The student will be able to:

1. Distinguish basic elements of an argument.
   1. Identify premises and conclusions.
   2. Distinguish arguments from non-inferential passages.
2. Identify and evaluate inductive and deductive arguments.
   1. Use and identify common forms of inductive and deductive arguments.
3. Evaluate evidence with respect to its relevance and strength.
4. Recognize fallacies.
5. Analyze and use language effectively in college level argumentative writing.
   1. Recognize vague, ambiguous, over-general and slanted language.
6. Use all of the above-mentioned skills in writing effective argumentative and critical essays.

1. Basic elements of an argument
   1. Premises and conclusions
      1. Indicator words
      2. Recognizing inferential relationship between propositions
      3. Recognizing arguments and distinguishing them from non-inferential passages
      4. Clearly listing premises and conclusion
2. Induction and deduction
   1. The basic distinction
      1. Necessity and probability
   2. Common forms of inductive and deductive arguments
      1. Syllogistic forms of deduction
      2. Deductive arguments from definition and mathematical reasoning
      3. Inductive arguments including, but not limited to, analogy, generalizations and instantiations, predictions, statistics and causal arguments
3. Fallacies
   1. Types
      1. Relevance
      2. Presumption
      3. Grammatical analogy
      4. Weak induction
   2. Psychological appeal
   3. Recognition and avoidance in reading and writing
4. Language
   1. Nature and functions
   2. Its uses and abuses
      1. Clear and precise use of language in argumentative writing
      2. Avoidance and recognition of slanted, ambiguous, vague, over-general, and abusive language
5. Argumentative writing
   1. Finding, evaluating and using sources
   2. Constructing a clear and effective thesis
   3. Constructing an effective argument employing skills of induction and deduction
      1. Avoiding fallacies in writing
   4. Clear and fair presentation of relevant counter-arguments to the thesis and premises of the main argument
   5. Defending one's own argument against the relevant counter-arguments

Not applicable.

Quizzes as necessary to determine student's understanding of critical thinking and logical concepts as well as comprehension of assigned texts and arguments
Classroom participation and small group exercises designed to facilitate collaborative learning of key concepts of logic and critical thinking
Examinations
Homework assignments that provide exercises for reinforcement of logical concepts
Writing exercises (totaling in 4,000 to 6,000 words). These will consist of short argumentative and analysis writing assignments (500-1000 words each). Each writing exercise will be directed toward a specific critical thinking skill
Argumentative essay (2000 word minimum). At least one sophisticated argumentative essay that posits a logically supported argument, and demonstrates knowledge of the skills, principles and distinctions explored throughout the course and demonstrates proper use of MLA format

Lecture
Discussion
Peer review of writing progress
Collaborative learning groups to solidify content and skills

Bassham, Gregory, William Irwin, Henry Nardone, and James M. Wallace. Critical Thinking: A Student's Introduction, 6th ed.. 2019.

Moore, Brooke N., and Richard Parker. Critical Thinking, 13th ed.. 2021.

Vaughn, Lewis, and Theodore Schick. How to Think About Weird Things: Critcal Thinking for a New Age, 8th ed.. 2020.

1. Readings in basic elements of an argument, argument construction, fallacy identification and avoidance, writing arguments for academic essays
2. Written exercises to solidify concepts from the readings listed above
3. Writing argumentative academic essays