Introduction to Critical Thinking - a college-level language arts class, with emphasis on writing

1. HUM 120
Introduction to Critical Thinking
Cindy Cruz-Cabrera
English, Women and Development, Media Studies and Media Anthropology
about.me/cindycruzcabrera en.gravatar.com/cindycatz
prof.cindycatz@gmail.com

2. COURSE DESCRIPTION

3. This course covers the basics in critical
thinking, logical fallacies, and the common
devices and techniques for persuasion and
reasoning. It provides opportunities for
applying critical thinking and reasoning in
discussions, debates, and academic papers.

4. COURSE OBJECTIVES

5. • Construct sound arguments and valid support;
• Evaluate arguments and claims correctly;
• Employ reasoning and rhetorical devices
effectively;
• Think systematically and distinguish between
valid and invalid reasoning; and
• Apply and use the basics of logic and critical
thinking in academic writing, day-to-day
activities and conversations with others.

6. COURSE CONTENT

7. • Foundational Concepts in Critical Thinking
• Common Devices and Techniques for
Persuasion and Reasoning
• Logical Fallacies
• Anatomy and Varieties of Arguments
• Moral, Legal and Aesthetic Reasoning

8. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
and GRADING

9. • 20% Class Participation
• 20% Midterms
• 20% Coursework
• 40% Final Examinations
• Sixty percent (60%) is required as a passing
mark for each requirement and for the
course.

10. CLASS MEETINGS

11. • Discussions
–lectures, discussions, reports, activities,
and presentations.
• Work Sessions
–composition, research, consultation,
assessment and evaluation
(teacher/group/peer).
• Film Viewing

12. ATTENDANCE and
CLASS WORK

13. • Attendance is mandatory.
• You are allowed a maximum of three (6)
absences from class.
• The Office of Academics shall automatically
drop you from the roll on your absence
beyond 6 meetings.
• 3 counts of tardiness = 1 absence.
• Arriving 15 minutes late = absent.

14. • Any class work done on the day of one’s
absence is automatically forfeited, regardless
of whether the absence is excused or not.
• Any questions you may have for me regarding
attendance will be about your requirements
only.
• All other concerns (submission of
certificates/letters/etc.) should be
accompanied by a cover letter addressed to
me, Mr. Berbano and Mr. Silva.

15. CLASS PARTICIPATION

16. • You are expected to participate consistently in
class discussions.
• The success of discussions depends to some
extent on the work you do before stepping in
the classroom. Make sure you come to class
prepared.
• Read the required texts carefully. Put a lot of
thought and effort into your assigned work.
• We do not need mere talk in class. What we
need is talk that is interesting and insightful.

17. DEADLINES

18. • Work should be turned in on time. Failure to
comply will affect your grade.
• All assignments in hardcopy are due at the
beginning of class.
• All assignments in softcopy shall be submitted
via email:
prof.cindycatz@gmail.com
• Closing dates and times shall be strictly
observed.
• Any requirements not submitted when due
need not be turned in.
• Deadlines are non-negotiable.

19. COURSEWORK FORMAT
Soft Copy / Printout
APA

20. Handwritten
• Intermediate Pad OR College Ruled Pad –
white or yellow only
• NO SCENT
• One-inch borders
• LEGIBLE script / print
• Black or blue ink only

21. A NOTE ON PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is cheating and is punishable
by:
• failure in a requirement
• failure in a course
• suspension
and
• expulsion.

22. TEXTBOOK
Critical Thinking
by Brooke Noel Moore and Richard Parker
I will assume at all times that assigned
readings have been read.

23. CONSULTATION

24. • CONSULTATION takes place during Workshop
Sessions. These will be announced.
• Sign up for consultation on Facebook.
• Please be ready to consult and deliver during
your designated time.
• You may consult briefly via email. Be sure to
indicate the course title.
• I do not refuse ambush consultations, but, to
ensure having your pertinent documents,
grades etc. on hand, sign up for consultation.

25. Students with Disabilities
• If you have (or suspect you have) a disability
for which you are or may be requesting
accommodation, you are encouraged to
speak to me privately as early as possible in
the term.
• We will properly verify your disability and
determine reasonable accommodations for
this course.