IDS 1010 - Critical Thinking

3 sem hrs cr

This course teaches the tools and methodologies of critical thinking including inductive and deductive reasoning, principles of logic, categorization of values, argumentation, problem solving, etc. It analyzes the process of how individuals think and how certain views are developed. The impact of beliefs on social, civic and economic thinking in contemporary American is also addressed. Critical thinking tools are also applied to a variety of additional topics such as current events and ethical issues. Prerequisite: Documented eligibility for collegiate level English

In rare and unusual circumstances, a course prerequisite can be overridden with the permission of the Department Lead for the discipline.

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UN

By the end of the course, students will be able to…

• identify common barriers to critical thinking.
• identify learning and behavioral styles in themselves and others.
• critically evaluate statements from the news, advertisements, and the media.
• identify and evaluate the impact of social issues on the individual, the community, and the world.

Course Objectives

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to…

• participate in activities to enable them to identify common barriers to the critical-thinking process.
• identify and evaluate their own conclusions through introspection and the application of course material.
• learn proper debate techniques.
• understand value systems, behavioral and learning styles, and the impact of environment on their personal belief system.