Critical Thinking

This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of critical thinking and informal logic. We will use a 'mixed' instructional methodology that includes lecture, Q&A, learning team activities, discussion of videos, slides, print articles and the text.

1. Demonstrate the knowledge of underlying assumptions in all statements, positions and arguments.
2. Define and recognize the stereotypes, rationalization, prejudice-- The differences and the overlap between these categories.
3. Applying a multi-perspectival approach to ‘loaded’ issues—political, economic, religious, and philosophical. Why a single perspective analysis often lands us in circular arguments, dogma and an inability to register or understand other viewpoints and perspectives.
4. Demonstrate the differences between Critical and Creative Thinking -- how and why they supplement each other.
5. Spotting common fallacies in arguments.