Students

PHL 137 – Critical Thinking

2017 – S3 Day

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Wilson Cooper
N/A
3-4 PM Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit aims to teach the fundamentals of critical thinking and reasoning. Students learn how to construct, analyse and critically evaluate arguments; how to detect common fallacies in reasoning; and how to think logically and creatively. We teach these skills by developing practical techniques for the evaluation of reasoning, and applying them to arguments from business, law, science, politics, philosophy and the media. Critical thinking skills are invaluable across all disciplines, and will benefit students in academic contexts and in life beyond university.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Recognise the structure of arguments and represent that structure in a standardised form
  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Detect formal and informal forms of fallacious reasoning
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

General Assessment Information

Late Submission Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online Quiz 1 10% No 15/12/2017
In-Class Test 25% No 15/12/2017
Mid-Session Assignment 25% Yes 8/1/2018
Online Quiz 2 10% No 12/1/2018
Final Written Assignment 30% No 19/1/2018

Online Quiz 1

Due: 15/12/2017
Weighting: 10%

This is an online multiple choice quiz that will test the material covered in lectures 1 through to 4. The quiz format will be similar to the self assessment quizzes found on the iLearn site and will be assessed on the selection of a correct answer. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise the structure of arguments and represent that structure in a standardised form
  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue

In-Class Test

Due: 15/12/2017
Weighting: 25%

A test that will be taken in-class during lecture 6 and covering materials from lectures 1 through to 5. This task will be assessed on students’ ability to, adequately demonstrate the skills involved in standardising arguments, accurately identify the key features employed in arguments and correctly classify relationships found in conditional arguments.  

For those enrolled as iLearn only the test will be available online from Friday the 15th of December until Sunday the 17th of December 2017.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise the structure of arguments and represent that structure in a standardised form
  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Detect formal and informal forms of fallacious reasoning

Mid-Session Assignment

Due: 8/1/2018
Weighting: 25%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

Construct a short argument in response to a set question and provide a standardisation of your argument. This task will be assessed on students’ ability to construct a cogent argument and accurately formalise argument structure.  A detailed rubric for this assessment task will be available on the iLearn site.  


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise the structure of arguments and represent that structure in a standardised form
  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Online Quiz 2

Due: 12/1/2018
Weighting: 10%

This is an online multiple choice quiz that will test the material covered in lectures 7 through to 10. The quiz format will be similar to the self assessment quizzes found on the iLearn site and will be assessed on the selection of a correct answer.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Final Written Assignment

Due: 19/1/2018
Weighting: 30%

This written assignment includes a broad standardisation of a longer piece of reasoning along with a 1200 word evaluation. It will include the materials from lectures 1 through to 14 of the unit with a focus on lectures 11 to 14. This task will be assessed on students’ ability to, correctly interpret a longer piece of reasoning, accurately formalise an argument’s structure, demonstrate an adequate understanding of evaluation techniques by correctly applying those techniques and clearly communicate their own argument in written form.  A detailed rubric for this assessment task will be available on the iLearn site.  


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise the structure of arguments and represent that structure in a standardised form
  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Detect formal and informal forms of fallacious reasoning
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Delivery and Resources

The unit will be delivered via fourteen lectures, which will include a practical component to allow the application of skills under supervision.

The unit will be supported by an iLearn website that will contain resources including, the unit text, discussion forums, self-evaluation quizzes, helpful links, lecture recordings, practice tests, and much more.

Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/

PC and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement.

Please consult teaching staff for any further, more specific requirements. 

Unit Schedule

Lecture 1 

4th Dec 

Introduction: Why do we need critical thinking? What are arguments?

Lecture 2

6th Dec

Standardising arguments

Lecture 3

8th Dec

Counterarguments; What are necessary and sufficient conditions?

Lecture 4

11th Dec

Necessary and sufficient conditions continued; conditional arguments and their validity

Lecture 5

13th Dec

Deductive arguments and inductive arguments

Lecture 6 

15th Dec

Revision; In-Class test

Lecture 7

18th Dec

Inductive and statistical generalisations

Lecture 8

20th Dec

How the structure of arguments relates to our behaviour

Lecture 9

22nd Dec

Inference to the best explanation; causal arguments

Lecture 10

8th Jan

Analogical arguments

Lecture 11

10th Jan

Clarifying arguments; language

Lecture 12

12th Jan

Broad standardisation

Lecture 13

15th Jan

Fallacies

Lecture 14

17th Jan

Evaluating longer arguments; Using these skills in your own arguments

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Assessment tasks

  • Mid-Session Assignment
  • Final Written Assignment

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognise the structure of arguments and represent that structure in a standardised form
  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Detect formal and informal forms of fallacious reasoning
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quiz 1
  • In-Class Test
  • Mid-Session Assignment
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Final Written Assignment

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognise the structure of arguments and represent that structure in a standardised form
  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Detect formal and informal forms of fallacious reasoning
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quiz 1
  • In-Class Test
  • Mid-Session Assignment
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Final Written Assignment

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognise the structure of arguments and represent that structure in a standardised form
  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Detect formal and informal forms of fallacious reasoning
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quiz 1
  • In-Class Test
  • Mid-Session Assignment
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Final Written Assignment

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognise the structure of arguments and represent that structure in a standardised form
  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Detect formal and informal forms of fallacious reasoning
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quiz 1
  • In-Class Test
  • Mid-Session Assignment
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Final Written Assignment

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Detect formal and informal forms of fallacious reasoning
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quiz 1
  • In-Class Test
  • Mid-Session Assignment
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Final Written Assignment

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognise the structure of arguments and represent that structure in a standardised form
  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Detect formal and informal forms of fallacious reasoning
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quiz 1
  • In-Class Test
  • Mid-Session Assignment
  • Online Quiz 2
  • Final Written Assignment

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Detect formal and informal forms of fallacious reasoning
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Assessment tasks

  • Mid-Session Assignment
  • Final Written Assignment

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and confidently evaluate different types of reasoning
  • Understand the different functions of language within persuasive dialogue
  • Detect formal and informal forms of fallacious reasoning
  • Formulate forceful arguments of your own
  • Generalise your critical thinking skills to a wide variety of contexts

Assessment tasks

  • Mid-Session Assignment
  • Final Written Assignment

Changes since First Published

Date Description
27/11/2017 Changes have been made to the unit schedule and the due date of the final assignment.