Undergraduate | MAQ-PHIX1037-2023
Critical Thinking
Previously MAQ-PHIX137
Identify methods used to structure arguments. Beware of fallacies and pseudo-arguments. Prepare for discourses on subjects including science, philosophy and law. Sharpen your approach to thinking critically and producing well-reasoned arguments.
Study method
100% online
Assessments
100% online
Entry requirements
Prior study needed
Duration
13 weeks
Start dates
- 20 Feb 2023,
- 24 July 2023,
- 11 Dec 2023
Price from
$1,950
Upfront cost
$0
About this subject
What you'll learn
At the completion of this subject , you will be able to:
- recognise the structure of arguments, and how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form
- differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each
- appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear standardised form
- construct well-reasoned arguments of your own.
- apply the skills of critical analysis to arguments from a variety of contexts and disciplines.
- Reasons and Reasoning
- Arguments and Arguers
- Language and Persuasion
This subject was previously known as PHIX137 Critical Thinking.
Please note: This subject is available in Macquarie Semester 3, which is an intensive semester that spans only 5 intensive teaching weeks, plus a mid-semester recess and an assessment period. Students are advised to enrol in only one or two subjects in Semester 3. Students who would prefer to take the unit over 13 teaching weeks should enrol in the Semester 1 or 2 offering.
This subject aims to teach the fundamentals of critical thinking and reasoning. Students will learn how to construct, analyse and critically evaluate arguments; how to detect common fallacies in reasoning; and how to think logically and creatively. We teach these skills by developing practical techniques for the evaluation of reasoning, and applying them to arguments from business, law, science, politics, philosophy and the media. Critical thinking skills are invaluable across all disciplines, and will benefit students in academic contexts and in life beyond university.
- Online Engagement (15%)
- Peer review (10%)
- Final Scenario Report (35%)
- Personal argument (25%)
- Online Quiz One (15%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
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QS Ranking 2023: 14
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023: 10
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PHIX137 (Not currently available)
Others
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Student feedback
46 student respondents between: 07 June 2022 - 05 Feb 2023.
4-6 hourswas the average study commitment per week
89%of students felt the study load was manageable
93%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following degrees
UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
UndergraduateMAQ-BSS-DEG
UndergraduateCUR-NET-DEG
UndergraduateCUR-PWP-DEG
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