PHIL 102: Critical Thinking & Reasoning Spring 2016
Instructor: Dr. Gretchen Skivington
Office Hours: MH 127 M-Th 8:45-10:00; F by appointment
Phone: 775-753-2283
Email:
Day & Time: T, H 1-:215
Location: online
Text: “Critical Thinking”, Moore & Parker, McGraw Hill, 11e with Access Code to Connect & Smartbook. Note: a vtext is used for the class.
Go to> gbcnv.edu Bookstore (rt toolbar), PHIL 102, Skivington to purchase correct edition
Course Overview/Catalogue Description: Nonsymbolic introduction to logical thinking in everyday life, law, politics, science, advertising; common fallacies; and the uses of language including techniques of persuasion.
Course Objective: The course is designed to develop critical thinking skills defined as the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing and/or evaluation information gathered from or generated by: observation, experience, reflection, reasoning or communication as a guide to belief and action.
*EXPLANATION OF THE ONLINE PILOT
Overview:
Philosophy 102 is a pilot program this semester which means this is the first time offered and implemented at GBC. It uses a vtext of “Critical Thinking”, Moore & Parker together with the CONNECT &LEARNSMART adaptive learning and reading programs.
This is a pilot program: We shall learn it together: Be patient with yourselves & your instructor!Here are some details of our shared learning to point out:
1) Glitches: There will be some with a new program. Report them to me and we’ll
improve the online access to “Critical Thinking”. I welcome your suggestions,
difficulties and comments. Please don’t hesitate to communicate with me!
2) Nonsynchcronous online: There is no Skype or Voiceboard with the pilot.
It may feel a little “flat” and alienating to read and process the material with
LEARNSMART (LS) and then take quizes on the material for Lessons
1,2,3,4,5,6,7 9.11 (notice Lessons 8 & 12 are not used).
I will primarily communicate with you through the Announcements and email.
However, I hold phone office hours every day M-Th 9:00-10:00 am
775-753-2283.
We’ll also try a few “Communication Fridays” during which I will be
Available by phone 775-753-2283 all morning on designated Fridays to
answer questions about the material and chapters and give you a live
one-on-one session if you so desire (optional). In the future the online
course may include Lecture Capture (pre-recorded video lectures) and/or
a synchronous Wimba/Skype platform if this pilot class determines it
necessary. Remember! You are learning about critical thinking as a discipline
and in this case applying critical thinking to improving this pilot course.
3) Philosophy: Critical thinking essentially is the foundation of philosophy
itself. It is basically “thinking about thinking”; “learning how to think”!
a challenging endeavor to say the least. Because it is a pilot you will
be given multiple opportunities “attempts” to get the material right.
LEARNSMART (LS) is an adaptive learning and reading tutor which
will assess your learning, determine the gaps and diagnose successive
learning plans and strategies for you. . .until you get it right. Sound good?
4) Format:The entire semester will be preloaded for you by Thurs. 1-21 In brief, LSindicates the “LEARNSMART” or “Smartbook”
interactional learning program through which you will process the material
through the Exercisesby multipleprocess attempts in preparation
for the assessment of the 10 chapters through Quizes.
5) Concepts=Chapters 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,11
Ch. 1 Definition REVIEW p. 1 RECAP p.21-22
2 Deductive/Inductive p. 32 p. 52-53
3 Clear Writing p. 64 p. 85-86
4 Credibility p. 96 p. 124-125
5 Rhetoric p. 135 p. 159
6 Relevance p. 176 p. 190
7 Inductive Fallacies p. 197 p. 215
* 9 Deductive: Categorical Logic p. 243 p. 274
* 11 Inductive Reasoning p. 331 p. 372-373
**These Concepts pages are your Best Buddies!—Make sure you know the definitions and major ideas of each chapter this way.
* NOTE: Chapters 9 & 11 function as a comprehensive review and Final for the semester.
6) Grading: LS “LEARNSMART” = 25% of your grade.
Your grade is evaluated according to how much you complete/ how much active
processing you are engaged in ie: “How hard you try to access the material”.
The FORMATIVE. Homework Assignments are worth 25%
The SUMMATIVE Quizes of 10 total composite topics/chapters are worth 50%
Scale
93-100% = A 82-80% = B- 67=69% = D+
92-90% = A- 77-79% = C+ 62-66% = D
87-89% = B+ 72-76% = C 60-62% = D-
82-86% = B 72-70% =C- < 60% = F
AShows exceptional care & organization Exhibits significant effort & creativity
Babove average commendable
C acceptable average
Dbelow average minimal.
Measurements of Learner Outcomes:
Each student will be required to read, process and demonstrate comprehension of ten principle concepts of critical thinking: Ch. 1 Definition, Ch. 2 Intro to Deductive and Inductive Logic, Ch. 3 WritingCriticallyCh. 4 Credibility, Ch. 5 Rhetoric, Ch. 6 Relevance, Ch. 7 Inductive Fallacies, Ch. 9 Deductive/Categorical Logic Ch. 11 Inductive/Scientific Method
.
