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CRITICAL THINKING

“You had better watch out - there’s a polar bear behind you!”

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!"?

There are at least 30 of them – how many can you think of?

 

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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