National University

Course:	PHL238 - Critical Thinking in Everyday Life
Last revised:	Date: June 13, 2007
Textbook:	For the correct edition of the textbook assigned to a specific class, go to: http://www.nutextdirect.com
Course Prerequisite(s): ENG 100/101
Course Description: An introduction to the skills needed to rationally and critically evaluate common forms of illogical reasoning, verbal sleights of hand and the use of language to distort and confuse. Emphasizes critical thinking in real-world applications involving advertising, politics, claims of the paranormal and controversial issues like abortion. Also covers the basics of deductive and inductive reasoning.
Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate an understanding of the relation between logic and truth, and the evaluative difference between pure and applied logic. Be able to use different methods to distinguish between arguments, reasons, conclusions, premises, and suppressed assumptions present in ordinary human discourse. To be able to understand the difference between formal and informal, deductive and inductive, logic. Demonstrate proficiency in identifying valid from invalid, sound from unsound, forms of deductive logic. Demonstrate proficiency in identifying strong from weak, cogent from uncogent, inductive arguments. To be able to recognize the common logical fallacies used in argumentation. To recognize the ambiguities that cloud language.
Course Requirements: Course Goals: To improve clarity of thought, to understand what constitutes clear reasoning. To be able to identify the nature of illogical reasoning, and understand how illogical reasoning misleads. To be able to understand how and why illogical reasoning is unsound, and understand how and why sound reasoning informs us with knowledge which is useful. Using the tools of critical thinking, to be able to effectively scrutinize common unsound beliefs (e.g., the paranormal). To be able to examine objectively and dispassionately contemporary controversial issues, (i.e., abortion, homosexuality, etc.). Main Course Content Areas: Understanding what it is to think clearly. Find the relationship between thinking and clear writing. Evaluating informative claims. Identifying the logical fallacies. Understanding what are strong explanations. Using Deductive and Inductive arguments. Explicate the nature of causal arguments. Appreciate different types of reasoning, to include moral, legal, and aesthetic reasoning. Bibliography: Wright, Richard A. Logical Thinking: An Integrated Introduction. Salmon, Merrilee H. Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking. Engel, S. Morris et. al. With Good Reason: An Introduction to Informal Fallacies. Assignments General Each Instructor will develop requirements which may include some or all of the following: Assigned Readings. Homework Assignments. In Class Exams. Take Home Exams. Note: All students are expected to complete the assigned readings and homework before each class meeting, and be prepared to discuss the assigned material in class.

Recommended Course Grading (expressed as percentages):

A	96-100	B+	87-89	C+	77-79	D+	67-69
A-	90-95	B	84-86	C	74-76	D	64-66
		B-	80-83	C-	70-73	D-	60-63

Grading Factors:
Each instructor is responsible for identifying several specific grading components and the weight to be assigned to each component. The following are examples only, and are not meant to be all inclusive:

• Weekly quizzes
• Midterm exam(s)
• Homework assignments
• Participation in classroom or chatroom discussions
• Participation in threaded discussions (online only)
• Short papers, term papers, and the like
• Individual and/or group projects (written and possibly oral presentation)
• Case study analysis and discussion
• Field experience report
• Final exam (comprehensive)

Definition of Grades:

Undergraduate Courses
A	Outstanding Achievement	Significantly exceeds standards
B	Commendable Achievement	Exceeds standards
C	Acceptable Achievement	Meets standards
D	Marginal Achievement	Below standards
F	Failing *

Graduate Courses
A	Outstanding Achievement
B	Commendable Achievement
C	Marginal Achievement
D	Unsatisfactory *
F	Failing *

* Students receiving this grade in a course that is required for his/her degree program must repeat the course.

I

Incomplete A grade given at the discretion of the instructor when a student who has completed at least two-thirds of the course class sessions and is unable to complete the requirements of the course because of uncontrollable and unforeseen circumstances. The student must convey these circumstances (preferably in writing) to the instructor prior to the final day of the course. If an instructor decides that an "Incomplete" is warranted, the instructor must convey the conditions for removal of the "Incomplete" to the student in writing. A copy must also be placed on file with the Office of the Registrar until the "Incomplete" is removed or the time limit for removal has passed. An "Incomplete" is not assigned when the only way the student could make up the work would be to attend a major portion of the class when next offered. An "I" that is not removed within the stipulated time becomes an "F." No grade points are assigned. The "F" is calculated in the grade point average.

W

Withdrawal Signifies that a student has withdrawn from a course after beginning the third class session. Students who wish to withdraw must notify their admissions advisor before the beginning of the sixth class session in the case of graduate courses, or before the seventh class session in the case of undergraduate courses. Instructors are not authorized to issue a "W" grade.

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else's ideas or work as one's own. Students must give credit for any information that is not either the result of original research or common knowledge. If a student borrows ideas or information from another author, he/she must acknowledge the author in the body of the text and on the reference page. Students found plagiarizing are subject to the penalties outlined in the Policies and Procedures section of the University Catalog, which may include a failing grade for the work in question or for the entire course. The following is one of many websites that provide helpful information concerning plagiarism for both students and faculty: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml

Ethics:
Ethical behavior in the classroom is required of every student. The course will identify ethical policies and practices relevant to course topics.

Technology:
Students are expected to be competent in using current technology appropriate for this discipline. Such technology may include word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Use of the internet and e-mail may also be required.

Diversity:
Learning to work with and value diversity is essential in every class. Students are expected to exhibit an appreciation for multinational and gender diversity in the classroom.

Civility:
As a diverse community of learners, students must strive to work together in a setting of civility, tolerance, and respect for each other and for the instructor. Rules of classroom behavior (which apply to online as well as onsite courses) include but are not limited to the following:

• Conflicting opinions among members of a class are to be respected and responded to in a professional manner.
• Side conversations or other distracting behaviors are not to be engaged in during lectures, class discussions or presentations
• There are to be no offensive comments, language, or gestures

Students with Disabilities:
Students seeking special accommodations due to a disability must submit an application with supporting documentation, as explained under this subject heading in the General Catalog. Instructors are required to provide such accommodations if they receive written notification from the University.

Writing Across the Curriculum:
Students are expected to demonstrate writing skills in describing, analyzing and evaluating ideas and experiences. Written reports and research papers must follow specific standards regarding citations of an author's work within the text and references at the end of the paper. Students are encouraged to use the services of the University's Writing Center when preparing materials.

The following website provides information on APA, MLA, and other writing and citation styles that may be required for term papers and the like: http://www.nu.edu/LIBRARY/ReferenceTools/citations.html

National University Library:
National University Library supports academic rigor and student academic success by providing access to scholarly books and journals both electronically and in hard copy. Print materials may be accessed at the Library in San Diego or through document delivery for online and regional students. Librarians are available to provide training, reference assistance, and mentoring at the San Diego Library and virtually for online or regional students. Please take advantage of Library resources:

URL: http://www.nu.edu/library.

Contact the Library:

• RefDesk@nu.edu
• (858) 541-7900 (direct line)
• 1-866-NU ACCESS x7900 (toll free)

Use the Library Training Tools (on the Library Homepage) for additional help

• Recorded class presentations
• Tutorials & Guides (APA/MLA, Peer-Review, and more)