Syllabus

SCHOOL OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON

READING 290

CRITICAL READING AS CRITICAL THINKING

SPRING 1999

SYLLABUS

Instructor: JoAnne Greenbaum

Office: EC - 18

Phone: 714-278-2758 Voice Mail Ext. 5

E-mail: jgreenbaum@fullerton.edu

Course Code: 14972, 16584,

Day/Time: TR 8:30, 11:30,

Location: EC - 24A

Office Hours:

Tues/Thurs - 7:35 - 8:30am
12:45 - 1:30pm
(or by appointment)

Catalog Description:		Relationship of critical reading and critical thinking. Emphasis on the development and application of reading skills in the interpretation, analysis, criticism and advocacy of ideas encountered in academic reading.

Required Text and Materials:		Brown, M.N. & Keely, S. M. Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking, 5^th edition. Read 290 Packet Primis Readings - McGraw-Hill 3.5 Floppy Disk - IBM Formatted

Statement of Purpose:		The purpose of this course is to enhance your ability to think and read critically.

Course Goals:		The goals of this course for student learning are to: Identify the relevant evidence and experiences needed to make a decision, solve a problem, or create new knowledge. Clarify the facts, concepts, evidence, and relationships that contribute to addressing questions and solving problems. Evaluate the quality and sufficiency of evidence and other forms of support for a position. Revise arguments and findings based on critical reflection. Recognize the explicit and implicit features in communication. Assess accurately similarities and differences in points of view. Monitor one's own comprehension and apply various strategies to clarify one's own thoughts and actions. Be organized, persistent, and focused in thinking, inquiry, and communication. Read analytically and think critically at a high level and demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking skills to the interpretation and analysis of ideas encountered in academic readings. Locate, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information and to integrate knowledge across discipline boundaries. Develop a habit of intellectual inquiry and reflective judgment and an awareness of one's thinking, perspective and biases. Organize one's thoughts and communicate clearly and effectively in speaking, listening, and writing. Develop strategies of information competence (reading, writing, speaking, listening) with state-of-the-art technology. Work effectively in collaborative and group settings. Develop lifelong learning and leadership skills for workplace and professional success.

Evaluation Policy:		Grades are based on both the quantity and the quality of the work you complete. The following criteria will be assessed to determine your grade in this course. Class Participation/Group Products…………100 points Group Presentations (2@ 50each)…………..100 points Individual Papers (2 @ 50 each)…………….100 points Concept Quizzes (2 @ 25 each)………………50 points E-mail Assignments (5 @ 20 each)……….….100 points Midterm Exam……………………………….100 points Final Exam…………………………………...100 points Total 650 points

Grading Criteria:		A = 650 - 585pts. (100% - 90%) B = 584 - 520pts. (89% - 80%) C = 519 - 455pts. (79% - 70%) D = 454 - 390pts. (69% - 60%) F = Below 390pts.

Class Information:		To receive General Education credit for this course, a grade of C or 70% of the point total must be earned. No exams or in-class assignments can be made up without prior approval of the instructor. (In-class activities are extremely difficult to make up since they require group work.) Such approval will be reserved for serious and documented circumstances. Late assignments will be accepted only one week past the due date and will be docked 20%. Papers should be typed, double-spaced and of scholarly quality and appearance to receive full credit.