*Course Description* 

This course equips students with the foundational skills to analyse arguments, evaluate evidence, and make reasoned decisions in personal, academic, and professional contexts. Through case studies, debates, and problem-solving exercises, students will learn to identify biases, avoid logical fallacies, and apply structured reasoning to complex issues. Emphasis is placed on fostering intellectual humility, curiosity, and clarity in thought. 

 

*Learning Objectives* 

By the end of the course, students will be able to: 

1. Define critical thinking and its importance in decision-making. 

2. Analyse arguments for validity, soundness, and underlying assumptions. 

3. Identify common cognitive biases and logical fallacies. 

4. Apply problem-solving frameworks to real-world scenarios. 

5. Communicate conclusions clearly and persuasively. 

 

*Required Materials* 

- *Textbook: * Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life by Richard Paul and Linda Elder (or similar). 

- *Articles/Case Studies: * Provided via the course platform (e.g., TED Talks, journal articles, news analyses). 

- *Tools: * Argument-mapping software (e.g., Rationale, MindMup) or diagramming tools. 

 

*Course Evaluation* 

| Component               | Weight | Details                                                                 | 

|-------------------------|--------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

| Participation           | 15%    | Engagement in discussions, debates, and peer critiques.                | 

| Case Study Analyses     | 25%    | Written evaluations of real-world scenarios (3-4 assignments).         | 

| Argument Mapping        | 20%    | Visual breakdowns of complex arguments using software/tools.           | 

| Midterm Exam            | 15%    | Covers theories, fallacies, and reasoning models.                      | 

| Final Project           | 25%    | Research paper or presentation analyzing a contemporary issue.         | 

 

*Weekly Schedule* 

 

*Week 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking* 

- What is critical thinking? Why does it matter? 

- The role of scepticism and intellectual humility. 

- Activity: "Why Do You Believe That?" self-reflection exercise. 

 

*Week 2: Logic and Argument Structure* 

- Components of an argument (premises, conclusions). 

- Deductive vs. inductive reasoning. 

- Workshop: Dissecting news headlines and advertisements. 

 

*Week 3: Cognitive Biases* 

- Common biases (confirmation bias, anchoring, availability heuristic). 

- Case Study: Analysing flawed decision-making in historical events. 

- Activity: Bias self-audit. 

 

*Week 4: Logical Fallacies* 

- Identifying fallacies (straw man, ad hominem, slippery slope). 

- Debate: Teams dissect flawed arguments in media/politics. 

 

*Week 5: Evidence and Source Evaluation* 

- Assessing credibility, relevance, and bias in sources. 

- Fact-checking tools and strategies. 

- Activity: "Fake News" analysis lab. 

 

*Week 6: Problem-Solving Models* 

- Root-cause analysis, SWOT, and Socratic questioning. 

- Group Activity: Solving a complex ethical dilemma. 

 

*Week 7: Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning* 

- Interpreting data, graphs, and statistical claims. 

- Case Study: Misuse of statistics in public discourse. 

 

*Week 8: Creative and Lateral Thinking* 

- Techniques for innovative problem-solving (brainstorming, Six Thinking Hats). 

- Workshop: Redesigning a common object/system. 

 

*Week 9: Critical Thinking in Ethics* 

- Moral reasoning frameworks (utilitarianism, deontology). 

- Debate: Ethical dilemmas in technology or healthcare. 

 

*Week 10: Persuasion and Rhetoric* 

- The art of persuasive communication (ethos, pathos, logos). 

- Activity: Crafting and critiquing persuasive speeches. 

 

*Week 11: Applying Critical Thinking to Global Issues* 

- Climate change, AI ethics, or social justice case studies. 

- Group Project Work: Research and outline final project. 

 

*Week 12: Final Project Presentations* 

- Student presentations and peer feedback. 

- Course reflection: "How has my thinking changed?" 

 

*Course Policies* 

- *Attendance:* Required for in-class debates and activities; excused absences with documentation. 

- *Late Work:* 10% penalty per day (up to 3 days late). 

- *Academic Integrity:* Cite sources rigorously; plagiarism results in disciplinary action. 

- *Accommodations:* Contact the instructor ASAP for disability-related needs.