Assessment Method / Learner OutcomesExercises for Ch. 1, 2, 3 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11 / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11
Recap Quizes: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9, 11 / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11
General Education Objectives
PHIL 102 - Critical Thinking and Reasoning
Objective 1: Communication Skills - Communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral form, i.e. discussion, reading, listening, and accessing information. - Strong
Philosophy 102 is strong in communication skills. This course requires that students express their thinking abilities through both writing and oral communication. Part of the course grade is based on students’ thoughtful participation through activities and assessments.
Measurement:Each interactive assignment helps process the 9 core concepts of critical thinking. The chapter quizes provide a summative evaluation of mastery.
Objective 2: Critical Thinking - Integrate creativity, logic, quantitative reasoning, and the hierarchy of inquiry and knowing in social and scientific understanding. - Strong
The purpose of this course is to refine the students’ understanding of thinking and to acquaint them with the skills and standards of good thinking. Students learn inductive reasoning (the scientific method) as a process based on observation and precise use of words; they learn to distinguish between fact and inference, and to recognize the barriers to good thinking presented by assumptions and unsubstantiated opinions. Students learn to use fact and the principles of logic to construct an argument as well as to recognize the flawed thinking represented in logical fallacies. Basic principles of statistics (sufficiency of sample, drawing conclusions from numerical data, interpreting charts and graphs) are applied in exercises and class discussions. Students are also introduced to the basic principles of deductive reasoning. At the heart of this course is the recognition that thinking is always contextual and problem-solving, that it teaches students to create and test hypothetical solutions to perceived problems in the environment.
Measurement: Students must apply the concepts of critical thinking in completing exercises, exams and quizzes.
Objective 3: Personal and Cultural Awareness - Understand the roles of individuals in society, the development of human societies, and the significance of creativity in the human experience. - Strong
Philosophy 102 focuses on students as individual thinkers, and it asks students to consider widespread cultural assumptions which influence how individuals and groups think. One way of looking at the course is that its subject matter becomes people's beliefs, opinions, etc. Since the course makes familiar, takenforgranted attitudes the subject of academic study students become much more attuned to them. Successful students in the course begin to routinely question these things. There is also a strong historical component of Philosophy 100. The course acquaints students with the standards of thinking which have been applied and perfected throughout history. Logical principles first articulated by Greek philosophers are applied to both historical and current situations. For example, students discover that the racial stereotypes which plague modern society are linked to the flawed reasoning called ethnocentrism. Students learn that they are individually accountable for their thinking and the actions which result. They are also introduced to a non-linear kind of thinking, lateral thinking, which allows for unexpected or creative solutions for a given problem.
Measurement: exercises, exams and quizes which reflect upon current events, pop culture, advertisng, tge nedua akibg wutg gustirucak examples.
Objective 4: Technological Understanding - Function effectively in modern society through the use of technology. - To Some Degree
Students must actively engage in the McGraw platform for the vtext “Critical Thinking” including but not limited to: Connect, LEARNSMART and Smarthinking. The course is 100% online and built into a comprehensive digital learning package.
Measurement: Implementation and effective use of: Interactive adaptive learning technology including: Connect, Smartbook and MH vtext “Critical Thinking”, Moore/Parker as demonstrated through successful navigation and completion of 10 course modules.
ADA Statement: Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The Director of Services for Students with Disabilities (Julie G. Byrnes) will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services. For more information or further assistance, please call 775.753.2271.
Campus Security: GBC is committed to the safety of our students and has a duty to promote awareness and prevention programs for violence on campus under the Jeanne Clery Act as well as the Campus SaVE( Sexual Violence Elimination Act) and VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), which are amendments to Clery. Acts of violence include, but are not limited to, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Acts of violence can occur on the physical campus or centers of GBC in addition to field placement sites, clinical practice settings, and other places where college or class activities occur. As well, the online environmnet at GBC is considered a GBC site. If you experience any incidence where your safety has been threatened or violated, or if you feel threatened or harassed, immediately report this to me, any center director, or staff member, or directly to the Director of Environmental Health, Safety & Security (775.753.2115) or the Vice President for Student Services (775.753.2282).
WARNING: 4.4 is the last day to drop the class with a “W” instead of an “F”
SCHEDULE
Weeks 1-3Jan. 25-Feb 14Ch.1 Definition of Critical Thinking
Ch.2 Intro to Deductive and Inductive Logic
Weeks 3-6 Feb 15-March 6Ch.3 Writing & Critical Thinking
Ch.4 Credibility
Weeks 6-9 March 7- March 20Ch. 5 Rhetoric
SPRING BREAK: March 21-26
March 27-April 10Ch.6 Relevance
Weeks 9-11 April 11-17Ch.7 Inductive Fallacies
April 18-May 1 Ch.9 Deduction/Categorical LogicMay 2-May 18 Ch.11 Induction/Scientific Method
Note: Ch. 9 & 11= Final Exam, Summative review of course