| This course introduces critical thinking and critical writing and their relationship. The student will learn techniques of critical thinking, practical reasoning, and argumentation, with an accompanying emphasis on the application of these techniques in a sequence of written argumentative essays. Topics shall include critical reading, argument analysis, recognition of propaganda, stereotypes, and paradigms, clarifying linguistic ambiguity, definitions, and meanings, evaluating evidence, logical and factual correctness, formal and informal fallacies in reasoning. Critical writing strategies are emphasized in the 8,000 word writing requirement. Arguments for analysis are taken from various readings in philosophy, literature, and culturally diverse sources in other fields. The course is designed to fulfill the IGETC Critical Thinking/English Composition requirement. |