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Catalog Description. Designed to be more than a study of non-formal reasoning methods, the course includes but is not limited to the study of informal fallacies. Assembling approaches from analytic philosophy, literary theory and cultural studies, the course models the rhetorical dimension of language and discourse. The course is useful for those who want to think, write and talk in a clear and straight-forward manner. Course Description. An applied study of the concepts and skills required to conduct a critical analysis and evaluation of arguments in ordinary language. Students learn to read critically utilizing essays of contemporary interest and develop writing skills necessary to their express views and opinions effectively. An emphasis is placed upon the acquisition of practical skills that may be applied in other academic settings and life situations. Course Objectives. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: · Analyze and evaluate written arguments effectively; · Identify and analyze the assumptions, inferences and evidence contained in written arguments; · Perform explications of written arguments; · Analyze data related to problem solving; · Evaluate the validity and soundness of written arguments based upon scrutiny of the assumptions, assertions, and consistency of conclusions presented; · Recognize and identify informal fallacies; · Plan and compose a written argument including the formulation of a thesis statement, an argument in support of the thesis statement, a presentation of supporting evidence, responses to critical opposition, and appropriate concluding remarks. Class
Format and Activities.
Philosophy 10390 - Critical
Thinking is taught online utilizing the WebCT instructional platform.
Specific technologies involved in the course include e-mail, web board
postings, chat, and related Internet functions and resources. Students
are required to have access to a computer Specific weekly course assignments, as listed in the Course Schedule, are to be completed by each student. Weekly course assignments typically include: (1) a reading assignment, (2) a response to a web board discussion question, and (3) the submission of written work in response to specific tasks or problems as assigned by the instructor. In addition, students are required to take one midterm examination, prepare and submit one written Course Paper on a topic pre-approved by the instructor, and take one comprehensive final examination. Students may also be required to submit additional written assignments and/or quizzes from time to time as determined and directed by the instructor. Written assignments are due for submission, either via e-mail or by posting the assignment in a designated location on the WebCT Forum as noted on the assignment, by the due dates stated in the Course Schedule. There is one opportunity to meet the Instructor in person during the term. This occurs during at a final course meeting held at the conclusion of the term, when students are required to take a comprehensive, written final examination in person. Students are required to present identification to the Instructor prior to receiving and taking the final examination. The final course meeting will be held on the Chaminade University of Honolulu campus at a location and time that will be announced in advance. The Final Examination is also offered by a proctor on the same date and time at Pearl Harbor and Schofield Barracks for students who wish to take the test at an alternative test site and have registered with the Accelerated Programs Office in advance. Expectations. Philosophy 10390 is both reading and
writing-intensive, and is taught during an accelerated session.
Consequently, the course necessitates an extensive amount of independent
reading, research, writing, discussion and critical reflection on behalf of
each student in order to satisfactorily complete course requirements.
The course is asynchronous and students are expected to remain current in
readings and the submission of written assignments. Communication and Office Hours. Although I do not maintain office hours on
the Chaminade University campus, I have an “open door” policy with respect to
communications. This means you are encouraged to contact me whenever
you have a question about course material, would like clarification of course
requirements or assignments, want to talk about the material we are studying,
or would simply like to touch base and become better acquainted. The
most effective ways of communicating with me are via e-mail or telephone, although
I prefer e-mail. Generally, you may expect my response to e-mail or
telephone messages within twenty-four (24) hours including weekends, and
often sooner since I check my mail several times each day. I am
available by e-mail through the WebCT system, or when necessary, by using my
Chaminade University e-mail address above. When sending e-mail, please
be sure to include the course number in the subject line and sign your
name. In addition to communication via e-mail and
telephone, I maintain an “Ask the Professor” conference in the WebCT Forum
and conduct scheduled live, online chat sessions open to the entire class,
and frequently drop in to visit with online study groups. So, if you
don’t catch up with me at one place, I am bound to show up in another fairly
soon! Pedagogic Approach. This is an online, asynchronous, reading and
writing intensive course offered during an abbreviated course term of ten
weeks. Consequently, the course proceeds as a rapid and steady pace
throughout the term. A variety of pedagogic models are utilized to
assist you in meeting your learning objectives. You may expect to
participate in a mix of learning activities including independent study and
research, web board discussions, reading and writing assignments, collaborative
group activities and live chat interactions with your Instructor and other
students. All activities are intended to support your efforts in
achieving academic excellence. Taking an Online Course. Taking an online course is ideal for
students with busy schedules and can be more convenient than an on-campus
class. The benefits of online learning, however, can be easily eclipsed
when students do not give adequate attention to the possible drawbacks
and pitfalls of online education. Please remember, online classes
are not easy and have deadlines, assignments and participation
requirements just like on-campus classes. Budget your time
carefully and keep an open line of communication with me. If you are having
technical problems, problems with your assignments, or problems that are
impeding your progress let me know as soon as possible so that we can
work together to ensure your success in this class.
