Students
PHL 137 – Critical Thinking
2018 – S1 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor/Lecturer
Jennifer Duke-Yonge
Contact via jennifer.duke-yonge@mq.edu.au
Philosophy Dept, Level 2, Australian Hearing Hub
By arrangement. Tutor details TBA - see iLearn
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| Credit points |
Credit points
3
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| 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.
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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 how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form.
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
General Assessment Information
All assessment tasks will be submitted through the unit website. Check the instructions on each assignment for further details. The final assignment needs to be submitted through Turnitin and will be marked and returned via Grademark. For more information on these tools, see:
http://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/assignments.htm
Extensions and Special Consideration
Requests for extensions must, normally, be made in writing before the due date. Extensions of up to 3 days can be granted by your convenor if reasonable grounds are given, and some written documentation can be produced. Work load from other units, or from employment, are not considered reasonable justification.
Requests for extensions of more than 3 days should be submitted via a Special Consideration request, which is available in the http://ask.mq.edu.au portal. Your request should be accompanied by appropriate documentation, such as a medical certificate. Please see the Special Consideration policy in the list of policies at the end of this document for further details.
Read the policy closely as your request may be turned down if you have not followed procedure, or if you have not submitted a request in a timely manner.
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.
Academic Honesty
In Philosophy, academic honesty is taken very seriously. Misrepresenting someone else's work as your own may be grounds for referral to the Faculty Disciplinary Committee. If you have questions about how to properly cite work or how to credit sources, please talk to one of the teaching staff and see also the Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Please note that the policy also prohibits resubmitting work you have already submitted in another unit or unit offering. This counts as self-plagiarism. To avoid self-plagiarism, if you have done this unit previously, you should write on another topic this time. If this presents you with any problems, please contact the unit covenor as soon as possible.
For information about extensions, late penalties and special consideration, see Policies and Procedures section below.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| On Line Quiz 1 | 15% | No | From 19/3/18 to 25/3/18 |
| On Line Quiz 2 | 15% | No | From 30/4/18 to 6/5/18 |
| On Line Quiz 3 | 15% | No | From 28/5/18 - 3/6/18 |
| Participation 1 | 10% | No | On-going |
| Participation 2 | 10% | No | 6/5/18 |
| Final Assessment | 35% | No | 10/6/18 |
On Line Quiz 1
Due: From 19/3/18 to 25/3/18
Weighting: 15%
Available from 9am on Monday 19/3/18. It will close at Midnight on Sunday 25/3/18. This gives you a week in which to find one hour of your choice in which to take the quiz.
The first quiz is a 15 question multiple-choice quiz which you will take through the unit website. You should be able to complete the quiz in around 40 minutes, but an hour is allocated to accommodate those who may need extra time for whatever reason.
You can make one attempt only. It is a timed quiz which cannot be paused once you start.
It will test your understanding of important concepts introduced in Topics 1, 2, and 3, and it will provide you with early feedback on your progress.
The criterion for assessment will be understanding of the unit content, as demonstrated by the correct selection of answers in a multiple choice quiz.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Recognise the structure of arguments, and how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form.
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
On Line Quiz 2
Due: From 30/4/18 to 6/5/18
Weighting: 15%
Available from 9am on Monday 30/4/18. It will close at Midnight on Sunday 6/5/18. This gives you a whole week in which to find one hour of your choice in which to take the quiz.
The second quiz is a 15 question multiple-choice quiz which you will take through the unit website. You should be able to complete the quiz in 40 minutes, but an hour is allocated to accommodate those who may need extra time for whatever reason.
You can make one attempt only. It is a timed quiz which cannot be paused once you start.
It will test your understanding of important concepts introduced in Topics 4, 5, 6, and 7, and provide you with feedback on your progress in the second section of the course.
The criterion for assessment will be understanding of the unit content, as demonstrated by the correct selection of answers in a multiple choice quiz.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
On Line Quiz 3
Due: From 28/5/18 - 3/6/18
Weighting: 15%
Available from 9am on Monday 28/5/18. It will close at Midnight on Sunday 3/6/18. This gives you a whole week in which to find one hour of your choice in which to take the quiz.
The third quiz is a 15 question multiple-choice quiz which you will take through the unit website. You should be able to complete the quiz in 40 minutes, but an hour is allocated to accommodate those who may need extra time for whatever reason.
You can make one attempt only. It is a timed quiz which cannot be paused once you start.
It will test your understanding of important concepts introduced in Topics 8, 9, 10, and 11, and provide you with feedback on your progress in the final section of the course.
The criterion for assessment will be understanding of the unit content, as demonstrated by the correct selection of answers in a multiple choice quiz.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Participation 1
Due: On-going
Weighting: 10%
You will be required to contribute to weekly online forums. Your mark will be determined by the extent of your contribution and a short solitary comment every now and then is not sufficient to obtain a passing grade.
