HarvardX: Citizen Politics in America: Public Opinion, Elections, Interest Groups, and the Media

by Harvard University

Public Opinion, Political Parties, and Interest Groups in the U.S.

A Comprehensive Course by HarvardX

Course Description

This comprehensive course delves deep into the intricate workings of American politics. It explores the powerful yet often elusive influence of public opinion on elected officials and examines how various entities such as political parties, campaigns, social movements, special interests, and the news media shape and interact with public sentiment.

What You'll Learn

The theory and practice of polling
The nature of today's Republican and Democratic parties
How U.S. elections differ from those of other democracies
Key points of the 2016 Trump-Clinton race
Why social movements succeed or fail
Why some special interests are more influential than others
How the news system has changed in recent decades
The political consequences of a decentralized news media

Prerequisites

This is an introductory-level course with no specific prerequisites. However, a general interest in American politics and current affairs would be beneficial.

Course Content

Public opinion attributes and measurement through polling
The unique features of the U.S. two-party system
Party realignments in response to shifting norms
The presidential nominating process and general election campaigns
The role of social movements in shaping politics
The influence of special interest groups on policies
The evolution of the news media and its impact on politics

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for students, professionals, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of American politics. It's particularly suited for those who want to comprehend the complex interplay between public opinion, political institutions, and media in shaping the U.S. political landscape.

Real-World Applications

Understanding and interpreting political polls and their implications
Analyzing election campaigns and strategies
Evaluating the effectiveness of social movements and interest groups
Critically assessing news media coverage of political events
Participating more effectively in the political process as an informed citizen
Applying insights to careers in politics, journalism, public relations, or policy analysis

Syllabus

Week 1: Public Opinion
Week 2: Political Parties
Week 3: Campaigns & Elections
Week 4: Political Movements
Week 5: Interest Groups
Week 6: News Media

Each week covers specific topics related to its theme, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject matter. The course structure allows for a logical progression of understanding, from the basics of public opinion to the complexities of modern media influence on politics.

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