Philip MacEwen

pmacwen@yorku.ca

Office Location: MC 231

Phone Number: (416) 736-2100 Ext. 77483

Office Hour: TBA

This course introduces students to a wide variety of critical skills and then applies them to selected readings in contemporary social issues.

1) Course Kit, MODR 1730 6.0D; 2) Jean Saindon and Peter John Krek, Critical Thinking: Argument and Argumentation, 2nd ed. Toronto, Nelson, 2014; ISBN 978-0-17-666100-7

Three tests, two essays, and a final exam. Each assignment is worth 20% of the final exam. Students will receive the higher grade of tests 1 and 2, provided they complete both of these assignments.

The course is divided into three sections: 1) logic, language, argument, and the fallacies; 2) conceptual analysis, and 3) using the critical skills covered under 1) and 2) to study some contemporary social issues.

This course prepares students to think, read, and write critically and uses the skills gained thereby to study some contemporary social issues.

The Senate Committee on Curriculum & Academic Standards Web site provides an important read, the: STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET.

The Student Information Sheet includes:
• York’s Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures/Academic Integrity Website
• Access/Disability
• Ethics Review Process for Research Involving Human Participants
• Religious Observance Accommodation
• Student Conduct Standards

Additional information:
• Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
• Alternate Exam and Test Scheduling
• Grading Scheme and Feedback Policy
The Senate Grading Scheme and Feedback Policy stipulates that (a) the grading scheme (i.e. kinds and weights of assignments, essays, exams, etc.) be announced, and be available in writing, within the first two weeks of class, and that, (b) under normal circumstances, graded feedback worth at least 15% of the final grade for Fall, Winter or Summer Term, and 30% for ‘full year’ courses offered in the Fall/Winter Term be received by students in all courses prior to the final withdrawal date from a course without receiving a grade (see the policy for exceptions to this aspect of the policy - http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/legislation/senate/gradfeed.htm

“Final course grades may be adjusted to conform to Program or Faculty grades distribution profiles.”
If Term Test will be held outside of regularly scheduled class time, include announcement of day, date and time here (e.g., Saturday, October 28, 2006, 10 am to 11:30, room TBA).

•
"20 % Rule"
No examination or test worth more than 20% of the final grade will be given during the last two weeks of classes in a term, with the exception of classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or on the weekend (Saturday and/or Sunday at any time). (Approved by Senate, November 28, 1996)