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Elections and Voting Behaviour - POL00084I

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  • Department: Politics
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Pavlos Vasilopoulos
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

The module offers an introduction to voting behaviour from a comparative perspective, comparing cases across the world. In each session, students will be introduced to major theories of voting and empirical evidence over time and across contexts. In this sense this module is ideally suited for (but not limited to) students who will choose to follow the quantitative pathway.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

The module offers an introduction to voting behaviour from a comparative perspective. Voting is the cornerstone of the democratic process and its study is essential for any politics student. The module employs theoretical tools from political science, sociology, and psychology from the last six decades to introduce students to fundamental questions and debates on how citizens decide in elections. In each session, students will be introduced to both traditional and contemporary theories around voting. They will be called to critically evaluate the merits and limitations of each theory for understanding elections around the word. Emphasis will be placed on empirical evidence over time and across contexts. Core questions include: What inequalities exist around voting? Why do some citizens participate in elections while others abstain? What are the main determinants of the vote? Why do some people choose to support populist candidates and parties? How do external shocks such as an economic crises affect voting behaviour? What is the impact of generational replacement and increased diversity on election outcomes? Do political campaigns matter? How do different electoral systems operate, and what are their strengths and weaknesses? To develop their career opportunities, students will also have the opportunity to hear first-hand from those working in the polling industry (such as YouGov or the British Election Study), via a guest lecture.

Module learning outcomes

Students will be invited to critically engage with the question of how citizens make vote choices and explore the merits and limitations of different theoretical. By the end of the course students will be able to:

1. Have a comprehensive knowledge on the key determinants of voting behaviour as well as the inequalities associated with it (PLO 1)

2. Develop a comprehensive understanding of how different electoral systems operate and be able to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. (PLO 1)

3. Be able to independently apply theoretical tools to understand polls and the outcomes of elections (PLO 2)

4. Develop theoretical and methodological skills that would help them pursue a career in political campaigning, polling, or any organisation aiming at canvassing or increasing political participation (PLO3).

Module content

The module is ideally suited for (but not limited to) students who will choose to follow the quantitative pathway, as it provides them with practical skills for employment.

Due to its comparative nature, it is an ideal extension to the S1 module in Comparative Politics.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s feedback and guidance hours.

Students will receive written feedback on their summative assessment no later than 25 working days; and the module tutor will hold a specific session to discuss feedback, which students can also opt to attend. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s regular feedback and guidance hours.

Indicative reading

Arzheimer, K., Lewis-Beck, M. S., & Evans, J. (2016). The Sage handbook of electoral behaviour. The SAGE Handbook of Electoral Behaviour.

De Vries, C. E., & Hobolt, S. B. (2020). Political entrepreneurs. Princeton University Press

Fisher, J., Fieldhouse, E., Franklin, M. N., Gibson, R., Cantijoch, M., & Wlezien, C. (Eds.). (2020). The Routledge handbook of elections, voting behavior and public opinion. London: Routledge.

Fraga, B. L. (2018). The turnout gap: Race, ethnicity, and political inequality in a diversifying America. Cambridge University Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.