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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

HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available

About this subject

What you'll learn

At the completion of this subject , you will be able to:

  1. recognise the structure of arguments, and how to represent that structure in a clear standardised form
  2. differentiate between types of reasoning and the methods of evaluation appropriate to each
  3. appraise the arguments of others and represent them in a clear standardised form
  4. construct well-reasoned arguments of your own.
  5. 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.

    Learn more about Macquarie.

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    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

If you have no prior university experience, you should complete BAR100 Academic Learning Skills or COM10006 Academic Literacies: Learning and Communication Practice before starting this subject. NCCW (pre-2020 units) PHI120, PHL137, PHIL137, PHIX137 NCCW (2020 and onwards) PHIL1037 Critical Thinking

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

Macquarie University logo

UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG

Bachelor of Arts

Macquarie University logo

UndergraduateMAQ-BSS-DEG

Bachelor of Security Studies

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