In the statement above there is
a conclusion based on a reason.
What are the assumptions that have been made in
drawing the conclusion that "You had better watch out!"?
| Title/Name |
Course Title/Exam
Board, Syllabus details |
Critical Thinking
Examination Board: OCR
AS Code: H052 A2 Code: H452 |
| What will I learn? |
What will I gain from doing this
course
Aims/Objectives
What will I do |
An appreciation of the variety
and challenge of the course, particularly the range of resource
documents used, the depth of discussion and the opportunity
to write your own arguments.
To equip candidates with reasoning skills to use in life,
work and further academic study. It provides opportunities
to think deeply about issues that are key to participating
in society. It enables you to make reasoned decisions that
are based on evidence and argument rather than assumption
and prejudice.
This is a taught course which you will attend weekly with
occasional homework including revision prior to examinations.
|
| What are the entry requirements |
What is the minimum skills or qualification
level the learner needs to start this course |
GCSE grades as for year 12 entry in
general.
Good written communication skills.
An awareness of current affairs and an interest in reading newspapers
and journals. |
| How will I be assessed |
Method of Assessment (exam, coursework
etc.) Course Content
Style of Teaching and Learning
|
The AS examination is composed of
two units:
Unit 1 (F501) Introduction
to Critical Thinking 1.5 hour paper, usually taken
in January of Year 12.
An introduction to important skills such as an understanding
of how arguments are constructed and how they differ from
other forms of written material. The unit also covers the
area of credibility, recognizing that the plausibility of
an argument, or the evidence used to support it, is also influenced
by its origin.
Unit 2 (F502) Assessing and developing Argument
1.5 hour paper, usually taken in June of Year 12
Identification, explanation or evaluation of a range of potential
weaknesses, flaws and other aspects of an argument. Understanding
the difference between challenging reasoning with counter-arguments
or alternative explanations, and the more complex skill of
explaining the strengths or weaknesses of the original reasoning.
Students may then go on to study for the full A level:
Unit 3 (F503) Ethical Reasoning and Decision Making
1.5 hour paper, usually taken in January of Year
13.
Application of skills developed in the AS Critical Thinking
course in the context of the ethical and moral debates that
are familiar in everyday life, including environmental and
political issues.
Unit 4 (F504) Critical Reasoning
1.5 hour paper, usually taken in June of Year 13
Detailed analysis of the structure of a short argument, identifying
elements and taking an overview in an assessment of its strengths
and weaknesses. This unit presents a greater level of challenge.
|
| What are the costs |
What equipment will I need (if appropriate)
Any other costs |
All text book resource material and
practice papers will be provided.
Cost of travel and entrance to galleries and exhibitions.
None |
| Is there anything else I need to know |
Where will I study What
support will I receive
Where can I get further information
|
In a traditional class group of
about 20 in a typical teaching room.
Plenty of staff input and support with written activities.
The emphasis is very much on class discussion.
Consult the OCR subject website for
further details. |
| Future Opportunities |
Progression to further education, study
or work |
Critical Thinking is increasingly
popular as it not only aids other subject areas but is widely
recognised by universities. In seeking to differentiate between
good and outstanding applicants, universities look for skills
such as critical thinking and this OCR qualification is highly
respected. |
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