EDUC6290

Critical Thinking for Studies in Education

10 Units 6000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

An introduction to critical thinking skills and dispositions within the domain of education. Focuses on the analysis of arguments regarding educational topics, policies and pedagogies. Provides a theoretically grounded application of informal logic, complex critical thinking and practical wisdom.

Objectives This course provides students with the opportunity to:
1. examine argumentative texts in education;
2. practice skills of argument representation;
3. develop methods of argument analysis;
4. consider counter arguments and develop methods of argument evaluation; and
5. critically discuss research and theory relating to a variety of theoretical paradigms concerning argumentation and rationality.
Content The following list indicates indicative course content:
* Close reading and discussion of argumentative texts in education
* Introduction to informal logic, rationality and the history of argumentation
* Methods of representing and analysing arguments
* Principles of criticism and argument evaluation
* Theories of argument
* Research in critical thinking
* Critical skills, dispositions, character and definitions
* Criticisms of critical thinking and alternative conceptualisations and paradigms of practical rationality
Replacing Course(s) NA
Transition NA
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge NA
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Assessment Item 1 50%
Part 1: a 1000 word equivalent representation of a debate in educational studies
Part 2: a 1500 critical analysis of an issue relavent to studies of education.
Essays / Written Assignments Assessment Item 2
A 2500 word evaluative analysis of an issue related to the conceptualisation of critical thinking in education.
Contact Hours Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term