PHIL& 115 - Critical Thinking

5 credits

Prerequisites
Placement in ENGL& 101.

An introduction to the critical examination of arguments in their various forms, whether oral, written, or visual. Coursework will emphasize the practical analysis of arguments in everyday contexts. Specific topics include identifying premises and conclusions, recognizing common types of arguments, and understanding logical fallacies. Satisfies humanities distribution area G requirement, or specified elective for the AA degree. 5 lecture hours.

Theory Hours
5 theory hours.

Course Outcomes
A. Critically assess arguments in terms of their:
a. Content: what are the premises and conclusion?
b. Form: how are the premises related to the conclusion?
c. Rhetoric: are the form and content effective in persuading the reader of the conclusion?
B. Evaluate what makes an argument good or bad.
C. Respond to arguments objectively, rather than emotionally.
D. Create compelling, rational arguments, primarily in written form.
E. Recognize the uses and abuses of arguments in a wide variety of contexts.