Undergraduate Course: Critical Thinking and Argumentation (FNDN07007)
Course Outline
| School | Centre for Open Learning |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 7 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course provides you with an introduction to the analysis of different kinds of arguments and what academics consider to be a good argument. It encourages you to reflect on commonly held beliefs and practices and equips you with the skills necessary to construct good arguments, write effective assignments, and participate in academic discussions in the humanities and social sciences. |
| Course description |
This course is recommended for students on the International Foundation Programme Humanities & Social Sciences Pathway who wish to progress to degrees in humanities and social sciences subjects and is an option for students on the Art & Design Pathway.
The course will develop your critical thinking and argumentation skills. You will learn to analyse argument structures and reflect on whose (and what kind of) arguments are valued by society. The course will look at the construction of arguments in different disciplines and academic contexts, from social anthropology to philosophy. You will learn to use formal logic, construct evidence-based arguments, and how to effectively draw on experiential knowledge as part of class discussions. Specifically, you will study a range of classic and contemporary texts that display different styles of critical thinking and argumentation in the humanities and social sciences.
Using a variety of texts from the humanities and social sciences, you will develop an awareness of the significance of examining arguments and claims and uncovering underlying assumptions. To support this aim, texts will be chosen that address a range of interconnected local and global environmental, social, and economic issues. Knowledge of how arguments are constructed will enable you to (1) analyse others' arguments and (2) build persuasive arguments of your own. Discussions around argument structures will also help you reflect on how prejudices against certain views and ideas within society, e.g., based on a person's gender or ethnic background, shape what counts as thinking critically or a good argument. Lastly, the course will encourage you to utilise the techniques taught on the course to look at traditional narratives, their construction and their underlying assumptions, to gain a deeper understanding (and foster a nuanced assessment) of complex issues, such as identity.
You will have the opportunity to actively engage in a series of weekly lectures and tutorials. These learning opportunities will equip you with academic skills, including effective participation in group work and class discussions.
In preparation for the lectures and tutorials, you will be expected to engage with relevant material, gradually increasing in difficulty and volume. This reading material will encompass diverse perspectives and encourage an inclusive approach to acquiring knowledge sensitive to underrepresented voices.
Through active engagement and feedback exchange, you will develop your analytical and critical thinking skills while contributing to a learning environment that values diverse voices and experiences.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2025/26, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: 90 |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 32,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 32,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
132 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Written critical argumentation exercise 1 (500 words) (30%)
Written critical argumentation exercise 2 (500 words) (30%)
End of course, timed written assessment (1,600 words) (40%) |
| Feedback |
The assessment structure will involve multiple critical argumentation exercises, offering students the chance to actively participate in a feedback dialogue with their course teacher and peer assessors throughout the semester. This collaborative approach will encourage an inclusive evaluation process. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and analyse the components of an argument, including premises, conclusions, and underlying assumptions
- Compare different approaches to argumentation across the humanities and social sciences and evaluate arguments based on their incorporation of multiple perspectives, relevant evidence, experiential knowledge and/or logical consistency
- Reflect on personal and societal beliefs and practices, fostering a deeper self-awareness in their analytical and argumentative skills
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Reading List
Essential:
Baggini, J. (2023) How to Think Like a Philosopher: Essential Principles for Clearer Thinking. London: Granta Books.
Chatfield, T. (2017) Critical Thinking: Your Guide to Effective Argument, Successful Analysis and Independent Study. London: Sage Publications.
Shon, P. (2015) How to Read Journal Articles in the Social Sciences: A Very Practical Guide for Students. London: Sage Publications. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Enquiry and lifelong learning.
Personal and intellectual autonomy to critically evaluate ideas, evidence, and experiences from an open-minded and reasoned perspective.
Communication to enhance their understanding of a topic or context and to engage effectively with others.
With an informed international perspective, they seek to contribute positively, ethically, and respectfully.
Making the most of a confident and reflective approach, they take personal responsibility for pursuing their goals and opportunities to grow. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Ms Liz MacDougall
Tel:
Email: emacdou3@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr James Cooper
Tel: (0131 6)50 4400
Email: jcooper6@ed.ac.uk |
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