Prerequisite/Co-requisite Courses: None
Spring 2009 (3), Tuesdays, 9-11:45
Instructor: Dr. Sylvia Y. R. Schoemaker
Phone: 510.628.8036
Office Hours: T-Th 11:45-12:390 and by arrangement
E-mail: profs360@gmail.com
Blog: http://cthinkcenter.blogspot.com
Wiki: http://cthinkcenter.wetpaint.com
DESCRIPTION
ENG 75- CRITICAL THINKING
Critical thinking (E75) considers the cognitive skills and communicative strategies for defining, applying, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information. The course includes structural and operational approaches to task/mission analysis, decision-making, change forecasting, adaptation, and evaluation. Systems approach to analysis and solution of complex problems. Conceptual issues in problem definition, goal determination and measurement of effectiveness. (3 units)
OBJECTIVES
Students will develop their cognitive skills and enhance their communicative strategies for defining, applying, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information. The course will incorporate the following University learner and institutional goals:
University learner goals 1 -6, and specifically (3.2) To examine objectively various sides of issues; (3.3) To utilize the procedures involved in systematic problem solving; and in English:: To develop basic academic and professional skills(1); To develop the ability to communicate effective in English, oral and in writing, and to read with understanding (1.1) and institutional goals , especially 1,(1.1-1.4), 2.4
FORMAT
The course sessions will include presentation, discussion, and application modes.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Students are expected to attend class, complete assignments, and to participate in individual and group work in a productive manner, and to take personal responsibility for meeting the objectives of the course.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Mayfield, M. (2007). Thinking for yourself. (7th Ed.). Boston: Thomson Wadsworth. ISBN: 1-4130-1772-X (TFY)
Daiek, D., & Anter, N.(2004) Critical reading for college and beyond. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 0072473762 (CRCB)
RECOMMENDED TEXT:
Harris, Robert. A. Creative Problem Solving. Los Angeles: Pyrczak Publishing, 2002. ISBN: 1-884585-43-4 (CPS)
COMPANION SITE FOR REQUIRED TEXTS
Thinking for Yourself Site
Critical Reading for College and Beyond Companion site:
ASSIGNMENTS
Topical Outline
Topics covered include observation skills, appropriate language skills and encoding strategies, differentiating among fact, inference, judgment, recognizing fallacies of reasoning and evaluation, understanding viewpoint, analyzing character, logic, and emotion in persuasion.
SCHEDULE
| Wk | Date | Unit | TFY Text Reference | CRCB Text Reference |
| 1 | 13-Jan | Introduction Where Do You Stand? | ||
| 2 | 20-Jan | Observation | TFY C1, Observation | CRCB C13, Cognitive Domain |
| 3 | 27-Jan | Language and Thought | TFY C2, Word Precision | CRCB C2, Vocabulary |
| 4 | 3-Feb | Facts | TFY C3, Facts | CRCB C6, Details CRCB C5, Main Ideas |
| 5 | 10-Feb | Inferences | TFY C4, Inferences | CRCB C7, Inference |
| 6 | 17-Feb | Assumptions | TFY C5, Assumptions | CRCB C10, Marking |
| 7 | 24-Feb | Opinions | TFY C6, Opinions | CRCB C9, PSR Strategies |
| 8 | 3-Mar | Midterm |
|
|
| 9 | 10-Mar | Evaluations | TFY C7, Evaluations | CRCB C14, Evaluation |
| 17-Mar | SPRING RECESS | |||
| 10 | 24-Mar | Points of View | TFY C8, Viewpoints | CRCB C4, Time |
| 11 | 31-Mar | Argument | TFY C9, Argument | CRCB C12, Arguments |
| 12 | 7-Apr | Fallacies | TFY C10, Fallacies | CRCB C8, Texts |
| 13 | 14-Apr | Induction | TFY C11, Inductive Reasoning | CRCB C1, Reading |
| 14 | 21-Apr | Deduction | TFY C12, Deductive Reasoning | CRCB C11, Advanced Strategies |
| 15 | 28-Apr | Review Characteristics of a Critical Thinker | ||
| 16 | 5-May | Final |
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA & METHOD OF EVALUATING STUDENTS
Students will demonstrate their level of achievement through appropriate and accurate application of critical thinking theory, including problem-solving, analysis, and decision-making criteria in approaching, solving,, text and classroom exercises , and work on real-world examples, individually and in groups.
Class Participation | 15% |
Quizzes | 10% |
Projects | 15% |
Term Paper | 30% |
Presentation | 10% |
Final Exam | 20% |
Total | 100% |
100-95 | A |
94-90 | A- |
89-87 | B+ |
86-84 | B- |
83-80 | C+ |
79-77 | C+ |
76-74 | C |
73-70 | C- |
69-67 | D+ |
66-64 | D |
63-60 | D- |
59 or < | F |
