Methods of Critical Reasoning

Revised Course Schedule (updated 10/19/01)
Sections 11 (W) and 25 (Th)

This schedule is organized by week and should be used only by the following sections:  

DT 302-11: W 6-8:30pm, room 411 CPA 
RC 302-25: Th 6:30-9pm, room 330

Students in the Tuesday evening downtown section (12), 
click here for your schedule

Week One:  Introduction to Course

• Starts Wed. 9/5 [DT section #11] and Thur. 9/6 [RC section #25]

Week Two:  Critical Thinking and Reading

• Read Barnet and Bedau, chapters 1 & 2

Week Three:  Analyzing Arguments

• Read BB, chapter 4

Week Four:  Critical Reading, Part II

• Library orientation:  meet at library (DT class, Library on 5th floor CPA; RC class, Library front desk)
• Read BB, chapter 3:  scan pp. 50-63; read pp. 64-69 and 73-76; pick two out of the six readings at the end of the chapter to read carefully
• Critique Essay due 

Week Five:  Researching the Web

• Read BB, chapter 5 & first 7 pages of chapter 6; Locke, chapters 1 & 2
• Class demo:  web searching techniques 
• Discuss writing proposals, developing a research plan
• Distribute optional week 6 conference sched.

Week Six:  Research Week -- regular class does not meet

• Options:  (a) sign up for an individual 20-min. conference with me to discuss your project; (b) arrange to meet with a small group to discuss your proposal drafts; (c) exchange proposal drafts with a partner via fax or email, and give each other written feedback; (d) any combination of the above
• Research Proposal due by Monday, 10/15 via email attachment (Word format) or fax (home fax # 773-764-7149)

Week Seven:  Researching the Web, Part II

• Read L, chapter 3 
• In-class exercise:  discuss evaluation criteria for web sources and critique selected websites (DT class meets in room 306B Herman Crown Center; RC class meets in room 622)
• Discuss source analysis assignment

Week Eight:  Quantitative and Qualitative Research 

• Read L, chapter 6 
• Work with research reports (distributed in class)

Week Nine:  Understanding Tough Sources / A Note on Statistics

• Scan L, chapter 5, pp. 74-100; BB, pp. 70-72 (3rd ed.) or pp. 79-82 (4th ed.)
• Discussion of statistical literacy (check out this website)
• Continue working with sample reports in class (read thoroughly before class)
• Source Analysis due
• Distribute sample student papers for next week

Week Ten:  Writing up your Research

• Read BB, chapter 6; L, pp. 106-113:  paraphrasing, documentation, etc.
• Critique sample research papers using the 302 rubric

Week Eleven:  Philosophy and the Law:  Two Perspectives on Argument

• Read BB, chapters 7 & 10 (for ch. 10, pick one of the court decisions to read)
• Introduce debate project

Week Twelve:  Thanksgiving Break -- Regular Class Does Not Meet

• Research Paper draft due (see assignment page for details on what you need to turn in; this may be a partial draft); due dates are as follows:
  • Section 11 (DT Wed.) -- Tues., 11/20, my office or mailbox DT
  • Section 25 (RC Thur.) -- Wed., 11/21, my office at RC
• Continue writing research paper
• Preliminary reading and research for debate project 

Week Thirteen:  Introduction to Class Debate Project

• Read selections from Berra (TBA) and selected handouts (click here for related links on the web)
• In-class work on debate project:  reviewing of sources, establishing roles, setting guidelines and goals; groups strategize for next week
• Rough drafts returned

Week Fourteen:  Class Debate:  Creationism and Evolution in the Public School Curriculum

• A public high school board considers arguments for and against requiring the teaching of creationism in the district's science curriculum, and renders its decision 
• Discussion / evaluation of debate and decision

Week Fifteen:  Official Last Day / Pizza Party

• Final Draft of Research Paper Due (include rough draft, my comment sheet, any materials I requested, and a SASE for return)
• Course evaluations
• Repair to designated restaurant for pizza, beverage, and end-of-semester merriment

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Last updated 05/18/05