Course+Syllabus

Welcome to Critical Thinking **Spring Semester 2018 ** Instructor: Molly Dwyer  "//Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought//." ~John F. Kennedy

Course Description
Critical Thinking is the process by which we develop and support our beliefs, and evaluate the strength of arguments made by others in real-life situations. This semester we will practice some of the most central and important skills of critical thinking, and focus on applying those strategies to understanding current issues, belief systems, and ethical positions. We will analyze media, the current political environment, and our own beliefs and moral inclinations. You will learn to appraise information and influences, discuss controversial topics intelligently, and construct well-reasoned arguments on a variety of topics. The course will focus on group discussion and written analysis. This is a writing course. You will be expected to produce and share rough drafts before turning in your final version.

Course Objective
The primary objectives of this course are to impart a functional ability to reason well and to improve your analytical skills and instincts. In addition to familiarizing you with elementary methods of building strong arguments, the course is further designed to aid you in understanding the essential principles involved in the practice of reasoned decision making. The writing skills you develop in this class will serve you across all academic disciplines and in the workplace.

Student Learning Outcomes
=Course Text = =Grading =
 * 1) Demonstrate skills in elementary inductive and deductive reasoning.
 * 2) Identify and understand basic formal and informal fallacies of language and thought.
 * 3) Identify the components of arguments and demonstrate the ability to create complex argument structures in verbal and written forms.
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Required: Writing Logically, Thinking Critically, (WLTC) 8th edition by Sheila Cooper & Rosemary Patton
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Required: The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Required: Internet access to course website: http://criticalthinking-mc205.wikispaces.com
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">90-100 points = A
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">80-89 points = B
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">70-79 points = C
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">65-69 points = D
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">64 points or below = F or no credit

<span style="color: #800000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Essays, Portfolio, Quiz & Oral Presentation, Final Exam

 * 1) ===<span style="color: #800000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Daily In-class writing: 15 points ===
 * 2) ===<span style="color: #800000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">World View Essay:Thursday February 22 (rough draft)5 points ===
 * 3) ===<span style="color: #800000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">World View Essay: Thursday March 1 (Final Draft) 10 Points ===
 * 4) ===<span style="color: #800000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Media Portfolio: Thursday March 22 (Media Analysis) 15 points ===
 * 5) ===<span style="color: #800000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Ethics Essay:Thursday April 19 (Rough Draft) 5 points ===
 * 6) ===<span style="color: #800000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Ethics Essay: Thursday April 26 (Final Draft)10 points ===
 * 7) ===<span style="color: #800000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Quiz: Thursday May 10 (Reasoning) 15 points ===
 * 8) ===<span style="color: #800000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Logical Fallacy Presentations: Thursday May 17 10 Points ===
 * 9) ===<span style="color: #800000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Final Exam: Thursday May 24(In-Class Opinion Essay) 15 points ===

=<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Course Requirements: =
 * 1) <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Writing:** Each class we will write, generally summarizing homework or a related topic. (1 point per writing, 15 points total)
 * 2) <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**2 Graded Essays:** Each paper will range in length from 1000 to 1500 words, as assigned. Each requires a rough draft. (10 points each)
 * 3) <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**2 Rough Drafts:** Each rough draft grade reflects your participation in peer evaluations and revision. You must be in class the day your rough draft is due to get credit for it. Rough drafts must be turned in with final draft. (5 points each)
 * 4) <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Portfolio:** A presentation (collection) of response writings based on reading, journal material, possible creative work, images, etc. (15 points)
 * 5) <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Science Quiz:** (15 points)
 * 6) <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Oral Presentation:** Five-minute presentation to the class. (15 points)
 * 7) <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Final Exam:** You will be given a topic on the day of the final and asked to write about it in the time allotted. (15 points)

=<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">What is a Portfolio? = <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">A portfolio is a collection of materials, artifacts (writings, doodles, images, photographs, creative responses, journaling) and documentation. It will include a Double-entry Reading Log; Study aids, such as Diagrams, Vocabulary Word Lists, and Research. There is room for personal design, taste, and creativity. You will receive a handout that explains in detail what is expected. An academic portfolio should demonstrate your ability to reflect upon, synthesize, and showcase your work. Think of it as a “positive portrait” of your ability to document and track a learning experience.

