Critical Thinking
The primary focus of Critical Thinking is analysis and evaluation of arguments. This means the student of Critical Thinking will learn to question and criticise the arguments of others as well as present their own arguments within a clear logical framework.
The skills gained through studying Critical Thinking can be applied in a variety of fields. For example, newspapers, magazines and television programmes are constantly putting forward opinions and arguments, often presenting them as facts. Practising Critical Thinking will enable you to ask the necessary questions in deciding the extent to which the views offered in the media should be accepted. Furthermore, any direct arguments with other people – be they friends, opponents in a debate or a large audience – can be tackled with greater confidence and clarity as the tools are available to identify the structure of an argument and identify potential flaws. Finally, scientific journals, legal cases and Government press releases are littered with arguments. The skills gained in Critical Thinking are therefore highly valued by universities running courses in subjects such as Law, Medicine, Dentistry and Politics. In fact, many university entrance exams include an assessment of critical thinking skills.
In addition to providing skills valued by universities and employers, Critical Thinking supplements students’ studies in other subjects, providing the skills required to interpret and analyse texts and present ideas with precision and clarity in written work.
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
In order to evaluate the strength of arguments, Critical Thinking introduces students to the underlying logical structure used within arguments. Students will also be made familiar with the various components that often make up an argument. By assessing the logical structure of an argument and evaluating how effectively the various components are employed, students will be able to decide for themselves how well an argument works. In addition, common logical flaws will be explained so students can be on guard for poor reasoning in their own arguments and arguments made by others.
You will also learn to assess the credibility of different sources, so you can decide whether the opinion of a supposed expert adds weight to an argument and whether statistical evidence has been appropriately used to support a case.
As you practice these basic skills you will begin to see how you can present your own arguments clearly and you will learn to respond to objections in a logical and coherent way.
If you continue to A2, as well as acquiring more advanced critical thinking skills, you will learn how to identify and evaluate ethical arguments and resolve real life dilemmas such as how to respond appropriately to terrorist threats.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
Critical Thinking is a skills based course, and as such is quite different from any other course you may do because it doesn’t involve learning any facts. Lessons are very much activity based; you will work from a variety of materials addressing a wide range of topics, including newspaper articles and current affairs programmes. You will be expected to analyse and evaluate this material, take part in discussions, make presentations, and produce precise, well structured written work. You will also be encouraged to evaluate your own arguments.
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
In order to evaluate the strength of arguments, Critical Thinking introduces students to the underlying logical structure used within arguments. Students will also be made familiar with the various components that often make up an argument. By assessing the logical structure of an argument and evaluating how effectively the various components are employed, students will be able to decide for themselves how well an argument works. In addition, common logical flaws will be explained so students can be on guard for poor reasoning in their own arguments and arguments made by others.
You will also learn to assess the credibility of different sources, so you can decide whether the opinion of a supposed expert adds weight to an argument and whether statistical evidence has been appropriately used to support a case.
As you practice these basic skills you will begin to see how you can present your own arguments clearly and you will learn to respond to objections in a logical and coherent way.
If you continue to A2, as well as acquiring more advanced critical thinking skills, you will learn how to identify and evaluate ethical arguments and resolve real life dilemmas such as how to respond appropriately to terrorist threats.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
Critical Thinking is a skills based course, and as such is quite different from any other course you may do because it doesn’t involve learning any facts. Lessons are very much activity based; you will work from a variety of materials addressing a wide range of topics, including newspaper articles and current affairs programmes. You will be expected to analyse and evaluate this material, take part in discussions, make presentations, and produce precise, well structured written work. You will also be encouraged to evaluate your own arguments.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?
Critical Thinking is an excellent subject to complement the rest of your studies. To this end we recommend that first year students should take Critical Thinking as a fifth subject only and not choose it as one of your four main subjects.
As a second year, Critical Thinking can be taken by any student who might benefit from the support it gives to subjects that require reasoning skills.
HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?
The AS units are:
The AS units are:
· Introduction to Critical Thinking (50% of AS, 25% of A2)
· Assessing and Developing Arguments (50% of AS, 25% of A2)
The A2 units are:
· Ethical Reasoning (50% of A2, 25% of A level)
· Decision Making and Critical Reasoning (50% of A2, 25% of A Level)
Both AS and A2 are assessed by examinations with a variety of questions on stimulus material and multiple choice questions. The course only runs up to January when you sit both units and is two lessons a week.
WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH CRITICAL THINKING?
Students frequently tell us that the skills they develop in this course can be applied to all other subjects. Consequently, Critical Thinking would be an excellent course to take alongside any programme of study.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Critical Thinking is especially useful for students planning to study law, medicine, veterinary science or dentistry as these require entrance exams that directly test critical thinking skills. Also, careers in journalism, politics, business or any humanities discipline will be aided by the rigorous approach. Employers and universities are keen to take people on who listen keenly, think clearly, and express themselves well. Critical Thinking develops your confidence in all these thngs.
View the Critical Thinking page on the OCR Website.
Students frequently tell us that the skills they develop in this course can be applied to all other subjects. Consequently, Critical Thinking would be an excellent course to take alongside any programme of study.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Critical Thinking is especially useful for students planning to study law, medicine, veterinary science or dentistry as these require entrance exams that directly test critical thinking skills. Also, careers in journalism, politics, business or any humanities discipline will be aided by the rigorous approach. Employers and universities are keen to take people on who listen keenly, think clearly, and express themselves well. Critical Thinking develops your confidence in all these thngs.
View the Critical Thinking page on the OCR Website.
