Introduction to Critical Reasoning
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Summary
Do you ever wonder why some arguments feel so convincing while others fall flat? In what ways does human reasoning tend to go wrong? Why do people, including ourselves, sometimes hold onto beliefs that don’t stand up to scrutiny? How do we determine which of those beliefs are worth keeping and which might need to change? In this class, you’ll step back and critically examine your views, beliefs, and the reasons behind them. You will develop skills to distinguish strong, well-supported arguments from flawed reasoning and learn practical strategies to improve your own critical thinking. You will engage with a wide variety of materials, from classic works by great philosophers to contemporary arguments in popular media. Expect a lively mix of activities, including class discussions, problem-solving exercises, journal reflections, and interactive debates. Writing and reading assignments will deepen your understanding, while the final project and presentation will challenge you to apply everything you’ve learned. No matter your intended future field of study, the skills gained in this course—critical thinking, effective communication, and intellectual curiosity—will provide you with a solid foundation to thrive in college and beyond.
Student profile
All ALP students should bring a personal laptop or tablet for use in class and during evening sessions.
Important dates
Application deadlines
Application opens: Jan. 13, 2025
Deadline: Apply by May 1, 2025
Tuition deadlines
The first half of tuition is due by May 15, 2025. The second half of tuition is due by June 1, 2025.