10-809-103Think Critically & Creatively
Course Information
Description
This course provides instruction in the vital, realistic, and practical methods of thinking which are in high demand in all occupations of substance today. Decision making, problem solving, detailed analysis of ideas, troubleshooting, argumentation, persuasion, creativity, setting goals and objectives, and more are considered in depth as the student applies specific thinking strategies and tools to situations in a wide variety of workplace, personal, academic, and cultural situations. Classroom instruction is demonstration, discussion, project and teamwork based.  Assignments range from the short and simple to the detailed and complex. Reality and practicality are the focuses all through the course. These skills are in high demand by employers. Having this course in your background can significantly enhance your appeal as an employee. It certainly will make you a more adept and confident person.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Differentiate the concepts of thinking and critical thinking
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    define the concept of thinking
    identify influences on thinking
    define the concept of critical thinking
    contrast critical and non-critical thinking

  2. Use creative thinking principles
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    examine the factors that can block creativity
    apply creative thinking tools
    identify creative thinking abilities
    apply the creative thinking process

  3. Assess one's own personal thinking strengths and weaknesses
    Criteria
    Identify strengths of one's own personal thinking
    Identify weaknesses of one's own personal thinking
    establish personal goals to improve one's thinking

  4. Examine obstacles to critical thinking
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify fallacies of reasoning
    evaluate claims made by others
    identify bias types

  5. Apply the critical thinking process
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    determine purpose
    identify question to be answered
    gather information
    arrive at solution(s)
    analyze concepts
    identify assumptions
    evaluate consequences of solution(s)
    assess multiple perspectives

  6. Solve problems by applying a logical process
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    apply creativity to the problem solving process
    identify the problem
    use specific process to solve a problem
    assess multiple perspectives regarding the problem
    identify possible solutions
    evaluate the solutions
    select solution(s)
    implement solution(s)
    develop plan to monitor outcome(s)

  7. Apply logical thinking strategies to make decisions
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    apply process to make decision(s)
    identify decision to be made
    gather information
    identify decision option(s)
    evaluate decision options
    select option(s)
    recommend an action
    develop strategy for assessing outcome

  8. Analyze complex issues
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify the issue
    provide issue facts
    identify who is impacted by issue
    identify issue causes
    recommend issue resolution options
    consider obstacles

  9. Differentiate facts, inferences, and judgements
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    discriminate between factual and non-factual information
    identify inferences, judgments, and assumptions
    identify characteristics of statements of fact
    identify characteristics of statements of inference
    identify characteristics of statements of judgement
    distinguish between subjective and objective perspectives

This Outline is under development.