PHIL320 CRITICAL THINKING
| Course Code: | 2410320 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 6.0 |
| Department: | Philosophy |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Assist.Prof.Dr JAMES EDMOND CARR GRIFFITH |
| Offered Semester: | Fall and Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
The first seven weeks of this course would be conducted by Prof. Eroğlu and the second seven weeks by Prof. Griffith. Each part has its own separate style, text and grading. Below this section is the syllabus for Prof. Griffith’s part. The syllabus for Prof. Eroğlu’s part may be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1affCgsw-q7-fLYGm9p5Ekhm1EftqN7hB/edi...
Course Content
Most students start their academic life without a proper education in conducting experiments with a critical eye or constructing hypotheses. In this course, students will learn how to think via several methods. Active participation is necessary. This course is designed for undergraduates from all disciplines. No prerequisite.
Course Learning Outcomes
Grading for Prof. Griffith's weeks:
25%: A Final Examination will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
15%: The Exercise Sets found in each chapter of the Govier will form the backbone of your understanding of how to analyze and construct argument structures.
10%: Class participation is encouraged and expected. Attendance does not qualify as participation.
5%: Attendance is mandatory. I will allow two unexcused absences for the term. Lateness of more than 10 minutes qualifies as an absence.
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Have the knowledge and skills of research method which is a requirement in order to be successful in academic studies. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Have the capacity for applying philosophical knowledge to scientific and social issues. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Examine and analyze a subject matter and make philosophical interpretations on it. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Have the skills of critical thinking, analytical approach, problem solving, multi-dimensional view, making inferences and interpretations regarding to philosophical texts and scientific facts. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Identify the basic concepts and issues in philosophy. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Evaluate and understand the underlying philosophical assumptions of fundamental and social sciences. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Have capacity to make interdisciplinary readings and analysis. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | Have verbal and written presentation and effective communication skills, be open to team work and do interdisciplinary study. | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Make connections between contemporary ethical, social, cultural, esthetic and politic issues. | ✔ | |||
| 10 | Interpret the historical development of scientific and philosophical questions. | ✔ | |||
| 11 | Have knowledge about contemporary philosophical issues and their relations to other disciplines. | ✔ | |||
| 12 | Use modern information tools in order to make research in philosophy. | ✔ | |||
| 13 | Improve their professional and personal skills lifelong. | ✔ | |||
| 14 | Use information technologies effectively in domain applications in philosophy. | ✔ | |||
| 15 | Have self-confidence and develop original ideas regarding to philosophy. | ✔ | |||
| 16 | Have social and ethical responsibility regarding to contemporary issues. | ✔ | |||
| 17 | Have good knowledge of English, research method and computer skills and use these skills effectively. | ✔ | |||
| 18 | Comprehend the basic theories and issues in sub-disciplines of philosophy. | ✔ | |||
| 19 | Have an advanced knowledge in certain specific fields such as environment, technology, culture, art etc. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution