EL CAMINO COLLEGE
COURSE OUTLINE OF RECORD

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
	Course Title and Number :	English 1C (Official)
	Descriptive Title :	Critical Thinking and Composition
	Discipline :	English
	Division :	Humanities
	Course Length :	Full Term Other (specify: )
	Hours Lecture :	3
	Hours Laboratory :	0
	Course Units :	3
	Grading Method :	Letter Pass/No Pass Both No Grade
	Course Type :	Credit, Degree Applicable Credit, Not Degree Applicable Non-Credit
	Transfer CSU :	Yes (Effective Date: 1992/1993) No
	Transfer UC :	Yes (Approval Date: Spring 1994) Pending No
	Conditions of Enrollment: Specify Prerequisite, Corequisite, Recommended Preparation, Enrollment Limitation, or None.
		Prerequisite: English 1A with a minimum grade of C
	Catalog Description :
		This course focuses on the development of critical thinking skills. Students will apply these skills to the analysis of written arguments in various forms and genres, both classic and contemporary, and to the writing of effective persuasive essays. In class and while doing research of electronic and print media, students will learn to evaluate and interpret data, to recognize assumptions, to distinguish facts from opinions, to identify and avoid logical fallacies, to employ deductive and inductive reasoning, and to effectively assert and support argumentative claims.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES
	List the major objectives of the course. These must be stated in behaviorally measurable terms.
		1. Evaluate arguments in terms of bias, credibility, and relevance. 2. Assess an argument's claims by examining assumptions, by differentiating between facts and inferences, by recognizing errors in logic, by analyzing support, and by identifying both explicit and implied conclusions. 3. Recognize and assess argumentative claims embedded in literary works, advertisements, political tracts, and presentations in other media. 4. Express critical viewpoints and develop original arguments in response to social, political, and philosophical issues and/or to works of literature and literary theory. 5. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate electronic sources and databases, to incorporate research from on-line and print media, and to compose unified, coherent, fully supported argumentative essays that advance their claims by integrating primary and secondary sources, and by employing the tools of critical interpretation, evaluation, and analysis.

III. OUTLINE OF SUBJECT MATTER

Approximate Time in Hours

The topics should be detailed enough to enable an instructor to determine the major areas that should be covered and so that the course may have consistency from instructor to instructor and semester to semester.

Major Topics

9	I. Analyzing the structure and elements of argument A. Thesis and supporting evidence B. Information and inferences C. Counterargument, concession, refutation D. Reading selected works as models for writing and as topics for analysis, either oral or written
12	II. Understanding and evaluating argumentative claims A. Assessing credibility and relevance, especially of Internet sources B. Recognizing deduction and induction C. Identifying assumptions and logical fallacies D. Examining at least one formal approach to argument such as Aristotle's ethos/ logos/pathos, the Toulmin method, or Rogerian strategy E. Developing counterarguments F. Reading selected works as models for writing and as topics for analysis, either oral or written
12	III. Analyzing literature (non-fiction and/or fiction/poetry/drama) A. Assessing diction, tone, point of view, persona, imagery, metaphor, and theme B. Understanding rhetorical devices and approaches such as satire, irony, paradox, overstatement, understatement, analogy, and symbolism C. Comparing and/or contrasting literary genres, themes, and strategies D. Recognizing assumptions in literary criticism and theory E. Reading selected works as topics for analysis, either oral or written
9	IV. Examining the rhetoric of politics, advertising, and the media A. Assessing bias and credibility B. Recognizing hidden assumptions C. Distinguishing facts from opinions and information from propaganda D. Appraising the power of visual imagery, music, celebrity E. Identifying logical fallacies and manipulative techniques such as personal attacks, innuendos, euphemisms, loaded questions, stereotyping, special pleading, poisoning the well, slippery slope, and hyperbole F. Reading/viewing and analyzing, orally or in writing, selected works in both print and electronic media
12	V. Writing evaluative, analytic, and argumentative essays A. Locating secondary sources through print, the Internet, and subscription databases B. Assessing credibility and relevance of secondary sources, including Internet sources C. Prewriting, drafting, revising, editing D. Selecting a topic and focusing a thesis E. Integrating supporting evidence from both primary and secondary sources F. Addressing counterarguments by use of concession and refutation G. Organizing for clarity and emphasis H. Employing deduction and induction I. Avoiding logical fallacies J. Applying at least one formal approach to argument such as Aristotelian, Toulminian, or Rogerian
0	VI. Major writing assignments will consist of approximately 6 essays totaling 6000 words, including at least one essay involving research or synthesis of outside sources, including web sites and subscription databases.

54	TOTAL HOURS

IV. METHODS OF EVALUATION

A. CREDIT, DEGREE APPLICABLE AND CREDIT, NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE COURSES
Check the PRIMARY method of evaluation for this course.

Substantial writing assignments

Problem solving demonstrations (computational or non-computational)

Skill demonstrations

A minimum of one response in 1, 2, or 3 below, as applicable, is required. However, you may check all that apply.

Indicate the types of writing assignments used as primary or secondary methods of evaluation for this course.

Essay exams

Written homework

Term or other papers

Reading reports

Laboratory reports

Other (specify)

Indicate the types of problem-solving demonstrations used as primary or secondary methods of evaluation for this course.

Exams

Laboratory reports

Quizzes

Homework problems

Fieldwork

Other (specify)

Socratic discussions

Indicate the types of skill demonstrations used as primary or secondary methods of evaluation for this course.

