ELT 207 - Critical Reading and Writing

The purpose of this course is to develop thinking skills. We live in a society that massproduces information. Not all of it is true or well grounded in fact. The key challenge in an information age is to know how to judge the quality of the information, opinions, and arguments that we are exposed to on a daily basis. This includes the ideas, arguments and assertions that we see, hear or read in the news, in coursework, on the job and in all human relations. Critical thinking is a fundamental leadership competency. Leaders are often presented with information from a variety of sources and about areas where they have no expertise. They must know how to make good judgments about people, information, and arguments. Leaders also have to know how to present persuasive arguments. Some people become leaders because of their personality, desire, or “people skills.” Others become leaders because of their ideas and ability to create a vision, plan for the future, and anticipate and solve problems. 

The components of this course are critical writing, informal logic, and epistemology. The content of the course is largely philosophic, but most of the application exercises will be centered on topics related to intellectual thinking and leadership. Students will analyze ideas in texts and lectures, learn how to critique and construct arguments, and analyze problems in complex systems. They will also examine the ways that powerful groups and people can influence notions of truth.

The course readings range from fairy tales to modern international literature. The purpose of this course is to develop thinking skills. We live in a society that mass-produces information. Not all of it is true or well-grounded in fact. The key challenge in an information age is to know how to judge the quality of the information, opinions, and arguments that we are exposed to on a daily basis. This includes the ideas, arguments, and assertions that we see, hear or read in the news, in coursework, on the job, and in all human relations. Critical thinking is a fundamental leadership competency. Leaders are often presented with information from a variety of sources and about areas where they have no expertise. They must know how to make good judgments about people, information, and arguments. Leaders also have to know how to present persuasive arguments. Some people become leaders because of their personality, desire, or “people skills.” Others become leaders because of their ideas and ability to create a vision, plan for the future, and anticipate and solve problems.