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Philosophy 130: Critical Thinking
Fall 2010 Schedule
This schedule is provisional and subject to change. You are responsible for keeping abreast
of changes to the schedule, which will be announced in class and posted on the course
website.
Assignments should be completed for the day on which they’re listed. All work done
outside of class should be typed.
Getting Started
8.17
8.19
Why Critical Thinking? Introduction, examples, class mechanics.
Homework: articulate your goals for the course, and determine what class rules will
best help you achieve those goals. In class: determine class rules.
8.24
Homework: read Case 2: Flag Day (part 1, pp. 31-35) and answer the first three
questions under “Some Questions to Consider.” Arguments: general overview and
parts of arguments.
Homework: research the history of the use of the Confederate battle flag. When was
it first designed, what did it represent, when was it used, which groups used the flag?
Your homework should be at least one page, typed, double-spaced. Research: how
and why to use it in critical thinking. Complete a forum question.
8.26
8.31
9.2
Research continued.
Breaking large issues down in arguments. Case study in class. Complete a forum
question.
9.7
9.9
Evaluating information and arguments: types of claims.
Homework: read Case 4: BOZ will be BOZ (parts 1-3, pp.54-67), identify the major
claims made, and say what kind of claim each is. Types of claims continued.
9.14
9.16
In-class assessment (research and claims).
Choose group project topics and groups.
9.21
Group work in class: breaking down your project into sub-topics.
9.23
9.28
9.30
Group work in class continued: break down project and choose sub-topics.
Meet in Library. Research day.
Meet in Library. Research day.
10.5
10.7
Meet in Library. Research day.
Term Paper Part 1 due: research report. Group work in class.
10.12 Supporting an argument. Empirical claims. Complete a forum question.
10.14 Supporting an argument. Normative and Interpretive claims.
10.19 Evaluating arguments.
10.21 Homework: read Case 6: Paper Chase (parts 1-2, pp. 85-92); describe the two major
interpretations offered of the cartoon and evaluate the ways in which each “side”
uses evidence to support their interpretation.
10.26 Evaluating arguments continued.
10.28 Organizing arguments: using argument maps. Meet in Skills Center Lab. Complete a
forum question.
11.2
11.4
Meet in Skills Center Lab. Argument maps.
Argument map due. Group work in class.
11.9 Evaluating yourself: assumptions, biases, blind spots. Complete a forum question.
11.11 Homework: read Case 12: With Child (pp. 154-161); describe your own reactions as
you read the case, and say what you might be likely to dismiss or pass over due to
your own leanings. Discussion in class.
11.16 Using a wiki. Meet in Skills Center Lab.
11.18 Meet in Skills Center Lab. Get started on your group project wikis.
11.23 Grade updates.
11.25 Holiday – no class.
11.30 Shaping your final argument.
12.2 Final Term Paper due. Group work in class.
12.7
12.9
Meet in Skills Center Lab. Group work in class.
Meet in Skills Center Lab. Group work in class.
12.16 Final Examination 9-11 a.m. Group Project due.