It’s the course that has everything: high drama, perfect timing and academic expertise from a variety of perspectives.
This fall, some 40 students who’ve signed up for “Election 2008” will learn about the role of the media, the psychology of polling and American politics in action as they study the historic election between U.S. Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain.
The timely course offers an interdisciplinary look at the nuances of a presidential race that has captured the attention of the world for more than a year. Twelve faculty members from the departments of political science, psychology, biology, sociology, mathematics, economics and engineering will cover specific facets of the campaign, including policy issues, and candidates’ strategy and tactics.
After Election Day on Nov. 4, the class will discuss voting systems and the psychology of political decision-making before analyzing the candidates’ campaign performance.
Said Psychology Professor Josh Hart, a self-confessed political junkie, who organized the course: “I’m excited to be part of this course during an election cycle that promises to be, and in many ways already is, one of the most interesting and consequential in our country’s modern history.”
The Election 2008 classes, held in Olin Auditorium, are open to the campus community.