LSP200 - Critical Thinking

Subject Title
Critical Thinking

Subject Description
This course introduces students to foundations of critical thinking. Students will discover and apply a framework of mental skills and digital resources designed to (a) improve the quality of their reasoning and communication and (b) facilitate wise decisions in personal, work, and educational contexts. They will explore pervasive mental errors such as cognitive biases and practice reflecting on and regulating their own thinking (i.e., metacognition), discover principles of logic needed to recognize and evaluate arguments, and develop their media and information literacy to identify trustworthy and appropriate sources. Students will integrate and apply their emerging critical thinking skills through the rigorous evaluation of digital communications.

Credit Status
LSP200 is a required subject in the Crime and Intelligence Analysis Degree Program - CIA.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Apply intellectual standards for critical thinking to improve reasoning and communication.
 
2. Discuss mental processes, such as cognitive biases and fallacious modes of reasoning, that can serve as barriers to effective judgment and decision-making.
 
3. Recognize types of arguments and non-arguments in digital communications.
 
4. Evaluate arguments to establish whether it would be reasonable to accept their conclusions.
 
5. Examine contextual factors, such as publication venue and author credentials, experience, and affiliations, that may impact the trustworthiness of communications.
 
6. Compile high-quality sources of information through effective internet search and lateral reading practices.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.