Course Instructor: Francisco Gomez-Holtved at holtved@yorku.ca

This course is an introduction to critical thinking whose objective is to give students the skills needed to analyze 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. Throughout the term we will apply what we've learned to arguments found in a variety of disciplines (ethics, politics, the cognitive sciences etc) and expressed through a variety of platforms (social media, film etc).  We will cover such topics as (but will not be limited to) euthanasia, torture and problems arising from technological 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, and not be misled by fallacious modes of reasoning.

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

Argument mapping test (10%): May 19

Module 3 in the textbook.

Argument evaluation test (25%): June 7.

Modules 4 and 5 in the textbook.

Fallacies test (15%): June 30.

Module 7 in the textbook.

Article Assignment (20%): Due July 14

Module 8 in the textbook.

Dialogue Assignment (20%): Due August 9:

Modules 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10 in the textbook.

Weekly Submissions (10%):

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

Each class will be a combination of in-person lecture and assigned group work. Group work will consist of exercises to be completed collaboratively with your group peers and uploaded to eClass in a submission box at the end of every class.

By the end of this course you will have the skills to write an undergraduate paper of the highest quality; one that is well organized, clearly written and articulating the strongest arguments that can be made within the point of view you adopt on any topic you want to write about. No one is born with this skill. Rather, it’s an ability that requires patient nurturing, and lots of practice. However, with a bit of work, you’ll be able to analyze concepts (using reasoning by cases), and use this skill to build arguments expressing different points of view. You’ll be acquiring skills readily transferable to all academic disciplines (the social sciences, the humanities, engineering, the mathematically based disciplines) and beyond (any of the professional careers you’d care to mention) including everyday work environments where clear thinking and the ability to articulate ideas in a coherent fashion are prized.

Course policies

Grading, Assignment Submission, Lateness Penalties and Missed Tests

Grading:  The grading scheme for the course conforms to the 9-point grading system used in undergraduate programs at York (e.g., A+ = 9, A = 8, B+ - 7, C+ = 5, etc.).  Assignments and tests* will bear either a letter grade designation or a corresponding number grade (e.g.  A+ = 90 to 100, A = 80 to 90, B+ = 75 to 79, etc.)

(For a full description of York grading system see the York University Undergraduate Calendar - http://calendars.registrar.yorku.ca/2010-2011/academic/index.htm

Students may take a limited number of courses for degree credit on an ungraded (pass/fail) basis. For full information on this option see Alternative Grading Option in the LAPS section of the Undergraduate Calendar:  (provide web link to calendar description of this option for the Faculty offering the course)

Assignment Submission: Proper academic performance depends on students doing their work not only well, but on time.  Accordingly, assignments for this course must be received on the due date specified for the assignment.  Assignments are to be handed in in the designated submission boxes in Moodle.

Lateness Penalty: Assignments received later than the due date will be penalized one-half letter grade (1 grade point) per day that assignment is late).  Exceptions to the lateness penalty for valid reasons such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., may be entertained by the Course Instructor but will require supporting documentation (e.g., a doctor’s letter).

Missed Tests:  Students with a documented reason for missing a course test, such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., which is confirmed by supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s letter) may request accommodation from the Course Instructor and  allowed to write a make-up test on a date to be set at the instructor’s discretion. Further extensions or accommodation will require students to submit a formal petition to the Faculty.