AS and A Level Critical Thinking

AS and A Level Critical Thinking
A course designed to help you think more clearly. You will learn how to tell the difference between a quarrel and an argument, how to see through other people's false reasoning, how to put your own opinions across more effectively. You will learn how to assess the credibility of witnesses, different kinds of evidence or passages such as newspaper articles.

What does the course consist of?
In Year 1 you will study units 1 and 2 for the AS Level. In Year 2 you will take units 3 and 4 to complete the full Advanced Level.
Unit 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking

This is an introduction to important skills within Critical Thinking including the language of reasoning and credibility.
You will be assessed by a written examination

Unit 2: Assessing and Developing Argument

This unit builds on the thinking skills developed in unit 1. It includes an evaluation of potential flaws and weaknesses in an argument. It includes writing of original arguments in response to stimulus material.
You will be assessed by a written examination

Unit 3: Ethical Reasoning and Decision Making

This unit involves the application of skills developed at AS level in the context of ethical and moral debates. You will identify and analyse conflicting ideas and arguments from a range of source material.
You will be assessed by a written examination

Unit 4: Critical Reasoning

This includes similar concepts and ideas to previous units but presents a different level of challenge. It includes an analysis and evaluation of material based on typical arguments found in newspapers, journals, books and magazines.
You will be assessed by a written examination

What else do I need to know? Critical Thinking is a useful qualification in its own right but it will help you to think more clearly in all your other subjects. Universities show considerable interest in the course and the skills it develops. Many universities use thinking skills tests as part of their admissions/selection procedures.