Introduction to Critical Thinking G (UCC) (10352.1)

Please note these are the 2021 details for this unit
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Introduction to Critical Thinking G (UCC)
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods On-Campus
 UC - University of Canberra College, Bruce
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
University Of Canberra College Graduate Level Band 2 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
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


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.
Availability for enrolment in 2024 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2023 UC - University of Canberra College, Bruce Semester 1 06 February 2023 On-Campus Dr Robert Berthon
2023 UC - University of Canberra College, Bruce Semester 2 31 July 2023 On-Campus Dr Robert Berthon
2024 UC - University of Canberra College, Bruce Semester 1 05 February 2024 On-Campus Dr Robert Berthon
2024 UC - University of Canberra College, Bruce Semester 2 29 July 2024 On-Campus Dr Robert Berthon
Not available

Required texts

Textbook:

Browne, M. N., & Keeley, S. M. (2017). Asking the right questions: A guide to critical thinking. 12th edition, Pearson Education Limited, England

Bassham, G., Irwin, W., Nardone, H., Wallace, J.M. (2019) Critical Thinking – A Student's Introduction, 6th edition, McGraw-Hill 

Useful readings to help you include:

Bowell, T., and G. Kemp (2015) Critical Thinking: A concise guide. (4th ed). London: Routledge.

Corradini, A. (2010) Emergence in Science and Philosophy. Hoboken: Taylor & Francis.

De Bono, E. (1990) Six Thinking Hats. London: Penguin.

Stuhr, J. J. (2010) 100 Years of Pragmatism : William James's revolutionary philosophy. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.

           Thompson, A. (1996) Critical Reasoning: A practical introduction. London: Routledge.

Submission of assessment items

Special assessment requirements

In addition to all other Assessment Requirements student must attempt all assessment items and obtain an overall score of 50% or more to pass this unit.

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Learner engagement

You are expected to spend at least 10 hours per week studying this unit in in class and in your own time.

Scheduled hours per teaching period

Personal study hours

Total workload hours

36

84

120

 

Participation requirements

Students are expected to attend all classes and active engagement in tutorial is strongly encouraged. Attendance will be taken in all tutorials.

Please be advised that it is against University of Canberra College Policy to give marks for class attendance alone.

Required IT skills

Basic Microsoft Word, Powerpoint processing skills and ability to access the internet.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None.