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Dr. Ram Neta
Critical reasoning skills are a key success factor for students entering their first year of college. They must be able to think logically and form arguments. This course, designed with incoming college freshmen in mind but open to anyone, provides an essential grounding in critical reasoning skills. Faculty from multiple disciplines at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offer guidance on applying critical thinking skills in the context of specific disciplines. By developing these skills, students will learn more, enjoy their courses more, and experience greater academic success.
Read more
Critical reasoning skills are a key success factor for students entering their first year of college. They must be able to think logically and form arguments. This course, designed with incoming college freshmen in mind but open to anyone, provides an essential grounding in critical reasoning skills. Faculty from multiple disciplines at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offer guidance on applying critical thinking skills in the context of specific disciplines. By developing these skills, students will learn more, enjoy their courses more, and experience greater academic success.
Read more
Critical reasoning skills are a key success factor for students entering their first year of college. They must be able to think logically and form arguments. This course, designed with incoming college freshmen in mind but open to anyone, provides an essential grounding in critical reasoning skills. Faculty from multiple disciplines at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offer guidance on applying critical thinking skills in the context of specific disciplines. By developing these skills, students will learn more, enjoy their courses more, and experience greater academic success.
This course will help you understand what critical thinking skills are and why they're so important. You will also learn how critical thinking skills vary across disciplines, as well as see them applied across several fields, including, chemistry, history, psychology, law, English, and American Studies. You will develop your own critical thinking skills by working through scenarios or problems posed by scholars across these fields, and you will better understand how your college courses will differ from your earlier education.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/qaxf6z/reasoning
What's inside
Syllabus
Welcome
This module provides an overview of the course. The first video explains the history of this course: While it was originally going to be geared toward incoming UNC students, we realized these skills are valuable to everyone, which is why we are offering it as a MOOC. The second video provides an overview of how the course is structured and why it was created.
Read more
Syllabus
Welcome
This module provides an overview of the course. The first video explains the history of this course: While it was originally going to be geared toward incoming UNC students, we realized these skills are valuable to everyone, which is why we are offering it as a MOOC. The second video provides an overview of how the course is structured and why it was created.
Read more
Think Like a Chemist
In this module, you'll learn about critical thinking and chemistry from Thomas Freeman.
Think Like an Historian
In this module, you'll learn about critical thinking and history from Kathleen DuVal.
Think Like a Psychologist
In this module, you'll learn about critical thinking and psychology from Kurt Gray.
Think Like a Law Professor
In this module, you'll learn about critical thinking and the law from Donald Hornstein.
Think Like a Literature Professor
In this module, you'll learn about critical thinking and literature from Heidi Kim.
Think Like an American Studies Scholar
In this module, you'll learn about critical thinking and American Studies from Sharon P. Holland. Warning: The video "Dogs & Fighting, Horses & Racing, and Race" contains graphic descriptions of dog fighting and may not be suitable for all audiences.
Course Conclusion
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explores critical thinking across an expansive range of disciplines, broadening learners' perspectives
Strengthens critical thinking skills, enabling learners to develop a toolkit for multiple disciplines
Suitable for incoming college freshmen or learners seeking to improve critical thinking abilities
Provides a foundation for students to approach their college courses with a higher level of critical thinking
Delivered by experienced faculty from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
May require learners to engage with outside materials, including articles and books
Save this course
Save Reasoning Across the Disciplines to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Not enough content
According to students, this course is well-liked for its quality instruction. However, several learners note that the course may not be as comprehensive as they expected when it comes to its range of topics and depth of explanation.
Learners are largely positive about the quality of instruction in this course.
"a good one"
"really good"
Learners say that the range of topics and depth of explanation may be very narrow.
"not that wide"
"only very few thing are mentioned"
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Reasoning Across the Disciplines with these
activities:
Review your logic skills
Show steps
Reviewing your logic skills will help you better understand the course material and apply critical thinking skills to your coursework.
Browse courses on
Logic
Show steps
-
Take a practice logic test
-
Review the fundamentals of logic
-
Practice applying logic to real-world scenarios
Watch video tutorials on critical thinking skills
Show steps
Watching video tutorials on critical thinking skills will help you learn the basics of critical thinking and improve your skills.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking Skills
Show steps
-
Find video tutorials on critical thinking skills
-
Watch the tutorials
Review fundamental logic principles
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of core logical principles before the course starts to make the material easier to grasp.