You will be provided with question sets which are relevant to the weekly topic which you can use as a basis for comments and questions, and which your external student tutor may select from to prompt online discussion.
The assessment of your participation is on-going.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Recognise the structure of arguments, and how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form.
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Participation 2
Due: 6/5/18
Weighting: 10%
You will take a Harvard Implicit Association test. You will take a short multiple-choice "IAT Quiz" through the iLearn site and will be required to submit a screen shot of your result, along with a short reflection, by the end of week 8 (6/5/18). Further instructions will be available in iLearn.
The criteria for participation 2 assessment are understanding and reflection, as demonstrated by your quiz responses and engagement with relevant tasks.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Final Assessment
Due: 10/6/18
Weighting: 35%
The written assignment requires you use all the skills you have acquired throughout the course from Topics 1-11 to write a report analysing an argument and providing guidance and material for a counter-response.
The full assignment, a scenario, and an information resource file, will be made available through the unit website no later than Week 6 and must be submitted no later than Midnight on Sunday 10th June (week 13).
Criteria for assessment include accuracy of standardisation, clarity of analysis, and strength of argumentation. A specific and detailed rubric will be available in iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Recognise the structure of arguments, and how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form.
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Delivery and Resources
Lectures and Tutorials
For lecture times and classrooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2018/. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and classroom locations.
Lecture material from each week will be discussed in the following week's tutorials.
Lecture Recordings and Live Streaming
Lectures in this unit will be live streamed, which will allow you to participate in real time if you are unable to make it to lectures. They will also be recorded for later viewing. It is recommended, though, that you come to lectures if you are able to do so. For more information about lecture recordings and live streaming, see:
Unit Webpages and E-Resources
This course has many resources including notes, practice quizes, your tests, submission boxes, recordings of lectures for download, all available and 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.
Course Texts
The Course Notes available through the PHL 137 ilearn site constitute a text for the course. No other text is required. If you would like advice on supplementary texts, contact the convenor.
Unit Schedule
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Topic 1 WC 26/2 |
Introduction - What is critical thinking and why do we need it?; What are arguments? Tutorials begin this week |
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Topic 2 WC 5/3 |
Standardisation and Reconstruction of Arguments
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Topic 3 WC 12/3 |
Deductive Arguments
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Topic 4 WC 19/3 |
Inductive Arguments
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Topic 5 WC 26/3 |
Critical Thinking and The Human Mind There will be no Friday lecture this week (Easter long weekend) |
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Topic 6 WC 2/4 |
"Automatic" Thinking and Critical Reasoning There will be no tutorials this week |
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Topic 7 WC 9/4
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"Social" Thinking and Critical Reasoning
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Semester Break |
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Topic 8 WC 30/4 |
The Power of Language and Image I
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Topic 9 WC 7/5 |
The Power of Language and Image II
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Topic 10 WC 14/5 |
Fallacies and Pseudo-Reasoning I
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Topic 11 WC 21/5 |
Fallacies and Pseudo Reasoning II
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Topic 12 WC 28/5 |
Putting it all together There will be no tutorials this week |
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Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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
- Recognise the structure of arguments, and how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form.
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Assessment tasks
- On Line Quiz 1
- On Line Quiz 2
- On Line Quiz 3
- Participation 1
- Participation 2
- Final Assessment
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 how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form.
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Assessment tasks
- On Line Quiz 1
- On Line Quiz 2
- On Line Quiz 3
- Participation 1
- Participation 2
- Final Assessment
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
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Assessment tasks
- On Line Quiz 1
- On Line Quiz 2
- On Line Quiz 3
- Participation 1
- Participation 2
- Final Assessment
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 how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form.
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Assessment tasks
- On Line Quiz 1
- On Line Quiz 2
- On Line Quiz 3
- Participation 1
- Participation 2
- Final Assessment
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 how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form.
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Assessment tasks
- On Line Quiz 1
- On Line Quiz 2
- On Line Quiz 3
- Participation 1
- Participation 2
- Final Assessment
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
- Recognise the structure of arguments, and how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form.
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Assessment tasks
- On Line Quiz 1
- On Line Quiz 2
- On Line Quiz 3
- Participation 1
- Participation 2
- Final Assessment
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 how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form.
- Differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each.
- Appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear and standardised form.
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Assessment tasks
- On Line Quiz 1
- On Line Quiz 2
- On Line Quiz 3
- Participation 1
- Participation 2
- Final Assessment
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
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Assessment tasks
- On Line Quiz 1
- On Line Quiz 2
- On Line Quiz 3
- Participation 1
- Participation 2
- Final Assessment
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
- Construct your own well-reasoned arguments.
- Apply your critical analysis skills to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
Assessment tasks
- On Line Quiz 1
- On Line Quiz 2
- On Line Quiz 3
- Participation 1
- Participation 2
- Final Assessment