PHIL 1101 - Argument and Critical Thinking

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

Argument is an activity we all engage in, with varying results, in every walk of life. Over the last two millennia philosophers have developed powerful methods for classifying arguments, and identifying common errors in reasoning. Argument and Critical Thinking teaches these methods and applies them to real-life arguments, both written and spoken. It is thus an introduction to communication and applied logic. Among the topics we cover are the theory of legal argument, and the science-pseudoscience debate, which gives us a chance to discuss UFOs, parapsychology, Bigfoot, the Bermuda Triangle and alien abductions!

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Course Details

Course Code	PHIL 1101
Course	Argument and Critical Thinking
Coordinating Unit	Philosophy
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Assumed Knowledge	ESL students are advised to consult Course Coordinator to discuss enrolment in the course
Assessment	500 word essay & 1000 word essay (50%), 2 hour open book exam (50%)

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Emeritus Professor Jennifer McMahon

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Introduce students to a range of techniques for improving their reasoning and communication skills;
2. Introduce students to the difference between argument and rhetoric;
3. Develop in students the ability to understand and analyse arguments, both written and spoken;
4. Develop in students the ability to identify errors (particularly the classic fallacies) in arguments.
5. Write clearly structured essays in which arguments are set out, then criticised or defended;
6. Speak relevantly and effectively about arguments;
7. Engage in argumentation with their peers in a productive and constructive manner.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.	1, 2
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	3, 4
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	5
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	6, 7
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	1, 4
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	6, 7
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	6
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	7

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Theodore Schick and Lewis Vaughn, How To Think About Weird Things, 7th
edition (McGraw-Hill, 2014). Earlier editions will suffice.

Recommended Resources

Munson and Black The Elements of Reasoning (5th edition) or Munson, Conway and Black, The Elements of Reasoning (4th edition).

Online Learning

Various online resources are provided and employed in the teaching of this course. Assessment tasks also involve online engagement.
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

Lectures and Tutorials, On-line component

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

2 x 1 hour lecture per week: 2 hours
1 x 1 hour tutorial per week: 1 hour
1 x 3 hours reading per week (set & recommended texts, relevant online logic tutorials etc): 3 hours
1 x 3 hours preparation for tutorial per week: 3 hours
1 x 3 hours essay and exam preparation each week: 3 hours
Total per week = 12 hours
12 weeks of course: 12 x 12 hrs = 144 hours in total for semester

Learning Activities Summary

Lectures 1-14: Deduction, Fallacies, Evaluating Arguments
Lectures 15-24: Legal Reasoning, Induction, Explanation, Fallacies, Rhetoric

Small Group Discovery Experience

Tutorial Small Group Discussion on questions provided online in the previous week.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Essays, Coursework, Exam

Assessment Related Requirements

Attendance, participation, completion of tasks, online access

Assessment Detail

Essays, Coursework, Exam

Submission

See the Philosophy Handbook for details

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through .

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

The 成人大片 is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 成人大片 therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator

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