Academic Skills; Critical Thinking

3 EC

Semester 2, period 6

5354ASCT3Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator S.M. van Dalen
Part of Master Astronomy and Astrophysics, year 1Master Physics and Astronomy, year 1

Course manual 2017/2018

Course content

Critical thinking, reasoning and the ability to produce a well-structured argument are essential academic skills. When gathering and interpreting data, analyzing and evaluating research or writing articles yourself you need to be able to critically evaluate the reasoning of others or your own; what is good reasoning, what is not and why so? It is not only important to be able to support with evidence and good reasons your own thinking but you have to be able to communicate it effectively too by writing well structured texts.
In this course we will use the software Rationale: it helps you developing your critical thinking skills by visualizing your thoughts by mapping arguments.
There are strong indications that working with argument maps, that are at the heart of Rationale, produce strong improvement of students' critical thinking ability. Above that, Rationale is a software tool that helps students grasp the essence of good essay-writing: structure. Critical thinking is a high level skill which can only be acquired through lots of practice. This work is often challenging and the payoff is enhanced intellectual power that will serve you well in almost every sphere of life.

Study materials

Literature

  • T. ter Berg e.a., 'Critical Thinking. Reasoning and communicating with Rationale'. Amsterdam, Pearson, 2009. ISBN 978-90-430-1801-2 - Online Learning Materials.

Software

  • Rationale software. Students will receive a 1 year license for Rationale when they enter this subject. Rationale is made for PC's. It works perfect on a Mac or a Linux machine but only when a virtual Windows is being used. It is possible that at the time of the beginning of the subject the web based version of Rationale will be ready.

Objectives

  • Identify, understand and evaluate reasoning;
  • Spot strengths and weaknesses in reasoning;
  • Defend your opinion;
  • Write persuasive essays;
  • Make rational decisions;
  • Think your way through complex issues;
  • Avoid being gullible.

Teaching methods

    Lectures and workshops. Attending all lectures and workshops and completing all assigned practice exercises is mandatory.

    Learning activities

    Activity

    Hours

    Hoorcollege

    14

    Presentatie

    8

    Werkcollege

    14

    Self study

    48

    Total

    84

    (3 EC x 28 uur)

    Attendance

    The programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).


    Additional requirements for this course:

    Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    Assignments

    Onderstaande opdrachten komen aan bod in deze cursus:

    •    Naam opdracht 1 : beschrijving 2
    •    Naam opdracht 2 : beschrijving 1
    •    ....

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.uva.nl/plagiarism

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
    1
    2
    3
    4

    Timetable

    The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

    Additional information

    Max. 25 students.

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • S.M. van Dalen