​This course deals with the basic concepts of public opinion studies, its types, levels, importance and role in the contemporary world. Moreover, it examines public opinion formation theories and their development, the stages of forming and shaping public opinion. It also highlights the relationship of the media to contemporary public opinion, and forces influencing public opinion, opinion leaders and their relationship to the public and elites, public opinion and misinformation, in addition to public opinion and democracy. Students are expected to examine case studies on the power of public opinion at the local, regional, and international levels. The course also covers methods of measuring public opinion, exploratory studies and surveys, and the principles of analyzing and reading public opinion polls.​