Comp 3: Critical Thinking
Dr. Les WRIGHT FALL 2009 Tel: 925 685 1230 x1685
Diablo Valley College Email: lwright@dvc.edu Office: FO-139
ENGL 126 (Section 8731)
Critical Thinking: The Shaping of Meaning in Language
“There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance – that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”
– Herbert Spencer
Course Description
This course will focus on the development of logical reasoning and analytical and argumentative writing skills. It is designed to develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills beyond the level expected in ENGL 122. This course also investigates meaning and its creation and transmission through language.
54 hours lecture per term
Prerequisite: ENGL 122 or equivalent
Required Texts
The Structure of Argument, 6th ed., Rottenberg and Winchell
What Orwell Didn’t Know, Szántó, ed.
Man’s Search for Meaning, Frankl
The Vocabulary of Critical Thinking, Washburn
American Heritage Dictionary or any college-level dictionary
Bilingual (dual-language) dictionary (English/student’s native tongue)
Teaching Procedures
Class discussions and handbook exercises will complement paper-writing assignments. Readings will serve to broaden the student’s general knowledge, develop the student’s command of written English, and in particular the development of logical reasoning and analytical and argumentative writing skills beyond those acquired at the ENGL 122 level. One writing assignment will address the critical analysis of a literary text and may include a film to be screened in class.
Instructional Objectives
To improve the student’s ability to effectively express and generate ideas for baccalaureate college-level writing assignments. To introduce the student to the tradition of logic and argumentation, moral philosophy and the variety and a sample range of moral and ethical issues, to respond with sound argumentation to ethical questions orally and in writing, and to an increased awareness of the social, ethical, cultural, and historical values which have significantly contributed to creating the society we live in today; To increase the student’s ability to communicate clearly and effectively, to access relevant information, to work independently and in a group, and to instill leadership skills, such as initiative, risk-taking, and independent decision-making, through involvement with the course; To bring the student to infer, deduce, extrapolate, and draw complex connections between the student’s world, contemporary society, the broader cultural and historical context, and the realm of humanities scholarship.
Student Learning Outcomes
The student who successfully completes this course will be able to: structure a paper; develop and sustain a reasoned argument, in the tradition of the humanistic (liberal arts) spirit and tradition of free inquiry, to pursue open discussion, manifest respect for reasoned opinion, and be welcoming of the diversity inherent in a democratic and pluralistic society.
Grading, Attendance, and Academic Conduct
Student grades will be based on the following: in-class reading and writing exercises; and 5 letter-graded paper assignments submitted typed or word-processed, in rough and final drafts; active participation in class and regular attendance. Late papers are not acceptable.
Three formal essays 45% (15% each)
One critical paper 25%
Written exercises(in-class & homework) 15%
Participation & Attendance 15%
A maximum of 1 class (3 contact hours) missed is permitted. Tardiness (arriving 15 or more minutes after the start of class; class being at 6:30 PM sharp) disrupts the class, and will have an adverse effect on your grade. Two “tardies” equal one absence. Three absences (i.e., 6 contact hours) will result in an F for “Participation & Attendance.” Four absences (i.e., 12 contact hours) WILL result in an F for this course, regardless of your academic performance.
Students are expected to conduct themselves as dedicated adult-learners: Lateness is unacceptable. Talking out of turn, using cell phones, or web surfing during class is unacceptable. Turn off or silence your cell phone. Come prepared, be on time, and bring paper, pens, texts, and completed assignments that are due. Academic dishonesty (i.e., cheating and plagiarism) is not permitted, and is grounds for immediate suspension, and possible dismissal from the course with a grade of F.
This syllabus is provisional, and subject to modification by the instructor at any time. Any update supersedes previous versions.
Dr. Les WRIGHT FALL 2009 Tel: 925 685 1230 x1685
Diablo Valley College Email: lwright@dvc.edu Office: FO-139
ENGL 126 (Section 8731)
Critical Thinking: The Shaping of Meaning in Language
course schedule
| Week 1
Sept 10 |
Introduction to course
“The Postmodern Financial Crisis” HWK: SA, Chap 1 & 2; VCT 1, 2, 3 |
| Week 2
Sept 17 |
SA, Chap 1 & 2; VCT 1, 2, 3
HWK: SA, Chap 3, “How to Detect Propaganda” |
| Week 3
Sept 24 |
SA, Chap 2 & 3, “How to Detect Propaganda”
HWK: SA Chap 4; VCT 4, 5, 6 Paper 1 assigned |
| Week 4
October 1 |
SA Chap 4; VCT 4, 5, 6
Paper 1 due |
| Week 5
October 8 |
Manufacturing Consent
HWK: SA, Chap 5; VCT 7, 8, 9 |
| Week 6
October 15 |
SA, Chap 5; VCT 7, 8, 9
HWK: SA, Chap 6; VCT 10, 11, 12 |
| Week 7
October 22 |
SA, Chap 6; VCT 10, 11, 12
HWK: SA, Chap 7; VCT 13, 14 Paper 2 assigned |
| Week 8
October 29 |
SA, Chap 7; VCT 13, 14
HWK: The Search for Meaning, “Goebbels’ Principles of Propaganda” Paper 2 due |
| Week 9
November 5 |
“Degenerate Art”
The Search for Meaning “Goebbels’ Principles of Propaganda” HWK: SA, Chap 8, 11, 12 |
| Week 10
November 12 |
SA, Chap 8
HWK: SA, Chap 9 Research Paper assigned, SA Chap 11, 12 |
| Week 11
November 19 |
SA, Chap 9
HWK: SA, Chap 10; VCT 15, 16 Paper 3 assigned |
| Week 12
November 26 |
THANKSGIVING
NO CLASSES |
| Week 13
December 3 |
SA, Chap 10; VCT 15, 16
HWK: SA, Chap 13; VCT 17 Paper 3 due |
| Week 14
December 10 |
SA, Chap 13; VCT 17 |
| Week15
December 17 |
Research Paper due
All rewrites due |
SA=The Structure of Argument; VCT=The Vocabulary of Critical Thinking
ENGLISH TUTORING LAB
LC-202