Class performance

Performance exams

Fieldwork

Other (specify)

4. If objective exams are also used, check all that apply.

Multiple choice

Completion

Matching items

True/false

Other (specify)

B. NON-CREDIT COURSE

Indicate the methods of evaluation that will be used to determine that the stated objectives have been met.

V. COURSEWORK

A. TYPICAL ASSIGNMENT

Provide an example of a typical assignment. This assignment must correspond to the PRIMARY method of evaluation indicated in Section IV, Methods of Evaluation. That is, it must be a writing assignment or, if more appropriate, an assignment involving problem solving or skill demonstration.

A panel of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and various branches of law enforcement is currently reviewing arguments regarding the Exclusionary Rule. In a five-page written classical argument that must include an Exordium, Narratio, Confirmatio, Refutation, Concession, and a Peroration, persuade the panel of your position. You must include a minimum of four primary and secondary sources.

B. COLLEGE-LEVEL CRITICAL THINKING ASSIGNMENTS

Cite two specific assignments that demonstrate college-level critical thinking. (Required for degree applicable courses only.)

In a three- to four-page written essay, analyze Freud's Civilization and Its Discontents to explain his model of mental health. In other words, considering both the benefits and disadvantages that civilization offers us as individuals, explain how we can maintain our health and happiness while living in modern, civilized society.

Write an essay of four to five pages that analyzes the flawed critical thinking underlying the tragedy in the play Othello. How does Iago manage to poison Othello's mind? You may choose to focus your thesis on certain lapses in logic exhibited by Othello, on the logical fallacies deliberately fostered and exploited by Iago, or on a combination of both.

C. WORK OUTSIDE OF CLASS

Two hours of work outside of class are required for each hour of lecture or equivalent. Each student in this course will be required to participate in the following work outside of class time. Check all that apply.

Study

Answer questions

Skill practice

Required reading

Problem solving activity

Written work (such as essay/composition/report/analysis/research)

Journal (done on a continuing basis throughout the semester)

Observation of or participation in an activity related to course content
(such as theatre event, museum, concert, debate, meeting)

Course is lab only - minimum required hours satisfied by scheduled lab time

Other (specify)

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

Check all planned instructional activities that apply:

Lecture

Lab

Discussion

Multimedia presentations

Demonstration

Group activities

Role play/simulation

Guest speakers

Field trips

Other (specify)

NOTE: In compliance with Board Policies 1600 and 3410, Title 5 California Code of Regulations, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Sections 504 and 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, instructional delivery shall provide access, full inclusion, and effective communication for students with disabilities.

VII. TEXTS AND MATERIALS
If multiple selection is offered, only representative texts need be listed. An up-to-date list of required and recommended materials is maintained in the division office.
	A. REQUIRED TEXTS (title, author, publisher, year)
		Aims of Argument, Crusius and Channell, McGraw-Hill, 2008. Current Issues and Enduring Questions, Barnet and Bedau, Bedford/St. Martin's, 2007. Elements of Argument, Rottenberg and Winchell, Bedford/St. Martin's, 2006. The Elements of Reasoning, Corbett and Eberly, Longman, 2000. (Discipline Standard) Writing Logically, Thinking Critically, Cooper and Patton, Pearson Longman, 2007.
	B. REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS
		Civil Disobedience and Other Essays, Thoreau, Dover, 1993. (Discipline Stardard) Civilization and Its Discontents, Freud, Norton, 1989. (Discipline Standard) The Communist Manifesto, Marx and Engels, Penguin Classics, 2002. (Discipline Standard) Criminal Justice, Opposing Viewpoints Series, Haugen and Musser, Greenhaven Press, 2009.
	C. OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS

VIII. CONDITIONS OF ENROLLMENT

If this course has a prerequisite or corequisite, complete section A. If this course has an Enrollment Limitation, complete section B.

A. PREREQUISITE AND/OR COREQUISITE

Indicate if this course has a prerequisite, corequisite, both, or none.

Prerequisite

Corequisite

Indicate Type. Check all that apply.

Sequential

Computational/Communication Skills

Health and Safety

Non-Course

Standard (If this is a Standard Prerequisite or Corequisite, attach CCC Form D.)

Entrance Skills/Knowledge

List the required skills and/or knowledge without which a student would be highly unlikely to receive a grade of A, B, C, or Credit (or for Health and Safety, would endanger self or others) in this course.

1. Recognize and correct sentence-level grammar and usage errors.
2. Read and apply critical-thinking skills to numerous published articles and to college-level, book-length works for the purpose of writing and discussion.
3. Apply appropriate strategies in the writing process including prewriting, composing, revising, and editing techniques.
4. Compose multi-paragraph, thesis-driven essays with logical and appropriate supporting ideas, and with unity and coherence.

B. ENROLLMENT LIMITATION

Indicate the category which describes the Enrollment Limitation for this course.

Band/Orchestra

Theater

Speech

Chorus

Journalism

Dance

Intercollegiate Athletics

Honors Course

Blocks of Courses

Other (specify)

List Degree and/or Certificate requirements that are met by this course.

List all El Camino College courses that also satisfy the requirements listed above in section B.2.

Originator:	S. Bachmann, A. Toth, S. Waterworth	Submittal Date:	11/1991
BOARD APPROVAL DATE:			12/9/1991
Reviewed and/or Revised by:
Tom Cody		Date:	10/19/1998
E. Armao, S. Bachmann, D. Breckheimer, D. Thompson		Date:	07/01/2009
Tom Cody		Date:	02/01/2010