2010-11 Courses
Critical Thinking
AS Critical Thinking is offered to first year students in addition to their four AS levels. It involves two hours teaching per week, and a small amount of essential private study. There are no specific entry requirements for AS Critical Thinking. It is appropriate for anyone who enjoys thinking hard about things and welcomes intellectual challenge. A level Critical Thinking is available in the second year.
AS Critical Thinking is offered to first year students in addition to their four AS levels. It involves two hours teaching per week, and a small amount of essential private study. There are no specific entry requirements for AS Critical Thinking. It is appropriate for anyone who enjoys thinking hard about things and welcomes intellectual challenge. A level Critical Thinking is available in the second year.
The examination board defines Critical Thinking as reflective thinking and reasoning. The course aims to help you develop critical thinking skills, which are central to the process of arriving at a reason-based judgement. Critical Thinking is a fundamental academic competency and it is useful for students taking most academic subjects.
Modules
The course covers the following areas:
- identifying the elements of reasoning
- evaluating reasoning of different kinds
- recognising and evaluating assumptions
- presenting arguments
- evaluating the credibility of evidence.
Critical Thinking does not involve learning many facts. You will learn about the structure of arguments and how to reason well. During the course you might be asked to work from a variety of written materials, including newspaper articles. You will be asked to think about them and to draw conclusions about the way arguments are presented. You might have to decide, according to the evidence put forward, which side of an argument you believe, and what sources of information you would see as reliable. You will need to set out your conclusions clearly in writing, and explain how you reached them
After the Course
As you study Critical Thinking you will find your ability to form your own arguments increases, as does your ability to challenge and criticise the arguments of others. This should give you increased confidence in handling both written and spoken arguments.
A qualification in Critical Thinking is increasingly widely recognised and valued by higher education. It provides useful preparation for some university selection tests, particularly those for admission to courses in History, Law, Medicine and Veterinary Science. You will find that your interview skills are enhanced and your ability to analyse 'unseen passages' is improved.