Introduction
The study of political behavior seeks to explain how individuals develop political attitudes and how these translate into political behavior. By studying how individual attitudes and behavior are produced by deep-seated factors such as personality predispositions or early socialisation, as well as contemporaneous factors such as personal experiences and mass communications, we can arrive at a nuanced understanding of how individuals are shaped as political actors.
Political Behavior covers the field of political behavior through four grand themes, each covering a number of topics:
Grand theme 1: Types of political behavior
- Intro + Public opinion
- Engagement
- Turnout
- Vote choice
Grand Theme 2: Personal and psychological causes
- Self-interest & economic voting
- Heuristics & motivated reasoning
- Groups & identity
Grand Theme 3: Social and societal causes
- Media
- Interpersonal influence & socialization
- Spatial context & personal experiences
Grand Theme 4: Consequences of political behavior
- Representation & accountability
- Beyond elections
Special topics
- Special topic 1: Movements & violence
- Special topic 2: The dark side of public opinion
The course is closely tied to Advanced Quantitative Methods in the Study of Political Behavior, the other mandatory course in the Political Behavior core subject.
The instruction language is Danish and English, depending on the first language of the instructor.
Time and place
See the online course schedule.
Note: Class on November 30th is moved to December 1st
Instructors
Frederik Hjorth
E-mail: fh@ifs.ku.dk
Office: 18.2.14
Office hours: Tuesdays 9-10
Clara Vandeweerdt
E-mail: clara.vandeweerdt@ifs.ku.dk
Office: 18.2.17
Office hours: By appointment
Books
There are no whole books assigned in the class. All readings are available either through online access or shared in the course Absalon folder.
Final exam
For more info on the free exam, see the Final exam page.