Jonathan Short

jshort@yorku.ca

Office Location: S401 Ross Building

Office Phone Number: (416) - 736 - 2100 Ext. 66449

Office Hour: Wednesday 5:30pm - 6:30pm

This course will introduce students to various techniques of critical thinking with an emphasis on persuasion. By learning these techniques, students will improve their ability to persuade others of their opinions and beliefs. However, this course is not designed simply to provide a set of improved “sales pitches”. Instead, the course will also expose students to various attempts to persuade them utilized by dominant sources of information in society. For purposes of this course the notion of “persuasion” will be interpreted broadly to include not only advertising, but also public relations, communication by governmental agencies and the mass media. The course will explore the propagation of dominant beliefs as well as more recent rhetorical practices which attempt to undermine established conventions of factuality, evidence, and rationality.

Critical Thinking: Argument and Argumentation. 2014. 2nd Edition. Authors: Jean Saindon and Peter John Krek. ISBN: 978-0-17-666100-7. Publisher: Nelson Education. For sale at the York University Bookstore.

Other texts: A selection of shorter articles will be provided on the Moodle site for this course in pdf format or linked URL

This is a 6 credit course taught in a single semester (i.e. double-intensity)

Grade Breakdown:
1. Analyzing Arguments In class Test I: 30% February 11th
2. Fallacies In Class Test II: 30% March 10th
3. FINAL In-Class Test: 20% April 2nd
4. In-class Engagement and LPA Exercises: 20% Distributed Throughout

The course will meet twice a week for 3 hours. This time will be divided between lectures and group work to practice the skills taught during the lectures.
When: Tuesday/Thursday 2:30-5:30pm
Where: HNE 034

In this course students will learn the skills of critical thinking and argument analysis. They will also be introduced to rhetoric and to various types of persuasion techniques they typically encounter in contemporary society. Students should find their ability to think logically and critically, and to assess the quality of appeals attempting to persuade them.

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)