Browse courses on
Logic
Show steps
-
Review notes or textbook chapters on basic logic concepts, such as syllogisms, deductive and inductive reasoning, and fallacies.
-
Take practice tests or quizzes to assess your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Find a mentor who can help you develop your critical thinking skills
Show steps
Finding a mentor who can help you develop your critical thinking skills is a great way to improve your skills and learn from someone who has experience in the field.
Show steps
-
Identify the skills you want to develop
-
Find a mentor who has those skills
-
Ask the mentor for guidance and support
Explore Coursera's Critical Thinking Guided Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your critical thinking skills by following guided tutorials on Coursera that provide interactive exercises and explanations.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
-
Identify the specific areas of critical thinking you want to improve, such as argument analysis or problem-solving.
-
Search for and enroll in Coursera Guided Tutorials that align with your goals.
-
Complete the tutorials at a steady pace, taking notes and practicing the techniques presented.
Join a study group
Show steps
Joining a study group will allow you to collaborate with other students and learn from each other.
Show steps
-
Find a study group that meets your needs
-
Attend study group meetings regularly
-
Participate in discussions and activities
Read "Thinking and Being" by Irad Kimhi
Show steps
Reading "Thinking and Being" will help you develop a deeper understanding of critical thinking and its role in our lives.
View
Thinking and Being
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read "Thinking and Being"
-
Take notes on the main points
-
Discuss the book with others
Join a Study Group or Discussion Forum
Show steps
Foster collaboration and exchange ideas by actively participating in study groups or discussion forums related to critical thinking.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
-
Identify or create a study group with peers who share your interest in critical thinking.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, share perspectives, and engage in thought-provoking debates.
Write a blog post about critical thinking skills
Show steps
Writing a blog post about critical thinking skills will help you solidify your understanding of the material and share your knowledge with others.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic related to critical thinking skills
-
Research your topic
-
Write your blog post
-
Publish your blog post
Develop a Critical Thinking Portfolio
Show steps
Showcase your progress and growth in critical thinking by creating a portfolio that includes your work from the course and beyond.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
-
Collect samples of your assignments, essays, and projects that demonstrate critical thinking skills.
-
Reflect on your work and identify areas where you have applied critical thinking principles.
-
Create a portfolio document or website that organizes and presents your work in a professional manner.
Create a critical thinking portfolio
Show steps
Creating a critical thinking portfolio will allow you to showcase your skills and demonstrate your progress over time.
Show steps
-
Collect evidence of your critical thinking skills
-
Create a portfolio that showcases your evidence
-
Share your portfolio with others
Review your logic skills
Show steps
Reviewing your logic skills will help you better understand the course material and apply critical thinking skills to your coursework.
Browse courses on
Logic
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Take a practice logic test
- Review the fundamentals of logic
- Practice applying logic to real-world scenarios
Watch video tutorials on critical thinking skills
Show steps
Watching video tutorials on critical thinking skills will help you learn the basics of critical thinking and improve your skills.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking Skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find video tutorials on critical thinking skills
- Watch the tutorials
Review fundamental logic principles
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of core logical principles before the course starts to make the material easier to grasp.
Browse courses on
Logic
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes or textbook chapters on basic logic concepts, such as syllogisms, deductive and inductive reasoning, and fallacies.
- Take practice tests or quizzes to assess your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Find a mentor who can help you develop your critical thinking skills
Show steps
Finding a mentor who can help you develop your critical thinking skills is a great way to improve your skills and learn from someone who has experience in the field.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the skills you want to develop
- Find a mentor who has those skills
- Ask the mentor for guidance and support
Explore Coursera's Critical Thinking Guided Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your critical thinking skills by following guided tutorials on Coursera that provide interactive exercises and explanations.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the specific areas of critical thinking you want to improve, such as argument analysis or problem-solving.
- Search for and enroll in Coursera Guided Tutorials that align with your goals.
- Complete the tutorials at a steady pace, taking notes and practicing the techniques presented.