Course Access. To gain access to the course, use your
Student ID to access the WebCT platform. The login page for WebCT is http://webct.chaminade.edu. If you have
never taken a class in WebCT, please take time to review the online WebCT
tutorials and become familiar with the tools used in the course. In
addition, become familiar with the WebCT Internet resource links located in
the “Resources” section of the course homepage, and access the WebCT Tune Up
program and assure that your browser settings are set correctly to be
supported by the WebCT platform. Course
Organization. The course
is organized by content and structure/navigation as outlined below: Course
Content. Course content
is divided into ten weekly
units that contain descriptions/discussions of the course material covered
during each particular week as well as detailed, itemized lists of
assignments. Weekly units may also, from time to time, contain links to
Internet resource sites, power point presentations, study outlines or other
materials intended to assist you in completing individual and group
assignments. Refer to the course Schedule for a summary of course
activities for each course week. Weekly units cover the following
topics:
Course Structure and Navigation. The WebCT course Homepage is the hub of
course activities. The Homepage contains icons that provide access to a
wide-range of course-related information and activities, and the Course Menu
(a drop down list located on the upper left-hand side of the Homepage),
provides links to many of the same features. Please become familiar
with the various icons/links and the specific materials or activities
available through each. The following course map provides an outline of
the major sections of the course and their subsections. COURSE MAP Homepage Icons/Links
Links on the Course Menu Please devote adequate time and attention to
learning the various features of the course as well as how to navigate
between the sections and subsections in the WebCT platform. Technical
Requirements Chaminade University
uses the WebCT online class delivery system which works on either a PC or
Macintosh. Your computer should have the following minimum requirements: Hardware: · Speed greater than 300 MHz · Modem (56K), cable or network connectivity · RAM greater than 32 MB · At least 1GB of hard disk space for software · Internet access and email with an Internet Services
Provider (ISP) must be acquired prior to registering for a class. Software: The following are examples of software needed to
take an online course. · Microsoft Windows 98/Me/2000/XP · Mac OS 9.x or OS 10.1.x (Strongly Recommended) Microsoft Office applications or similar programs.
All courses will require to you write assignments and submit them
electronically and also view or download documents posted by instructors.
Since MS Office products are widely used, using them for your online class
will minimize accessibility problems. · Microsoft Word for reports · PowerPoint for slide presentations · Excel for spreadsheets (Required)
Browsers to use with WebCT:
Technical Assistance. In the event that technical questions or
difficulties arise, students are encouraged to contact the Chaminade Computer
Lab for assistance. The Computer Lab may be reached by telephone at 735-4819
or [email protected]. Regular Participation. With the possible exception of documented emergencies, there will be no extensions given on assignment due dates or the final examination without the prior approval of the Instructor. Students who fail to submit assignments or comply with other requirements are advised to withdraw from the course in order to avoid a final course grade of "F". Grades of "Incomplete" will only be given in cases of documented extraordinary circumstances (see Incomplete Grades). Course Schedule. A listing of weekly assignments appears in the Course Schedule (available in the "Documents" section on the course homepage). Students are encouraged to contact the Instructor directly with any questions, or for clarification of assignments, prior to due dates. No unexcused late submissions are accepted. Required
Text.
