REQUIRED TEXTS: Parker and Moore, CRITICAL THINKING, 6th Ed.
Hicks and Kelly, READINGS FOR LOGICAL ANALYSIS, 2nd Ed.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Critical Thinking teaches the skills necessary
for students to effectively analyze verbal and written data and express
the results in written form. In the process of analyzing the arguments
of others, students will learn to construct well-reasoned written arguments
of their own. Content from Parker and Moore's Critical Thinking
will be developed through short example exercises, applied to written arguments
in The Art of Reasoning, and presented in the student's own work
in four short papers and one long research paper.
GRADING
Students are eligible for English 1C if they
have passed English 1A with a grade of C or better; the course transfers
to four-year institutions with a grade of C or above. To pass the course,
students need to complete five areas of course work: in-class assignments,
short papers, a research paper, a midterm, and a final examination.
In-class assignments
include quizzes, exercises, debates, and group
activities. Quiz scores and activities are used to settle borderline disputes
in final grading. The short papers address issues relevant to the
textbook material and are evaluated on their use of well-reasoned arguments,
their inclusion of relevant support material, and their adherence to logical
essay structure. They are letter graded and averaged for a composite grade.
The
research paper is assessed according to the above criteria, and in
addition, it is evaluated for successful integration of source material.
The short papers, the research paper, the
midterm,
and the final, each contribute 25% to the final grade.
PROTOCOL
Papers must be typewritten, double spaced, and
turned in at the beginning of class on the day they are due; late papers
are not accepted. All work must be identified by name, date, and assignment.
In-class assignments must be completed in ink; work written in pencil
will be returned to the student without a grade. Students may submit a
rewritten paper for an improved grade within one week after a paper has
been returned.
ABSENCES
Students are responsible for all work covered
in class whether they are present or not. Although three absences are allowed
for the semester, such a number of absences would seriously impede a student's
ability to perform successfully in the class.
CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENTS
* Students requiring special services or arrangements
because of hearing, visual, or other disability should contact their instructor,
counselor, or the Disabled Student Services Office.
**Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.