Listening & Thinking Critically – COMM 1310
Course Description:
Critical Thinking is the process by which we develop and support our beliefs, and evaluate the strength of arguments made by others in real-life situations. This semester we will practice some of the most central and important skills of critical thinking, and focus on applying those strategies to understanding current issues, belief systems, and ethical positions.
We will analyze media, the current political environment, and our own beliefs and moral inclinations. You will learn to appraise information and influences, discuss controversial topics intelligently, and construct well-reasoned arguments on a variety of topics. The course will focus on group discussion and written analysis.
Course Goals and Objectives:
The primary objectives of this course are to impart a functional ability to reason well and to improve your analytical skills and instincts. In addition to familiarizing you with elementary methods of building strong arguments, the course is further designed to aid you in understanding the essential principles involved in the practice of reasoned decision making.
Students’ performance in attaining the course objectives will be assessed through participation in class discussion, writing assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Required Reading:
There is no textbook required to be purchased for this course. Instead, we will use a variety of materials I have acquired throughout my time as a communications student and professional. You’re welcome.
Class Policies:
1. Attendance– This is a face-to-face class for a reason: It is essential that all students attend class. Attendance will be taken at every class. Absences due to university activities (e.g., debate, sports, etc.) must be discussed with me no later than one week before the relevant class period(s). Written documentation for a university-sanctioned absence must be provided. Arrangements concerning absences are entirely at my discretion.
2. Participation– Participation and attendance also includes, but is not limited to: Attending class regularly and on time, participating in class discussion on concepts in the readings for that day, being focused and practicing good listening skills, contributing meaningfully to group discussion and exercises, relating class material to your own experience and the outside world during class discussions.
3. Academic Dishonesty– Cheating on exams and plagiarism of papers constitutes grounds for failure of that assignment, and potential failure of this course. Please see me if you need help or an extension of time on assignments.
4. Cell Phone Usage– Electronic devices such as laptops and tablets are powerful learning tools in the classroom. Students are encouraged to use them at appropriate times. Cell phones, however, are not permitted to be used in my classroom. If I catch you using your cell phone, I will ask you to bring it to me. The second time I catch you with your phone, you will drop an entire letter off your final grade. If I catch you with your phone a third time, you will receive an automatic F. If anyone tries to catch a pokemon in class, I will lose my freaking mind.
5. Late Work– Unless we have made previous arrangements, late work will not be accepted.
6. Extra Credit– I was recently a student myself, so I know what it is like to be in your shoes. I also do not want any of you to fail my course. I will (likely) provide opportunities for students to earn extra credit throughout the semester. To be eligible for extra credit, you must have all coursework turned in.
7. Out of Class Contact– My office hours are determined by appointment only. The best way to get in contact with me outside of class is with a simple text message. Feel free to text, call, Facebook message, or email me at any time. I will respond at my earliest convenience, but am most likely to give you a quick response if you text me.
8. Grading– I use a standard grading scale (90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, etc.). Occasionally, students are unsatisfied with some dimension of the course. If you have a concern at any time during the course, please come speak with me directly. I enforce a “24/7 rule” when it comes to grade appeals. There is a 24 hour rule in effect for all papers and tests: you may not contact me regarding the grade you earned until at least 24 hours after the assignment is returned. Additionally, you must contact me within seven days of the assignment being returned to you. After a week has passed I will not be willing to discuss past assignments. If you want to appeal a grade, you must make the grade appeal in writing to me. It is my policy that I will not discuss grade appeals via email or in class. Prepare and submit a typed argument indicating what your specific appeal is, what grade you believe you deserved, and a justification for that grade. You must have a legitimate argument for the grade change. Turn in the appeal before or after class, or at a scheduled appointment within one week of the grade being returned.
9. Respect– Enjoy the readings, enjoy the class, enjoy the assignments, enjoy your instructor, and enjoy one another. It is expected that students will be considerate of the instructor and fellow classmates and act in a professional manner. Once class begins, students should stop talking, working on other class assignments, etc. Please be patient with me and your classmates; we are all in this together.
Assignments:
1. Citizenship- Students are allowed two unexcused absences before their grade will be affected. Each absence thereafter will result in a 5% loss off your final grade. Students will earn points by arriving to class on time, participating in relevant discussion, and making appropriate comments. Each student will also be required to share a video or article with the class that we can discuss and debate.
2. Online Quizzes- There will be quizzes covering the assigned readings that must be completed before class. They are open book, open note, but can only be taken once.
3. Topic Papers- To help acquaint you with recent developments in critical thinking, you will complete various one-page topic papers worth 10 points each. We will discuss each paper more fully in class before they are due.
4. Presentations- A few times this semester you will be required to work in a group to prepare a short presentation about a critical thinking example in society. This is not a presentations class, so I do not expect you to come dressed in your business best nor am I expecting professional-level presentations. That being said, they also shouldn’t bore us to death or suck. Requirements will be discussed further during class.
5. Final- The final for this class will be a debate. Each of you will be placed in a team and assigned a topic to debate about with another team. You will earn points for the quality of arguments presented as well as winning the debate. You will also be graded by your fellow team members.
Hayden Coombs 