= = =<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Classroom Policies =

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Common Courtesy & Common Sense

 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Respect and cooperation are the core principles in this class. Show up. Be present. Be thoughtful. Get to know your fellow students.
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">You are responsible for the information on this syllabus. Check it before coming to class. Know what’s going to happen and come prepared. Your class participation is equal in weight to one paper, and is based on in-class writing, discussion and participation in activities.
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Be on time! Coming in late is disruptive.
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Three unexcused absences may result in being dropped from the class. If you have to be absent, email me, let me know.
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">If you have to leave class early, please tell me at the beginning of class.
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Phones are to be turned off and kept out of sight AT ALL TIMES.
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">If you’re falling behind in class or doing poorly, set up a time to speak with me about getting help. Advocate for your own success; stay engaged.

=<span style="color: #800000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Critical Thinking Course Outline =
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">(Reading assignments are to be completed prior to class on indicated day!!) **

**<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY JAN 25 **
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Presentation:** Introduction to Class & Critical Thinking <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Handout:** Syllabus & Course Timeline <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Activity:** Introducing Yourself <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Video:** Artificial Intelligence from CBS 60 Minutes

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Week Two: Seeing the World
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Handout: Essay #1**— Seeing Our World <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Homework Due:** **Video: “**Test Your Brain,” Paying Attention wiki site. <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Presentation:** Paying Attention <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Activity:** Take This Fish
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1 **

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Week Three: What Does it Mean to be Human
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Homework:** Video: "Test Your Brain," Perception. Perception & the Brain wiki site <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Presentation**: Perception & the Brain <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In Class Activity:** Mind Games
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8 **

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Week Four: Imagining the Future
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15** <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In Class Video:** THE FUTURE wiki site, World Science Discussion, //Spark of Genius: Awakening A Better Brain// <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Discussion:** What Does it Mean to be Human?

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Week Five: Constructing Knowledge—Deciphering Truth
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Rough Draft Due:** Essay #1—How Do You See the World? <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class:** Peer Critiques
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY FEBRUARY 22 **

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Video:** THE FUTURE wiki site, World Science Discussion, //The Mind & the Machine// <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Discussion:** What Will the Future Look Like?

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Week Six: Building Strong Arguments
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Final Paper Due:** Essay #1—How Do You See the World? <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Handout:** Media Portfolio Assignment <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Presentation:** The Media & Its Influence <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Discussion:** Constructing Knowledge—Deciphering Truth
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY MARCH 1 **

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Week Seven: Media & It’s Influence
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Presentation:** Building Strong Arguments/Questions Worth Asking <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Video:** The Evening News <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Activity:** “20” Questions
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY MARCH 8 **

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Week Eight: Understanding Evidence & Opinion
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Presentation:** Is Your Evidence Trustworthy? <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Video:** Century of the Self <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Activity:** Portfolio Work Day
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY MARCH 15 **

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Week Nine: Deconstructing Bias
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Portfolio Due:** News Analysis Portfolio, short presentations of topic <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Activity:** Evaluating Today’s Day’s news <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;"> **Handout:** Short Story:Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY MARCH 22 **

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Week Eleven: What is Ethics?
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Presentation:** Ethics & Moral Dilemma <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Discussion:** Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Handout:** Essay #2—Making Ethical Decisions
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY APRIL 5 **

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Week Twelve: Making Ethical Decisions
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Read & Watch Video:** On Ethics & Humanity wiki page <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Activity:** National Ethics Bowl—Case Studies
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY APRIL 12 **

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Week Thirteen: Ethics & The Social Contract
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Discussion:** Plato, Socrates & the Social Contract <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Rough Draft Due:** Essay #2—Making Ethical Decisions <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class:** Peer Critiques
 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY APRIL 19 **

**<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY APRIL 26 **
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Final Paper Due:** Essay #2—Making Ethical Decisions <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Handout:** Oral Presentations. (Fallacies will be assigned) <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Presentation:** Inductive & Deductive Reasoning <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Activity:** Pattern Recognition Puzzles, Zebra Puzzle

**<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY MAY 3 **
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Presentation:** Logic & the Scientific Method <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Activity:** Research Project

**<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY MAY 10 **
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Reasoning Quiz:** Inductive & Deductive Reasoning, Scientific Method

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY MAY 17
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Oral Presentations Due:** Logical Fallacies

**<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">THURSDAY MAY 24 **
<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">**In-Class Final:** Opinion Piece on Social Issue