Introduction to Critical Thinking G (UCC) (10352.1)

Critical analytical skills are essential for problem solving and are valued as graduate attributes. This unit introduces students to different methods of critical thinking through the history of Western thought and philosophy that underline many traditions of modern Western scholarship. Postgraduate students will be prepared for future study by developing skills in reasoning and argument.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Critique and communicate complex philosophical propositions;
2. Analyse arguments and supporting evidence;
3. Critically compare different viewpoints;
4. Construct a sound argument using appropriate evidence; and
5. Recognise the role of argument in academic traditions.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict

Skills development

Critical thinking is a very different mental activity than regurgitating what has been learned. One key aim of Western education is to produce learning students who are habitual questioners and arrive at their own opinions through higher-order thinking. In this unit, students are challenged to develop the skills involved in analysing, creating and evaluating argument. This unit introduces students to different methods of critical thinking through the development of ability to ask the right questions. A wide variety of material is studied to foster the skills to think and argue logically with the expectation that students become critical thinkers throughout their university studies and later on when employed. Postgraduate students will be prepared for future studies by developing skills in reasoning and argument.

Corequisites

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.