Barnet, Sylvan and Bedau, Hugo. Current Issues and
Enduring Questions: Reading Assignments. In order for students to participate effectively in Web Board discussions, prepare for examinations, and prepare written assignments, it is expected that each student complete assigned readings during the time period indicated on the Course Schedule. Study Guide. There is a Study Guide covering course content and materials (available in the "Documents" section on the course homepage). The Midterm and Final Examinations' are drawn partially from items appearing in the Study Guide. Students are responsible for all items appearing in the Study Guide. Participation. This course is conducted entirely online using a variety of instructional support technologies. including e-mail, web board discussions and live, real-time chat sessions. These important elements of your online learning experience require your active and sustained participation, and thus your regular participation in the use of these technologies constitutes course "attendance." Web
Board-based class discussions are utilized as a means of stimulating and
encouraging thoughtful reflection concerning the topics, themes and subject
matter covered in the course. Regular weekly participation in web board
discussions is required. In the event that technical difficulties
disrupt access or utilization of the web board system, the instructor may
elect to utilize e-mail to conduct discussions and maintain dialogue. Your achievement of course learning objectives is accomplished partially through active participation in collaborative online learning experiences, such as weekly discussions using a web board and scheduled chat sessions. Typically, participation in class discussions includes (1) composing and posting a response to a discussion topic or question, (2) posting a comment, observation or question in response to the posted comments of another student, and (3) responding to the questions, comments or observations offered in response to your contribution to the discussion. Consequently, it is recommended that you review web board discussions regularly in order to remain current with the progress of discussions taking place and respond to comments or questions that may be awaiting your response. Good participation, however, is more than simply the number of times
you post a comment. Indeed, good
participation in an online learning environment is determined by qualitative
rather than quantitative assessments.
The criteria listed below may be used to guide the composition of your
contributions to web board discussions as well as to assess the quality of
your participation. Qualitative Criteria. Points are not awarded for frivolous statements or comments that do not contribute meaningfully to a discussion. Examples of comments that do not contribute meaningfully to a discussion include "good job," "I agree," "I wish I had thought of that," "I like/don't like your paragraph," and-so-forth. Instead, meaningful comments add qualitative "value" to a discussion by lending new information, insights or perspectives that enrich our understanding of the subject being discussed. Chat Sessions. "Chat Sessions" provide an opportunity to discuss issues and concepts relevant to Ethics and Moral Theory, to discuss course material, and to address questions or clarify issues during real time. Students are required to participate in five (5) Chat Sessions during the term. Attendance credit is given for attending and participating in the five required Chat Sessions, but students are welcome to attend and participate in as many sessions beyond those required as they wish. A schedule of available days and times for Chat Sessions will be established following an initial organizational chat session. E-Mail Communications. Students are to sign and provide course identification on all messages, assignments and other communications directed to the Instructor. Students are encouraged to maintain the same e-mail address throughout the term. Notify the Instructor promptly, however, should a change in e-mail address be necessary. Course
Paper. The Course Paper is due to the Instructor via
e-mail or regular mail on the date indicated in the Course Schedule.
Papers should be double-spaced with all references cited properly. For
information concerning proper formats and citations, consult the "MLA
Handbook."* The course Research Paper should be between six to eight pages
in length and include a bibliography. Course Papers are to be written in a
first-person singular voice. Papers not written
in a first-person singular voice will automatically loose one full grade
point, or, at the discretion of the Instructor, may be rejected entirely. Please see "Course Paper" requirements
accessible through a link on the course Web Page for further details.
Deadlines. Students are expected assume responsibility for knowing, observing and meeting assignment deadlines as described in the Course Schedule. Late or make-up assignments will not be accepted by the Instructor, except under extraordinary documented circumstances, such as military deployment or serious illness. It is the students' responsibility to provide the instructor with verifiable documentation for any extraordinary circumstances that prevent the submission of assignments on time, and to present a plan to complete missed deadlines and/or assignments missed to the instructor for approval. Examinations. There are two examinations administered during the course: one Midterm Examination and one Final Examination. The Midterm Examination Covers material through Week Six of the course and is transmitted to each student by the Instructor via e-mail. Since the Midterm Examination is essentially a take-home test, is worth twenty percent (20%) of the course grade. The Final Examination must be completed by each student in person on the date and time assigned in the Course Schedule. The comprehensive Final Examination is inclusive of all material covered in the course; a closed-book exam; and worth forty percent (40%) of the overall course grade. No make-up
examinations will be allowed for the final examination. Alternative
test dates and proctored examinations must be arranged in advance through the
Accelerated Programs office at Chaminade University, 735-4755. In addition to the scheduled examinations and other weekly assignments, there may be unannounced quizzes or other unscheduled assignments from time to time at the discretion of the Instructor. Grading. Excellence in this course requires not only academic mastery of course content and critical thinking skills, but also personal reflection upon the relevance of critical thinking to other important areas your own of your life and activities. For this reason, the course includes WebCT Forum discussion questions that require personal thought and written expression. Since such questions call for your reflection and views arising from life experience, there is no objective standard by which your comments may be deemed either "correct" or "incorrect." Consequently, responses to WebCT Forum discussion questions are graded on a "Pass/Fail" basis. Likewise, in order to provide an opportunity for students to practice and learn through trial and error without undue anxiety about grades, the completion of five mandatory critical thinking exercises in the opening weeks of the course, and weekly assignments requiring written responses to the Instructor, are also graded on a "Pass/Fail" basis. Minimum satisfactory performance entails the successful completion of the following: (1) weekly written responses to WebCT Forum discussion questions (pass/fail); (2) weekly assignments requiring a written response submitted directly to the Instructor; (3) one mid-term examination (letter grade); (4) the submission of one written paper on an approved research subject of six to eight pages in length; and (5) successful completion of one comprehensive final examination. The weight of the various elements comprising the overall course grade is summarized as follows:
Table 1. List of various weights assigned to grade points achieved on
specific scored and non-scored assignments during the term. At
the end of the term, weighted points acquired on scored and non-scored
assignments are combined and the cumulative total is used in the conversion
of grade points to course letter grades.
