FTCC

Textbook:

Becoming a Strategic Thinker: Developing Skills for Success 

By W. James Potter, Edition: 1st edition.

ISBN# 0-13-117983-7

Textbook chapters and handouts require no more than 60-90 minutes of reading time per week. Students are encouraged to dig deeper into the material with the provided resources. In addition to these reading requirements, students will spend one to two hours a week completing assignments. We will use the book in class as part of our assigned reading.  

Module guides and Slides are available for each chapter, including PowerPoint slides and Module Guides that explain the chapters in a cursory fashion.

Amazon, Chegg, Pearson, AbeBooks, or you can purchase it from the FTCC bookstore.

To locate the course textbook, please follow these links:

• Click on FTCC Bookstore

• Under Categories, click Textbook Lookup

• Then, under Academic Term, click FALL2023 (or the term you are requesting)

• Then, under Academic Term, click HUM

• You will see class 115 - Critical thinking

• Then, look for the professor's name: Kelly Perez

• You will see the book titled in red: Becoming a Strategic Thinker

• Then, select if you want the eText OR the hard copy.

• Click Add to Cart.

Instructional Videos

Click Here for Videos Related to the Course Topics

• Field Dependent Learning Style (4 mins)

• High Direction Learning Style (4 mins)

• Knowledge Structures (6 mins)

• Knowledge Styles: Field Dependent (4 mins)

• Learning Styles: Strategic Thinker (4 mins)

• Learning Styles: Consumer (7 mins)

• Learning Styles: Information Avoider (6 mins)

• Logical Fallacies: Part I (4 mins)

• Partially-Specified Problem (3 mins)

• The Skill of Analysis: Textual Analysis (4 mins)

• The Skill of Induction: Cognitive Standard (4 mins)

• The Skill of Induction: Patterns (5:31m)

• The Skill of Deduction: Logical Fallacies (4 mins)

• The Skill of Grouping: Classification Scheme (6:00m)

• The Skill of Patterning: Synthesis (7:00m)

• The Skill of Abstracting: Component & Umbrella Sentences (4:41m)

• The Skill of Persuasive Speech: The Lead Hook Sentence (5:30m)

Course Schedule: 

• Module One: Introduction To Critical Thinking and Multiple Intelligences, Strategic Thinking and Knowledge Styles

• Module Two: Skill of Analysis & Evaluation 

• Module Three: Skill of Induction & Deduction

• Module Four: Skill of Grouping & Synthesis

• Module Five: Skill of Abstracting & Persuasive Essay 

• Module Six: Springboard and Goodbye

Course Description

This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and write using critical thinking skills in analyzing appropriate texts. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in humanities/fine arts. This course may meet the SACS humanities requirement for AAS degree programs. 

HUM115 is a 100% online course; we will not meet face-to-face in the classroom, but if students need help, arrangements can be made via Instant Messaging, Video Chat, or telephone. 

Course Competence, Outcomes, and Major Assignments

At the successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Define metacognition and elaborate on personal learning styles or preferences defined by the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, providing examples of new learning strategies based on this knowledge.

• Describe the three primary knowledge styles, explaining which most closely fits the student's profile at the beginning of the course and elaborating on how one may change the knowledge style when necessary.

• List and explain the eight primary skills required for critical thinking.

• Demonstrate the use of each of the critical thinking skills in evaluating information.

• Explain why critical thinking skills are necessary and elaborate on the hazards of passive thinking.

• Effectively compare and contrast information from various sources and opine about the accuracy and validity of the information encountered.

• Analyze various messages, including art, newspaper clippings, news broadcasts, commercials, and others, breaking them down into components and expressing views on the real statement contained.

• Evaluate information for accuracy, inaccuracy, and hidden meanings, and express opinions about the originator's real intent.

• Group messages, objects, abstract ideas, and the like defend decisions on group placement.

• Demonstrate an ability to make deductions and inductions when presented with complex and sometimes misleading information and express opinions.

• Synthesize material, information, and ideas from various sources into complex, new, and original thoughts and ideas and effectively elaborate on these thoughts and ideas for others.

• Abstract complex information without losing original meaning and effectively convey this information to others.

• Persuade others of one's thoughts, ideas, and interpretations while remaining receptive to other valid ideas.