azarski University

Syllabus

1. Module Title

CRITICAL THINKING FOR

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

3. Language

English

2. Module Code

4. Status
przedmiotu

x core
kierunkowy
5. Aims and
Learning
Outcomes

elective

languages

specjalistyc
zny

other

5.1. Aims
This course aims at introducing undergraduate students to critical thinking as a
fundamental tool by which students can learn how to effectively use judgment and
discernment in their course of study. This course hopes to aid the student in their
ability to discover what are in-fact the most important issues/questions/problems and
aid them in identifying rational solutions to address those issues/questions/problems.
Topics and areas examined include 1) analyzing and building arguments, 2) the
various methods and standards of critical thinking (introducing students to classics of
critical thought) and 3) evaluating sources of information used to underlie judgment.
1. Basics of Reasoning and Practical Logic
2. Understanding Judgment and how to use it
3. Learning to understand phenomena as they are and distinguish between
those phenomena are important to what you are dealing with and which are
not.
4. Learning how to distinguish between what is important to the thing you are
doing and what is not.
5. Learning how to read carefully as a means to learn how to make judgments
critically.
6. Learning how to apply what one has learned to how one acts.
.
5.2. Learning Outcomes
All objectives listed here will be demonstrated in writing unless otherwise stated.

6. Module
Coordinator
7. Lecturer (s)

Differentiate between inference and fact.

Identify types of fallacies in reasoning.
Trace the development of an argument from its proposition to its conclusion.
Compare and contrast attitudes or values as expressed by writers with
differing perspectives.
Evaluate the reliability of source materials.
Apply the principles of critical thinking to writing, with and without the use of
outside sources.
Analyze arguments for examples of fact and inference, inductive and
deductive reasoning, and emotional appeal.
Construct an argument that defends a claim with appropriate supporting data
and logical consistency.

Prof UW dr Clifford A Bates, Jr

8. Module Type

Full-time

9. Year, Semester,
Programme

Year

Part-time
Semester

Programme

10. Module
This course aims at introducing undergraduate students to critical thinking as a
fundamental tool by which students can learn how to effectively use judgment and
Summary
discernment in their course of study.
(short descriptions)
11. Teaching Approach, Contact Hours, Hours for Students Individual Work
#

11.1.
Dates of
Classes

11.2. Topics Covered During Classes

11.3.
Hours

Lecture
1
2
Workshop
1

Introduction

2.5

Forms of Arguments

2.5

Rules of Reasoning

2.5

Rules of Reasoning

2.5

Argument

2.5

6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Truth and Opinion + Ways of Life

Defending ones Life
Making arguments over preferences
Types of Princes
Variations and Analogies
Arms and the Man
Virtues of the Prince
The Prudence of the Prince
The Prudence of the Prince continued
Nature of things
Chaos of Existence
Ways of Victory
The Meaning of Victory
Workshop in Computer Lab

2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5

1
2
On-line Workshops
1
2

3
4
Students Individual Work
Topics / Issues Covered by Students on Their Own
12. ECTS Credits

13. Initial Requirements

4 short reaction essays and 1 final exam

14. Compulsory Readings

Anthony Weston, A Rulebook for Arguments, 3rd edition

(Indianapolis: Hacket Publishing, 2000).
Plato's The Apology of Socrates, trans by Thomas West
Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince, trans Leo Paul de Alvarez
(Propects Heights, Illinois: Waveland, 1989)
Sun Tzu Art of War

15. Additional Readings

16. Assessment Criteria

17. Passing Criteria

18. Balance of ECTS

Credits.
Students
Workload

Four short essay/reaction paper assignments, 3 to 5

pages (600-1000 words, each worth 15%; result in
learning outcomes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8);
Final in class essay, 7-10 pages (worth 40%; results
in learning outcomes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

To pass the course a student must score at least 40% of the

overall weighted average and not less than 35% for each
assessment component. Lower mark leads to a re-sit exam for
the failed component.
Forms of Activities
Contact
Hours

Lecture
Workshop
Seminar
Other Computer
Seminar / On-line
Workshops
Preparations for Lecture
Preparations for Computer Seminar
and On-line Workshops
Preparations for Exam
Work on Reports,
Presentations,Eessays, etc
Games, Cases
Other Forms Preparations for
Disscussions
Total Number of ECTS Points:

Average Number of
Hours
45

Hours

20
40

Hours

45
Hours