General Slides for SOC120 Fall 2007 Week 1 (edited Study Guide edited 1/04/08) Class Focus for day 1 Chapter List

Active Learning I hear and I forget I see and I remember I do and I understand In the doing is the learning" A Chinese proverb My job as a teacher: Guide on the side not the sage on the stage!

Create Groups Count 1-5 for class Divide class into groups Group intro: share names, email address, phone number, a movie TV show or book character you see yourself as being like (character not the actor) Jim’s wife says Jim is like Larry David

Goal of Critical Thinking Class Not become a cynic Not become a pessimist Not become an optimist Not become an atheist Not become a nihilist But To Become a Skeptic [an Agnostic] My question being older “Is a cynic or pessimist simply an older mature optimist or skeptic? May be, but not a productive way of thinking with a lifetime ahead of you.

Critical thinkers read and listen carefully!

Jokes: Critical thinkers try to recognize their cultural and personal bias! Blond joke--blond with headphones went into barber shop [stereotype*] Joke about peoples misunderstanding of technology---First class joke list “Any key” and Cup Holder [think outside the obvious] Joke about bear and Christian hunter [context/relativism, who is observing is important] *Note: In England the stereotype would be “gingers”

8/29/07 I wanted to order a webcam from Amazon The Web Page I clicked the “add to shopping cart” What do you think I am going to pay if I order this item?

After adding web cam to shopping cart I Viewed the Rebate Page—see below I canceled order and sent email-next slide

My E-mail to Amazon Today 8/29/07 I was going to order the Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision at(961471-0403): http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000GP4G1I/103-7394830-7355846?SubscriptionId=1YZPTABAME4B7R9J4CG2 Note the page states there is a rebate of $60. I placed the order in my shopping cart and proceeded to check the rebate form where I found the purchase had to be between 8/14/07 and 8/20/07. I immediately cancelled my order. This is sloppy, accidental misleading at best or a purposeful and at least ethically and maybe legally misleading at worst. Many, perhaps most would not have carefully read the rebate until after the product arrived I will be using this example in a critical thinking class and I hope for a reply from you explaining this.

2nd Rebate Page Viewed after canceling order and sending email I looked went back to the Amazon site to copy the rebate form for this slide What does a critical thinker think now?

Reply from Amazon Thank you for contacting us at Amazon.com. I apologize for any misunderstanding regarding the rebate offer for "Logitech QuickCam Ultra Vision." I've checked the rebate for this item on our web site and found that the purchase date in order to qualify for this rebate is August 28, 2007 - September 03, 2007. Therefore, if you place an order before September 03, 2007, you order will be qualified for the rebate. When we show mail-in offers for items listed on our web site, they are generally available for printing. Customers qualify for the offer as long as they submit their order for the item within the offer's listed qualifying dates.

E-Mail We will use email to communicate between class members. If you need to send me a message be sure and use your Runner Mail c1

Day 1 Possible links for class presentation: Goal of Critical Thinking Class, Jokes, Flip Flopper, Fact & Opinion or Health, Back packs, Credit Card or Checking account exercise, Gas Ex, CTand Pictures: Lebanon, CTand Pictures: Dogs, Political Credibility Review Class Time Structure [board outline, stdy gps, break, stdy gps, quiz] Set up Groups—task find critical thinking info about DDH bank offer purposed in hallway or how to save gas. Laptop [bring laptops to next class we will see if they connect] Syllabus—[change text size] Go over all. Emphasize Goal of Critical Thinking (S3), syllabus on web Critical thinking examples (comics, etc. this PP) Info Cards and tell class we will pick major issues for class so watch for current hot issues in the news Textbook Structure Overview [TOC, Preface, Highlights, Boxes, Recap, Exercises, Glossary]—can do class 2 if necesary A01 –bring a printed copy from the web for the next class. Quiz on today’s class and syllabus next class 2nd and 3rd CLASS Quiz on syllabus and day 1 –slide 16 Answers S17 after quiz turned in NPR-Castration example Topic, Issue, Lib Research, Scientific research: Observe and think about possible issue topics for class project. Study Chapter 1 for quiz next class Homework for next class: Review Syllabus, start study of chapter 1, Quiz on syllabus. Bring printed copy of A01, bring issue topic(s) ideas to class, Find DDH Bank Offer Info, Quiz chapter 1--1st class next week

Comics and Critical Thinking 1– SFC 9/7/03 Text fallacy page 134-136

Flip Flopper: What does a critical Thinker Decide?

