Curriculum Area: Theology and Care
Critical Thinking AS Level
Certain skills are essential for effective study: one such skill is Critical Thinking. Students learn how to construct good arguments and how to evaluate and critically assess others.
The course is suitable for “thinkers”, those who enjoy discussions, current affairs and voicing their opinion. It focuses on the development of critical thinking skills, which are central to the process of arriving at a reason based judgement. The analysis of language and language use is paramount to the course as students are expected to learn to write with clarity and discrimination.
Specific Aims
The aims of the specification are to develop a student’s ability to:
- Understand the importance of examining knowledge and beliefs critically
- Recognise, analyse and evaluate their own and others’ beliefs and knowledge claims in a variety of contexts
- Recognise and evaluate assumptions
- Evaluate reasoning of different kinds, including common and important species of reasoning
- Make connections and synthesise information and arguments
- Generate their own arguments and express them clearly
AS Unit 1 – Introduction to Critical Thinking
Unit is designed to give candidates an introduction to important skills within Critical Thinking, including 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; and recognizes that the plausibility of an argument, or the evidence used to support it, is also influenced by its origin, be that a person or organization.
AS Unit 2 - Assessing and Developing an Argument
Builds upon the skills developed in Unit F501. Candidates will be asked to identify a wider range of argument components from stimulus material in order to assess the structure of the arguments presented. Candidates will be expected to identify, explain or evaluate a range of potential weaknesses, flaws and other aspects of an argument. In doing so, candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the difference between challenging reasoning with counter-arguments or alternative explanations, and the more complex skill of explaining the strengths/weaknesses of the original reasoning
Methods of Teaching and Learning
The course is delivered in one 90 minute lesson per week, almost always as part of the Honours programme. It is a skills based course that embraces many different topics in a range of contexts, and the approach to the subject is active and practical. Lessons include discussions, debates, exploration of current affairs and the media, and the watching of films, in addition to the use of a text book and past papers. There is opportunity for individual and group work, and students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning.
Methods of Assessment
Unit 1: (50% of the total AS GCE) 1.5 hour written Paper to be taken in January (75 marks)
Unit 2: (50% of the total AS GCE) 1.5 hour written Paper to be taken in June (75 marks)
Resources
The course is well resourced for a variety of study activities and students are encouraged to make full use of the Library. Many resources are found outside college where current affairs and topical issues are covered by the Media, providing different examples of argument and debate.
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at grade C or above or the equivalent from four subject areas including English at grade B.