Methods of Critical Reasoning

Revised Course Schedule 
Section 12 (Tuesday evening, downtown)

This schedule is organized by week and should be used only by students in section 12

Week One:  Introduction to Course

• Starts Tues. 9/11

Week Two (9/18):  Critical Thinking and Reading

• Read Barnet and Bedau, chapters 1 & 2

Week Three (9/25:  Analyzing Arguments

• Read BB, chapter 4

Week Four (10/2):  Critical Reading, Part II

• Library orientation:  meet at library on 10th floor, Auditorium Bldg (430 S. Michigan)
• 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 (10/9):  Researching the Web

• Read BB, chapter 5 & pp. 191-198 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 (10/16):  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 Friday, 10/19 via email attachment (Word format) or fax (home fax # 773-764-7149); email preferred

Week Seven (10/23):  Researching the Web, Part II

• Note:  class meets in room 410, CPA, 18 S. Michigan
• Read L, chapter 3 
• In-class exercise:  discuss evaluation criteria for web sources and critique selected websites (see this site for a preview)
• Discuss source analysis assignment

Week Eight (10/30):  Quantitative and Qualitative Research 

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

Week Nine (11/6):  Understanding Tough Sources / A Note on Statistics

• Scan L, chapter 5; 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 (11/13):  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 (11/20):  Philosophy and the Law:  Two Perspectives on Argument

• Read BB, chapters 7 & 10 (in ch. 10, pick one court decision to read)
• Introduce debate project

Week Twelve (11/27):  Writing Workshop

• Research Paper draft due (see assignment page for details on what you need to turn in)
• In-class writing workshop:  bring 1 extra copy of rough draft for peer review
• Preliminary reading and research for debate project 

Week Thirteen (12/4):  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 (12/11):  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 (12/18):  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 merriment

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Last updated 05/18/05