Comics and Critical Thinking 1– SFC 9/15/04

Fact & Opinion: Comics and Critical Thinking 1– SFC 9/7/03 Text page 12-13

Comics and Critical Thinking SFC 1-- 9/7/03 From 2000 Presidential Election but Point made applies 2004 Text page Part II

Health For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting medical studies: 1. Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 2. Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 3. Africans drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 4. Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 5. Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Americans. Conclusion-- What does a critical thinker decide 

Conclusion Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

2nd-3rd Class Quiz on class operations and syllabus –answers but not quize questions will be returned Review Quiz and Syllabus Group discussion: (1) Should you get a Credit card [reasons for both “yes” and “no”] (2) If “yes” what do you need to know to decide which card. Start Chapter overview: (How to use text) Definition of Critical Thinking (no text/notes) Review links on class schedule Play Tape on Issue: NPR-Castration X Topic, Issue, Lib Research, Scientific research: Observe, think about an issue topics for class project Class suggestions for issues (Groups) A01 overview from web CT Examination of VISA, “Free checking” account, save gas, buy a cell phone etc. [specifics] Chapter 1 Study Groups

Syllabus/First Class Quiz ____________________________________________(TR or MWF ) S0C120 Q0 F07 L Name First Name (Circle your Section) ______(Group) Pre Quiz After Syllabus Discussion 1,2 ___________________, __________________Name 1 person in your group and the media character they identify with. 3. ____________________Name one newspaper you are encouraged to read for this class. 4. _________________________Where can you get a copy of the syllabus, be specific and complete (no not a class friend or someone from your group!) 5. __________________What email program must you use to communicate to the instructor or assistant? 6. ______You have a quiz average of 70, midterm of 90 final exam grade of 80 and you have missed 3 classes and did not turn in one assignment, what is your grade for the quarter? 7. You find this in a review: Lisa R. Staffen, published in Contemporary Sociology (March, 1996, Vol 25, No 2, pp 154-156) You like this idea and use it in a class paper in the following form: ----Is this plagiarism? ____Yes______No. 8. ____________________________________________________________________ State one item you heard on NPR this morning 9. Which, in general would be most credible and least credible? .com, .gov, .edu, .biz ________ Most _______ Least 10. What does the term skeptic mean?—answer on back--

Syllabus/First Class Quiz ANSWERS ____________________________________________(TR or MWF ) S0C120 F07 L Name First Name (Circle your Section) Pre Quiz After Syllabus Discussion—Graded or Not Graded? 1,2 ___any group member____, ______character_Name 1 person in your group and the media character they identify with. 3. _San Francisco Chronicle, NYT, LAT, Wall street Journal Name one newspaper you are encouraged to read for this class. 4. _http://www.csub.edu/~jross/classes/SOC120/Soc120.html Where can you get a copy of the syllabus, be specific and complete? (no not a class friend or someone from your group!) 5. _RunnerMail What email program must you use to communicate to the instructor or assistant? 6. _75 You have a quiz average of 70, midterm of 90 final exam grade of 80 and you have missed 3 classes and did not turn in one assignment, what is your grade for the quarter? 7. You find this in a review: Lisa R. Staffen, published in Contemporary Sociology (March, 1996, Vol 25, No 2, pp 154-156 You like this idea and use it in a class paper in the following form: Is this plagiarism? Source . _X_Yes______No ----8. ____________________________________________________________________ State one item you heard on NPR this morning 9. Which, in general would be most credible and least credible? .com, .gov, .edu, .biz _.gov___Most _.com, .biz, .edu Least—arguable dependant on the context and topic 10. On the back, define the term skeptic? GOOGLE define:skeptic

One definition of Critical Thinking from Moore and Parker Critical thinking includes a variety of deliberative processes aimed at making wise decisions about what to believe and do, processes that center on evaluation of arguments but include much more. (page xxv 8th edition)

Back packs: What does a critical thinker consider? Recent news sources have reported that backpacks with their heavy weight due to large books and security concerns limiting the use of lockers for schools has led to a large increase in accidents and back problems for k-12 students

What a critical thinker considers? One follow up news report, page 2, reported that the real problem with backpack accidents when studied closer was not wearing the backpack but tripping over backpacks. Another later news report (USA Weekend 8/29, 03)that a University of Michigan Health System found that “the real culprit in back pain was kids’ being overweight and under-exercised.

An Old Riddle 1 A man and his son are in an accident. The father is killed; the boy is rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. The surgeon comes into the operating room looks at the boy, and exclaims, “I can’t. That’s my son.” Who is the surgeon? Next- c2

An Old Riddle 1 The surgeon was the mother Our culture and related beliefs, our “common sense” color our perceptions—surgeons usually are not women! Chapter 2 Writing in diverse society.

Group Exercise 1: Credit Card or Checking account: [Everyday CT]

0% Financing A Great Deal! What does a critical thinker think about this fantastic deal?

The Real Price of 0% Financing Only 7% of new cars were financed at 0% in 04 Most dealers offer rebate or 0% financing—can’t get both Best interest deal is by getting pre approval for a loan from bank, credit union… From: Costco Connection Jan 2005

NPR Castration Tape What is the issue? What are the sides (pro/con) of the issue? What is the supporting evidence for the sides (pro/con)? What is the position that you see as best supported? Why?

NPR Issue Will voluntary castration reduce recidivism of child sex offenders? Or Whether or not voluntary castration reduces recidivism of child sex offenders? Pro Side Con Side Evidence Evidence General Topic/subject: Child sex offenders Library research topic: Emperical Research Topic:

What does a critical thinker think about this? Jan. 22, 2002 Jan. 25, 2002, Memo This reportedly led to the “matrix”, abusive, treatment of prisoners in Cuba and Iraq and the trails for Abu Ghraib Graner Prisoner Abuse Trial What does a critical thinker think about this?

