Critical Thinking in Global Challenges

In this course you will develop and enhance your ability to think critically, assess information and develop
reasoned arguments in the context of the global challenges facing society today.
About the Course
Critical thinking is the ability to gather and assess information and evidence in a balanced and reflective
way to reach conclusions that are justified by reasoned argument based on the available evidence. Critical
thinking is a key skill in the information age, valuable in all disciplines and professions.
This introductory course will give you the opportunity to better understand what critical thinking is, and
to practice and enhance your critical thinking skills. To do so, we will use the context of some important
global challenges that affect us all, and to which we have no clear correct solutions: for example, the
risk and spread of serious infectious diseases in epidemics in modern societies, the implications of
increasing human population on global resources, energy, environment and climate, and the challenges of
human health and wellbeing in the modern world. Possible solutions to global issues such as these are
hotly debated, and give the perfect setting to practice recognizing and evaluating facts, ideas, opinions
and arguments.

The relevant background information for each global challenge will be provided to ensure that you can
complete the exercises. Note, however, this course is not a course on these global challenges themselves;
instead it uses the context of these thought-provoking challenges to practice critical thinking.
Course Syllabus
Week 1: What is Critical thinking, and why is it important?
Week 2: Credibility and Relevance: Understanding where information comes from and the nature of
evidence
Week 3: Assessing arguments 1/2
Week 4: Assessing arguments 2/2
Week 5: Developing arguments
The course will provide Global Challenge themes for students to work on for the purpose of Assessing
arguments in weeks 3 & 4. We recommend that students normally select only one of the themes to focus
on.