertations, oral and written feedback on class presentations and essays.
C5 specifically in induction sessions for library use
Assessment Methods
C1-6. Written assignments and essays, in class tests, closed examinations, supervised dissertation.
C1 especially in dissertation.
C2 essays, examinations, and dissertation
C3-6 specifically in essays and dissertation.
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Clear, focused, relevant and effective expression and communication.
D2 : Access and organise information from a variety of electronic sources.
D3 : Understand the use of quantitative evidence.
D4 : To manage projects and timetables. To find, understand and organise information. To work with ideas.
D5 : Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the development of economic integration in Europe.
D6 : Positive response to feedback and criticism.
Teaching Methods
D1-5. Participation in and presentations to seminars and classes, written assignments and essays, dissertation.
D3 specifically in GV900 Political Explanation and GV917.
D4 specifically in scheduling and balancing requirements for four courses taught in parallel. Working with other people in a commercial or public sector environment.
D6 specifically in individual guidance on essays, oral and written feedback on essays.
Assessment Methods
D1-4. Written assignments and essays, examinations, dissertation.
D6 classroom presentations, written assignments and essays