Table 2. Conversion: Points to Letter Grades
Table 2. List of the point value ranges applied in the conversion of cumulative scored points to letter grades.
All grades will reflect the standards set forth in Chaminade's 1998-99 General Catalog. As indicated in the catalog, an "A" signifies outstanding scholarship and unusual intellectual initiative; a "B" signifies superior work; a "C" signifies a competent grasp of the subject matter; a "D" signifies inferior work; and an "F" indicates failure to grasp the minimum subject matter. Since the final examination comprises 40% of the course grade, it is not possible to earn a letter grade higher than a "D" if the final examination is failed or missed. Incomplete Grades. Incomplete grades will not be issued except in extraordinary circumstances, as defined below. In no case will an Incomplete grade be assigned unless the majority of work has been completed by the student to the satisfaction of the Instructor. Should an extraordinary circumstance arise which will or may prevent the completion of required course work, contact and notify the Instructor immediately. Proctored Final Examinations. When extraordinary circumstances prevent a student from taking a final examination on the scheduled date, a proctored final examination may be administered by an approved proctor at a later date. Acceptable extraordinary circumstances are defined as: medical illness; family emergency; or military duty/deployment. Students are required to provide written documentation serving as evidence in support of extraordinary circumstances. Arrangements for proctored final examinations must be made in advance with the Chaminade University Evening Programs Office. It is presently the policy of the Accelerated Programs office to administer proctored examinations during the second week of the next term following the term for which an Incomplete grade was assigned. The Evening Programs Office may be reached at 735-4755. Note: Off campus staff do not proctor final examinations. Plagiarism. The Chaminade University of Honolulu General
Catalog states that:
Student Resources Links to useful resources for students are located here. Mutual Consideration and Respect. As subjects examined during this course may touch upon topics, beliefs, and/or issues considered sensitive by some students, it is imperative that all students demonstrate courtesy and respect concerning the views, opinions, and beliefs of others. Epilogue. Read the "Welcome" message - There is a lot of practical "housekeeping" information in the message that will help you to successfully navigate the course. Check the Course Web Site regularly - Course documents and Internet resource links are updated periodically to incorporate new information or additional Internet resources. Stay in touch - If you have any questions or problems, need clarification of course requirements or materials, have a new e-mail address, or simply wish to share your thoughts about the material we are covering, please feel free to contact me via e-mail. The more I know about you and your particular interests, challenges, reflections and-so-forth as we move through the course, the greater will be my ability to lend you assistance along the way. Use your resources - The Instructor and all of the other students in the class are available to you as your resource in studying, learning and understanding the course material; call upon us when you need assistance. Participate in a Study Group - If possible, help to organize and/or participate in a study group; students who do so tend to do better on examinations. Keep up with Web Board postings and readings - The course moves relatively quickly and it can be difficult to catch up once you have fallen behind. Study Hard for the Final Examination - This examination represents forty percent (40%) of the course grade and deserves your attention. Maintain Good Records - If there is a dispute about your grade, you may need to produce your records and papers to support your position. And, By All Means - remember to take a deep breath from time to time; remind yourself that surely the universe is unfolding as it should; learn to relax your mind; be aware always that, no matter what it is, it is only temporary; treat yourself with gentleness, kindness and understanding; and, above all, learn to forgive yourself ... again, and again, and again ... finis
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