Joshua Paul

moufawadpaul@gmail

Office Location: S401 Ross Building

Phone Number: (416) 736-2100 Ext.77592

Office Hour: Monday and Wednesday (2:30pm -3:30pm)

• In this course students will be expected to learn the basic tools of critical thinking in relation to various social issues. By examining current controversies and debates, they will learn how to recognize arguments, gauge the strength of arguments, understand faulty reasoning, recognize fallacies, and other aspects of informal and formal logic.
• Aside from teaching students how to think in a clearer and systematic manner, the course will also make them aware of various social issues that they might not have considered before, hopefully teaching them how to engage with topics with which you might disagree in a sober and critical manner.

The Power of Critical Thinking (5th Canadian edition)
Texts on Moodle site

Class/Home Work: 20%
Mid-term Test: 25%
Second Term Test: 25%
Essay Assignment: 30%

The first half of the course will focus primarily on The Power of Critical Thinking, which will cover the basics of reasoning, whereas the second half of the course will focus on a variety of social issues that will require the application of the tools learned from the first half. The Moodle site will provide updates regarding homework assignments and readings.

To be familiar with the basics of critical thinking, including deductive and inductive reasoning. To be able to apply these to a variety of social issues. To be able to think beyond the “common sense” understanding of social issues.

• 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).

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"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)