Apparently the Justice department thought to revise and “clarify” the earlier memo. Dec. 30, 2004 A morale dilemma, solders abide by the interpreted law, which can change, or broader human rights? Remember Nuremberg! Many legal experts say the “following orders” defense has not and will not work.

13. CTand Pictures: Lebanon “This Reuters photograph [8/05/06 of the Israel bombing of Lebanon] shows blatant evidence of manipulation. Notice the repeating patterns in the smoke; this is almost certainly caused by using the Photoshop “clone” tool to add more smoke to the image. (Hat tip: Mike.)” http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=21956_Reuters_Doctoring_Photos_from_Beirut&only

13a. CTand Pictures: Dogs I (Brittany) was browsing around and found a really good example of pictures having a rhetorical effect on critical thinking, so I thought I'd pass it along. Here's the site: http://www.pitbull.us/861analysis.htm I originally heard about this through a myspace bulletin, which had several pictures like the one at the top of that website. Even though the bill may or may not be misguided, that conclusion should not be reached solely by looking at the picture of the sad dog...

Republican Goals?

Study list C1 8th Edition A Intro:Need for Critical Thinking Need for CT:tanning business, Vicks VaporRub/absorbine JR,Bear & Beer 1. Critical Thinking beginning Def/Ex [p2m] 2. Is CT“attacking other people”?[p3] B Claims Def/Ex CT process [p4] C Arguments Def/Ex [p4,5] -two parts of an argument premise, conclusion D Other concepts and terms Def/Ex: 1 opinions, views, thoughts, beliefs, convictions, ideas (all same for class) Def/Ex 2 issue or question Def/Ex (~Psy issue)[p6] 3 knowledge? (vs. information/data) trut claim if 1-3 [p4b] E Subjectivism(opinion)&not subjective Def/Ex[p6] 1 going to the doctor [p7t] 2 “taste” 3 adj. and adj. phrases 4 continuum subjective—not subjective 5 aesthetic judgment [p8b-9t] 6 contradiction test [p8t] F Value judgements [p8b] 1 types [culnary, practical.Ethical/moral Def/Ex] 2 value judgments some subjective and some not subjective: shooting into propane tank, killing an elk [p9t-m] Class:Sociology concept cultural universals Study list C1 8th Edition G Basic Critical Thinking Skills [p10t] determine claim under consideration define terms (Pluto a planet?# chpt. 2) determine type of claim: premise, conclusion Apply appropriate principles of evaluation -determine evidence to determine T or F factual vs non factual & Matter of Fact! H Two kinds of “good arguments” Def/Ex: [p10t] Deductive—valid proves or demonstrates Inductive—strong supports probability T I Recognizing Arguments[p11t] (a) “Cardinal rule” of argument identification: ID 2 claims[p12] Premise Conclusion 2 parts on an argument—therefore or equivalent (b) Language of arguments Premise indicator, Conclusion indicator or equivalent J Two confusions about arguments[p14t] Arguments vs. explanations Def/Ex: Arguments vs. persuasion Def/Ex: K Relevance, Rhetoric keeping a clear head [p16] Extraneous considerations: relationship, accent, dress, demeanor, rhoteric (include photos) Matter of Fact! Planet old and new definitions: “… if it has sufficient mass, and hence gravity, to be roughly spherical in shape, and if it orbits the Sun rather than another planet.” Importance of definitions!

“Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.” Decisions “Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.” Colin Powell c2

Political Credibility THE BEST CONGRESS MONEY CAN BUY. (Based on records summer 2001,) 29 members of Congress have been accused of spouse abuse, 7 have been arrested for fraud, 19 have been accused of writing bad checks, 117 have bankrupted at least two businesses, 3 have been arrested for assault, 71 have credit reports so bad they can't qualify for a credit card, 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges, 8 have been arrested for shoplifting, 21 are current defendants in lawsuits In 1998 alone, 84 were stopped for drunk driving, but released after they claimed Congressional immunity. 1 has been accused of sexual harassment of a page (2006) Political Credibility I don't have any problem with this, Politicians are supposed to represent the people! Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason. CT Question: (1) Does this sound reasonable? (2) What is the source?

Index Card—Number the lines on your card Front of Card (1) Last Name, First Name (2) Email address (3) Address (4) Phone number (5) Year in college (6) Major (7) Previous Logic or philosophy courses—List # (8) Debate in high school or college --Yes or No (9) Place of employment (10) Hours per week of employment and job (11) What classes are you taking this quarter? Back of Card (1) What do you want to learn from this course? (2) Name a problem, purchase, action, decision you need to make or have recently made that requires critical thinking to come up with the best conclusion. (3)Where do you usually get your news (a) TV, Newspaper, Radio, WEB etc. (b) ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, etc. (c) Radio (Rush, NPR, etc.) (d) Web, (e) Other______? (4) How many total minutes a day do you usually watch, hear, read the news? (5) What is a FICO score? If you have a laptop computer with a wireless card place an X top right of your card