Dr. Tim Craine
MW 108
832-2854
Dr. Brian O'Connell
MS 205
832-2718
Office Hours:
M: 1:00 – 4:00 MW: 5:00 – 6:30
TWR: 10:30 – 12:00 T: 3:30 - 4:30
Course Web Site: www.cs.ccsu.edu/~boconnel/hon140fal03syl.htm
Course Description & Goals
This course concentrates upon the development and evaluation of thought and expression in its many forms, including writing, speech and discussion. As a foundation for future courses within
the Honors Program, and hopefully, beyond, it will focus on the acquisition of critical skills within a
variety of contexts. Among the topics covered will be: issue identification, the evaluation of factual
and rhetorical assertions, research, organizational and presentation techniques.
Required Texts
Professor Craine's Sections:
Anthony Weston, A Rulebook for Arguments
Professor O'Connell's Sections:
Isaac Asimov, I Robot
John Casti, The Cambridge Quintet
Grading
30%
Prof. Craine's Assignments
15%
Snow-Leavis Paper
20%
Debate & Paper
25%
Trial & Brief
10%
Participation (including attendance)
Evaluation
Assignments will be evaluated on the following factors. Weighting will be determined by assignment:
Accuracy
Clarity
Organization
Originality
Standards
Prior to course commencement, students will agree in writing to the following course standards:
1. Class attendance is presumed.
Students choosing to enroll in this class must clearly understand that complete attendance is expected & agree to honor this commitment.
Three or more unexcused absences will result in loss of participation score.
Excused absences must be arranged at least two days prior to absence date unless a medical emergency exists. A medical letter will be required in this case within one week of return to class.
Cell Phones and beepers must be turned off in class at all times.
2. All work must be submitted on due date.
Unexcused late work will receive a full letter grade reduction if handed in up to one week after the deadline and a zero if submitted thereafter.
For excused late work, permission must be obtained prior to assignment due date or in medical emergencies, a medical letter will be required.
Regardless of lateness, all assignments must be completed in order to receive a course grade.
All assignments must be printed and stapled. No emails will be accepted.
3. Students must regularly check the online course schedule.
4. Students must attend course activities scheduled beyond class time.
This includes group meetings and any extra research activities. Your additional course credit is based on the presumption that individual outside work and group meetings will be necessary.
Schedule
Subject to changes & details which will be posted on the course Web site
Section I Argumentation Prof. Craine
Section II Criticism in Action Prof. O'Connell
Section III Arguing A.I. Prof. O'Connell
Section IV Inferences from Data Prof. Craine
Section V Robot Trial Prof. O'Connell
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SYLLABUS
HON 140-2 (CRITICAL THINKING)
Fall 2003
INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Parker English
315 Marcus White, Ext. 2-2824
englishp@ccsu.edu (e-mail username)
Office hours: 2:00-3:00 WF; 12:30-2 TR
Dr. Jerold Duquette
015 Frank Diloreto, Ext. 2-2964
Office hours: 8-9am MWF; 4-5pm MW
TEXTS:
- The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking: Tools & Concepts By Paul and Elder
- Philosophy and Contemporary Issues, ed. by Burr and Goldinger
- The Attack on America: September 11, 2001, ed. by William Dudley
- A major national newspaper such as New York Times, which can be accessed online
COURSE GOALS: To familiarize you with some of the most important concepts and practices concerning critical thinking in philosophy and in political science.
THE EVALUATION AND GRADING SYSTEM:
Assignment Date Due % of Final Grade
Computer Conference on-going 15
Papers
Duquette (First paper: 4-5pp. ) TBA 12
(Second paper: 4-5pp.) TBA 12
English (First paper: 4-5pp.) TBA 12
(Second paper: 4-5pp.) TBA 12
Debate/Rebuttal Presentations Oct. 27 - Nov. 14 25
Position Paper (4-5 pp.) 15 December 12
100
Schedule
Meeting Topic
Sept. 3-5 Course introduction.
8 Library introduction.
10 Learning Center introduction.
Duquette
Sept. 12 - Critical thinking in political science.
Oct. 1
English
Oct. 3 - Critical thinking in philosophy.
Oct. 24
Debates and Rebuttals
Oct. 27 - First two four-person groups, with rebuttals and class discussion.
Oct. 31
Nov. 3 - Second two four-person groups, with rebuttals and class discussion.
Nov. 7
Nov. 10 - Third two four-person groups, with rebuttals and class discussion.
Nov. 14
Duquette
Nov. 17 - Critical thinking in political science.
Nov. 26
English
Dec. 1 - Critical thinking in philosophy.
Dec. 8
Conclusion
Dec. 10 Discussion and Course Evaluation