POSC 325: Elections and Voting Behavior (AG)
Prerequisites: POSC 120
Credit Hours: (3)
This course examines the determinants and processes of voting behavior, emphasizing
the role of political socialization, public opinion, and voter turnout in elections.
The course also examines the rules and processes of American elections as well as
the effect of campaigns on voting behavior.
Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.
Detailed Description of Course
POSC 325 will build upon the political behavior and electoral focus of the foundation
American government course, Introduction to American Government (POSC 120). This new
course will give students the opportunity to learn more about the determinants and
processes of elections and voting behavior and to be exposed to recent research in
this area. The course will concentrate on the role of political socialization, public
opinion, and voter turnout in elections.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
POSC 325 will introduce students to the rules and processes of American elections, as well as the effect of campaigns on voting behavior. A significant part of the course will be focused on independent research and writing, which includes several essay and research paper-based assignments in for course. The assignmnts will require students to practice creative inquiry and critical thinking - competencies that would prepare students to become active and informed citizens.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Students will acquire foundational knowledge in political science relating to elections
and voting behavior. They will be able to apply political science concepts and multi-disciplinary
frameworks, theories, and tools to questions of electoral behavior and institutions.
Participants will strengthen their research abilities as well as oral and written
communication skills.
Assessment Measures
Student performance may be evaluated on the basis of student written essays, meant
to gauge their understanding of the American electoral process. This course will likely
incorporate a research paper component into the syllabus during semesters when there
is an impending election. For this assignment, students will be required to track
an election campaign throughout the semester, evaluating the quality of its overall
strength and performance.
Other Course Information
Students must have taken POSC 120 (Introduction to American Government) as a prerequisite.
Review and Approval
April 15, 2016
March 01, 2021