Fundamentals of Critical Thinking

Credits: 2
Interaction / Teaching – Learning : 30 Hours

NEP Classification

• General Elective(GE)
• Open Elective(OE)
• Skill Enhancement Course(SEC)

In Person

Course Objectives

1. Managing information load diligently, identify key arguments and steer away misinformation and fake news
2. Asking apt questions and learn by pursuing inquiry in varied topics from different fields
3. Participating in debates, discussions effectively and meaningfully       
4. Communicating effectively  after learning nuances of arguments, critical listening, critical reading and critical writing

Course Outline

1. Orientation Session — Introduction to Critical Thinking. What CT is and what it is not; Why to learn CT: Its Importance and relevance in day-to-day life
2. Opinion Line Activity and Reflection — A debating activity which acts as an icebreaker 
3. Obstacles to Critical Thinking – Introduction to Cognitive Biases and Logical Fallacies — Our brain is susceptible to cognitive and logical errors while handling information, causing repetitive mistakes in perception and reasoning. We’ll learn to recognize and avoid them.      
4. Introduction to the RED model of Critical Thinking  — differentiating between opinions, arguments, and assumptions and effectively managing information by determining what is essential and what is not. For that we will introduce RED model [Recognize assumptions; Evaluate arguments and Draw conclusions]
5. Skills necessary for Critical Thinking Introduction to Critical Observation and Critical Questioning — How to observe things systematically and ask meaningful questions to understand any topic. Metacognition and Self regulation.

Learning Outcomes

Critical Thinking (CT) is considered as a  linchpin among the 21^st century skills. Practicing CT will help students in: 

• Making informed decisions
• Communicating ideas effectively
• Learning in interdisciplinary, multi-disciplinary, trans-disciplinary paradigms
• Managing information overload 
• Solving problems

Industry Requirement

• Analyze complex problems and information driven decision making.
• Persuasion via Argument building.
• Navigate uncertainty with strategic reasoning and innovative solutions.
• Evaluate data and trends, offering insights that drive growth and innovation.
• Collaborate effectively, contributing fresh perspectives to diverse teams.
• Adapt to dynamic challenges, ensuring agile and forward-thinking responses

Faculty Team