PHIL 1101 - Argument and Critical Thinking
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code PHIL 1101 Course Argument and Critical Thinking Coordinating Unit Philosophy Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 3 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Assumed Knowledge ESL students are advised to consult Course Coordinator to discuss enrolment in the course Assessment 500 word essay & 1000 word essay (50%), 2 hour open book exam (50%) Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Emeritus Professor Jennifer McMahon
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Introduce students to a range of techniques for improving their reasoning and communication skills;
2. Introduce students to the difference between argument and rhetoric;
3. Develop in students the ability to understand and analyse arguments, both written and spoken;
4. Develop in students the ability to identify errors (particularly the classic fallacies) in arguments.
5. Write clearly structured essays in which arguments are set out, then criticised or defended;
6. Speak relevantly and effectively about arguments;
7. Engage in argumentation with their peers in a productive and constructive manner.
University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3, 4 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 5 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 6, 7 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1, 4 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 6, 7 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 6 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 7 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Theodore Schick and Lewis Vaughn, How To Think About Weird Things, 7th
edition (McGraw-Hill, 2014). Earlier editions will suffice.
Recommended Resources
Munson and Black The Elements of Reasoning (5th edition) or Munson, Conway and Black, The Elements of Reasoning (4th edition).Online Learning
Various online resources are provided and employed in the teaching of this course. Assessment tasks also involve online engagement. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
Lectures and Tutorials, On-line componentWorkload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
2 x 1-hour lectures (or equivalent) per week 24 hours per semester 1 x 1-hour tutorial (or equivalent) per week 12 hours per semester 4 hours assignment/exam preparation per week 48 hours per semester 3 hours tutorial preparation per week 36 hours per semester 3 hours reading per week 36 hours per semester TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
Learning Activities Summary
Lectures 1-14: Deduction, Fallacies, Evaluating Arguments
Lectures 15-24: Legal Reasoning, Induction, Explanation, Fallacies, RhetoricSmall Group Discovery Experience
Tutorial Small Group Discussion on questions provided online in the previous week. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Essays, Coursework, ExamAssessment Related Requirements
Attendance, participation, completion of tasks, online accessAssessment Detail
Essays, Coursework, ExamSubmission
See the Philosophy Handbook for detailsCourse Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.