FSS:CORE154 Election Odyssey: How to Under - Course Information

CORE154 Election Odyssey: How to Understand the Elections

Extent and Intensity

2/0/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
In-person direct teaching

Teacher(s)

Mgr. Otto Eibl, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Miloš Gregor, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Lenka Hrbková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
doc. PhDr. Roman Chytilek, Ph.D. (lecturer)
doc. Mgr. Michal Pink, Ph.D. (lecturer)
doc. Mgr. Peter Spáč, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Jakub Šedo, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Petr Voda, Ph.D. (lecturer)

Guaranteed by

Mgr. Otto Eibl, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Supplier department: Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies

Prerequisites

!TYP_STUDIA(ND) && !PROGRAM(B-POL)
The course "Electoral Odyssey: How to Understand Elections" explores elections and closely related topics. The lessons are designed to equip learners with knowledge applicable to real-world political situations, making the content as practical as possible. Throughout the course, students are introduced to different types of electoral systems, their effects, explanations of voting behavior, the dynamics of election campaigns, and the role of new technologies in elections and electoral research.

Course Enrolment Limitations

The course is offered to students of any study field.
The capacity limit for the course is 120 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/120, only registered: 0/120, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/120

Course objectives

Here's a refined version with improved clarity, consistency, and grammatical accuracy: The course explores various aspects of elections and the processes that accompany them. Throughout the lessons, students are gradually introduced to: - different types of electoral systems and their effects,
- various perspectives on electoral behavior,
- electoral geography and its practical applications in politics,
- political campaigns and their patterns,
- the role of new technologies in both the practice and research of elections,
- the types of elections held in the Czech Republic, and
- selected case studies that highlight the unique characteristics of specific elections around the world.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, learners will have a comprehensive understanding of the basic types of electoral systems and their mechanical and psychological effects. They will also gain insight into how voters make their final decisions and the factors influencing those decisions. Additionally, they will be able to apply their knowledge not only to elections in the Czech Republic but also to electoral processes worldwide.

Syllabus

• 1. Introduction to the Study of Elections – This lesson explores the history and role of elections in political systems, introducing students to the basic principles and different types of electoral systems.
• 2. The Effects of Electoral Systems – A lesson examining the psychological and mechanical effects of various electoral systems. It may include a simulation of voting results using alternative voting methods.
• 3.Voting Behavior – This lesson introduces students to the factors that influence voters' decisions on whom to cast their vote for.
• 4. Elections, Media, and Election Campaigns – A lesson focusing on the principles and patterns of election campaigns and the role of the media in shaping electoral outcomes.
• 5. Election Fraud and Manipulation – A lesson on the potential risks and challenges associated with the electoral process, including various forms of fraud and manipulation.
• 6. Elections and Technology – A lesson exploring the role of technology in the electoral process, including discussions on technical tools used to study elections both in real-world settings and experimental environments.
• 7. Elections in the Czech Republic – A lesson dedicated to analyzing elections and electoral systems used in the Czech Republic.
• 8. Elections in Cultural and Social Contexts – A lesson examining elections as social phenomena, including discussions on election rituals, the portrayal of elections in popular culture, and their significance in betting markets.

Teaching methods

Lecture, discussion, dialogue between teacher and course guide, quiz

Náhradní absolvování

N/A

Language of instruction

Czech

Further Comments

The course is taught annually.

• Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2026, recent)
  
• Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2026/CORE154