1 HU345: Critical Thinking Unit 1 Kaplan University Stuart Collins

INSTRUCTOR AND SEMINAR INFORMATION COURSE INFORMATION INSTRUCTOR AND SEMINAR INFORMATION Instructor Name and Credentials: Stuart Collins MA, MA.      . Kaplan Email Address: scollins2@kaplan.edu      . AIM Instant Messenger Name: scollins2       . AIM Office Hours (ET): By Appointment Course/Seminar Day and Time (ET): Wednesday at 10pm ET    . COURSE MATERIALS Textbook Information Critical Thinking: Discovering how to Compose and Analyze Arguments

Course Outcomes: By the end of this course, you should be able to: COURSE DESCRIPTION This course helps students apply tools of informal logic and critical thinking to practical situations they encounter in everyday life. Students will learn how to use methods of critical thinking to evaluate arguments, claims, and strategies for constructing sound arguments. They will also learn how to identify and respond to faulty or manipulative reasoning in their own thinking and arguments and in the thinking and arguments of others. In addition, students will assess the reasoning found in mass media (such as websites, advertisements, and newspapers). Finally, students will apply the concepts they study to real-world issues of personal and professional significance. COURSE OUTCOMES Course Outcomes: By the end of this course, you should be able to: 1 HU 345-01. Assess personal and mass media claims 2. HU 345-02, Articulate a position through persuasive, well-written arguments 3. HU 345-03. Evaluate the elements of poor reasoning, such as common logical fallacies 4. HU 345-04. Visual arguments in mass media 5. HU 345-05. Apply critical thinking concepts to real-world issues of personal significance

Any Questions Discussion Sections

Unit 1 Seminar In the Unit 1 seminar we will discuss the course syllabus, the course text, time management strategies, and how the course prepares you to complete the Final Project. Before the seminar, think about the following questions: Argumentation is challenging to read, but gets easier with practice. What are some "best practices" for reading a difficult passage? This term, we will engage in a lively mix of reading, writing, and discussion. What are your top suggestions for managing your time when you confront challenges like these? All of the activities and assignments in this course will help prepare you to do the Final Project that is due at the end of Unit 9. Do you have any questions or anxieties about the Final Project?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syllogism http://grammar.about.com/od/rs/g/syllogismterm.htm plato.stanford.edu/entries/medieval-syllogism/

http://math.fau.edu/schonbek/mfla/mfla1f01syl.html

http://nobeliefs.com/fallacies.htm

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/659/01/