Philosophy: critical thinking

In this course you will be introduced to techniques for making yourself clear. We will be studying ways to construct arguments, defend opinions and expose logical fallacies and rhetorical ploys in persuasive texts.

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Key course information

Dates
11/01/12 - 28/03/12

Day(s)
Wed

Duration
11 weeks

Time
10:00 - 12:00

Fees
Full fee: £110
Senior fee: £62

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HP058

Availability
This course has finished

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

Do you ever wish that you were better at expressing your views? Do you lose arguments even though you’re right? Come and develop the skills you need to say what you mean and make your point.
This course is an introduction to critical thinking. It’s designed to help you develop your natural ability to evaluate arguments, identify logical fallacies and rhetorical ploys, and defend your own views with convincing reasons. The course focuses more on writing than debating, and takes examples of good and bad arguments from philosophical as well as non-philosophical texts.

What topics will we cover?

Topics include the basic ingredients of an argument, deductive and inductive inference, common logical fallacies, the principle of charity, and the difference between what sentences mean and what speakers mean in using them.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

identify the premises and conclusions of an argument
formulate unstated premises
distinguish between deductive and inductive inferences
spot fallacies in a persuasive text
produce a concisely stated, logically sound defence of a controversial view.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You don’t need to know anything about philosophy to do this course, but you’ll need to be ready to read and analyse some fairly difficult texts. If you’ve done, or would be able to do, GSCE English, you shouldn’t have difficulty with the reading and (occasional) writing tasks. You’ll also need to be ready to consider some controversial topics of other people’s point of view. We’ll all be arguing that we’re right. So we’ll all need to be ready to admit that we’re wrong!

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Activities in class will include lecture-style presentations, discussion in pairs and small groups, some analysis of non-philosophical texts (e.g. newspaper articles), and debates. To prepare for class, you’ll be expected to read a short text each week. You’ll also be encouraged, but not required, to contribute to online forums. Toward the end of the course, you’ll have an opportunity to write a short persuasive text and receive feedback on it from the tutor and other members of the group.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

All materials will be made available without additional costs via the City Lit Online website or – if you don’t have access to the internet – from the tutor in hardcopy.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.