Paris, France
The Evolution and Revolution of Public Opinion
Dates of Instruction: August 21 to September 15, 2006
Program Director: Patricia Moy, Department of Communication
Polls, elections, and political issues – these are only a few terms that come to mind when people think of public opinion. Such contemporary conceptions of public opinion, however, differ greatly from how public opinion has been viewed throughout the ages. Changes in the definition of “public opinion” have led to shifts in our beliefs about whose opinions matter; our behaviors in various environments; and in a highly mediated society, the strategies we use to shape effective messages.
Taking advantage of the historical richness of Paris and its contemporary social and political conflicts, this Exploration Seminar provides students with a unique understanding of the evolution of public opinion. Students will study public and private expressions of opinion as reflected in city art and private museums; they will visit venues of deliberation and sites of rioting and public hangings. Seminar participants will also visit an internationally renowned public opinion research organization to understand the opportunities and challenges in studying French opinion.
During this four-week seminar, participants also will examine how people acquire the attitudes they hold. Specifically, what individual, social, and cultural influences are at play? Participants will study Parisian norms and behaviors in social and legal settings. And, because they will be immersed in a major media market, students will have the unique opportunity to interact directly with message producers and discuss communication theories and processes related to public opinion formation.
Participants will receive five credits in: Communication 414 or Political Science 452, Public Opinion and the Mass Media; or Communication 499, Independent Research. Student Costs:
$ 2,975 Program fee
$ 200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include round trip travel to France, health insurance and vaccines, meals, course materials and personal expenses.
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