Final Exam Plan: May 2, 2021

The final meetings, I'd like students to present a discussion on Critical Thinking as a way of life.  After each presentation we will engage in a discussion on theory. 

Please choose a topic from The Miniature Guide:

1. Three Levels of Thought (36);

2. The Spirit of Critical Thinking (28);

3. Intellectual Virtues of the Fairminded Critical Thinker + Traits (23-25); 

4. Intellectual Standards (21-22); Universal Intellectual Standards (19-20);

5. Elements of Thought and Questions (14-15);

6. The Human Mind Is Frequently Irrational While Having the Capacity for Rational Thought (37-43);

7. Envisioning Critical Societies (45-48). 

Please open the presentation with a personal story with evidence of how this course has affected your critical thinking skillset. Using the language of argument (WLTC -- Chapters 1-7) talk about the nature of critical thinking and what you are now capable of given this academic experience.  Drop concepts and language like "world view," "truth", "explanation," "audience", "concession," "common ground", etc., whatever (3-7) concepts that resonated with you. 

Let us know where critical thinking fits in your role as clergy. Talk about challenges if any to your values. Did you need to search for evidence for ideas held by faith? What concepts or ideas? How do you feel now? Was the exercise useful? 

Secondly shift to the idea: "Critical Thinking" as necessary social reconstruction (Paul & Elder). Tie in a current issue and how the outcome might have been different if those persons had possessed this high level thinking capacity. 

Is critical thinking something a person develops over time or does a person need instruction? Again, we need proof. 

Submit an outline or abstract of your presentation, Monday, May 3.  Do not read the paper at the presentation; however, you can turn the essay in at the same time.  This essay (3-5 pages) is worth 50 percent of the grade. An essay is due by Friday, May 7. Make sure the essay has a bibliography and a works cited page. 

Resources for MLA documentation from Purdue OWL: MLA Essay Sample,  MLA Citations & Style Guide