PHL 105 - Critical Thinking

Course Description

This course is about listening, reading, speaking, and writing more effectively. Students learn ways to assess information and to form sound evaluative judgments about what is seen, read, and heard. Critical questions provide a structure for critical thinking that supports a continuing search for better opinions, decisions, and judgments. Exercises in understanding and composing logically sound arguments are emphasized. Students learn what is fair and reasonable in an argument's structure. Examples are taken from various areas such as law, medicine, and politics, as well as from everyday life. Fallacies in rhetoric, such as name calling and begging the question, are identified and understood. Group 1 course.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

3

Lecture Hours

3

Recommended Prerequisites or Skills Competencies

Completion of ENG 11/111 or placement into ENG 111

General Education Outcomes supported by this course

Communications - Direct, Critical Thinking - Direct

Other college designations supported by this course

Degree Req:Cultural Persp/Div, Infused: Writing Intensive

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:
  • Identify the basic attributes of a critical thinker.
Application:
  • Compose pro and con arguments that adhere to the basic attributes of a critical thinker.
Integration:
  • Reflect on their decision-making strategies in adherence to the basic attributes of a critical thinker.
Human Dimension:
  • Recognize diverse cultural perspectives.
Caring - Civic Learning:
  • Reflect on when acting on their ideas would be appropriate.
Learning How to Learn:
  • Evaluate the nuances of words.