Francisco Gomez-Holtved

holtved@yorku.ca

This course is an introduction to critical thinking whose objective is to give students the skills needed to analyze and develop arguments in a critical and systematic fashion. The theory underlying these skills will be put into practice through group work done in class, where you will be assigned a variety of exercises that will allow you to develop and apply the techniques you've been taught until you master them. We will cover such topics as (but will not be limited to) euthanasia, the uses (and abuses) of technology, global warming and environmental change. In other words, you will be dealing with arguments found in the 'real world'. The techniques presented in this course provide a good training in intellectual self-defence, by showing you how to organize your thoughts in a coherent fashion, and present work that is well structured and well written. In this way you will be able to argue more persuasively for whichever position you take on any of the topics we will be exploring.

Required Course Text / Critical Thinking: Argument and Argumentation (2nd edition) by Jean Saindon and Peter Krek

Argument mapping test: 10%; Argument evaluation test: 20%; Fallacies test: 20% Short Paper 1: 10%;  Short Paper 2: 10% ; Argumentation Assignment: 20%. Submissions 10% (Group work done in class and uploaded to Moodle).

Argument mapping test (Online: May 26).

Modules 1 to 3 in the textbook.

Argument evaluation test (Online: June 18).

Modules 4 and 5 in the textbook.

Fallacies test (Online: July 9).

Module 7 in the textbook

Short Paper 1: Due July 23.

Modules 6, 8 and 9 in the textbook.

Short Paper 2: Due July 30.

Modules 6, 8 and 9 in the textbook

Argument Essay: Due August 12.

Modules 10 and 11 in the textbook

Weekly Submissions:

Group work based on exercises done in class and uploaded to Moodle.

You will learn how to diagram argument structure, distinguish deductive from inductive arguments, analyze common fallacies, and produce papers in a university environment.

• 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)