June 21: Updated for Batch 4

Critical Thinking for Analysis, Enquiry and Problem Solving

Core Course 1^st Year. Faculty : K.Ramakrishnan

Course Objective

To inculcate among the studens the habit of thinking critically

a) while they listen, read or write; b) while they attempt to solve problems or take decisions; and c)when they enquire / investigate / research

Course Methodology

Critical thinking skills are cultivated largely through practice. Hence the number of sessions for tutorial and self-practice would be more than for providing conceptual inputs. In addition to the sessions assigned for the course, other opportunities such as student-led seminars, interaction with visiting leaders of industry and other events would be utilized to continuously imbibe the culture of critical thinking and effective communication.

Course Schedule

The scheduling of the lecture sessions for this course would be rather flexible and will run through the entire 1^st year programme. Students are expected to read and digest the assigned readings in the sequence specified without waiting for specific announcements about what reading is to be discussed in which session. Several activities to apply the concepts learnt through reading and class discussion will be either posted in the course page or distributed from time to time.

Tutorial Sessions

M/s. Mercy Mathew and Rakhee will facilitate the students through tutorial sessions during which the assignments will have to be done by the students for assessment and feedback.

Evaluation

Short Quizzes & Assignments : 35%

End of term tests : 30%

Report & Presentation : 15%

Class Participation : 20% (click here to learn why you should particiapate)

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100%

Topics & Assigned Reading

Required Reading below each topic; (Click on each link to read the material). The links are to web pages set up by different agencies promoting the cause of inculcating critical thinking among students. Their contribution is gratefully acknowledged. The numbers within brackets indicate the approximate number of sessions for the topic. Exercises would be interspersed among the sessions for all topics.

1. Critical thinking : An Overview (3)

Critical thinking: what it is and why it counts.

Defining critical thinking

The Elements of Reasoning and the Intellectual Standards

Critical Thinking Programs:Why They Won't Work