Join a study group
Show steps
Joining a study group will allow you to collaborate with other students and learn from each other.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group that meets your needs
- Attend study group meetings regularly
- Participate in discussions and activities
Read "Thinking and Being" by Irad Kimhi
Show steps
Reading "Thinking and Being" will help you develop a deeper understanding of critical thinking and its role in our lives.
View
Thinking and Being
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read "Thinking and Being"
- Take notes on the main points
- Discuss the book with others
Join a Study Group or Discussion Forum
Show steps
Foster collaboration and exchange ideas by actively participating in study groups or discussion forums related to critical thinking.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify or create a study group with peers who share your interest in critical thinking.
- Meet regularly to discuss course materials, share perspectives, and engage in thought-provoking debates.
Write a blog post about critical thinking skills
Show steps
Writing a blog post about critical thinking skills will help you solidify your understanding of the material and share your knowledge with others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic related to critical thinking skills
- Research your topic
- Write your blog post
- Publish your blog post
Develop a Critical Thinking Portfolio
Show steps
Showcase your progress and growth in critical thinking by creating a portfolio that includes your work from the course and beyond.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Collect samples of your assignments, essays, and projects that demonstrate critical thinking skills.
- Reflect on your work and identify areas where you have applied critical thinking principles.
- Create a portfolio document or website that organizes and presents your work in a professional manner.
Create a critical thinking portfolio
Show steps
Creating a critical thinking portfolio will allow you to showcase your skills and demonstrate your progress over time.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Collect evidence of your critical thinking skills
- Create a portfolio that showcases your evidence
- Share your portfolio with others
Career center
Learners who complete Reasoning Across the Disciplines will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Sociologist
Sociologist
Reasoning skills are essential for Sociologists because they help you evaluate research methods, analyze data, and reach sound conclusions. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will be valuable to you in both your research and career as a sociologist.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologists use critical thinking skills to understand the mind and behavior. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills are essential for psychologists who want to conduct research, provide therapy, or work in other areas.
Philosopher
Philosopher
Reasoning across the disciplines is essential for philosophers who must analyze arguments, identify and resolve logical fallacies, and develop sound theories. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will help you in your pursuit of a career in academia, law, or other fields.
Historian
Historian
History is built on critical reasoning, as historians must analyze sources, draw inferences, and form conclusions about past events. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills are essential for historians who want to conduct research, write history, or work in other areas.
Theologian
Theologian
Theologians use reasoning skills to interpret religious texts, understand different religious traditions, and develop their own beliefs. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will be valuable to you in your pursuit of a career in academia, religious leadership, or other fields.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Reasoning skills are essential for policy analysts, who develop and evaluate public policies. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will help you in your pursuit of a career in government, non-profit organizations, or other fields.
Journalist
Journalist
Reasoning skills are essential for journalists, who must research stories, conduct interviews, and write articles that are accurate and informative. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will be valuable to you in your pursuit of a career in journalism, communications, or other fields.
Economist
Economist
Economists use critical thinking skills to develop and test economic theories, analyze data, and forecast economic trends. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will help you in your pursuit of a career in economics, finance, or other fields.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Reasoning skills are essential for Business Analysts who must collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will help you in your pursuit of a career in business, finance, or other fields.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative analysts use critical thinking skills to develop and test financial models, analyze data, and forecast economic trends. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will help you in your pursuit of a career in finance, business, or other fields.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use critical thinking skills to collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will help you in your pursuit of a career in data science, business, or other fields.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers use critical thinking skills to design lesson plans, assess student learning, and create a positive learning environment. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will be valuable to you in your pursuit of a career in teaching, education, or other fields.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers use critical thinking skills to analyze legal documents, build cases, and persuade judges and juries. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will help you in your pursuit of a career in law, business, or other fields.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk managers use critical thinking skills to identify, assess, and mitigate risks. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will be valuable to you in your pursuit of a career in risk management, finance, or other fields.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts use critical thinking skills to analyze financial data, develop investment strategies, and make recommendations to clients. This course provides an overview of critical thinking skills, including how to identify and analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make sound judgments. These skills will be valuable to you in your pursuit of a career in finance, business, or other fields.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qaxf6z/reasoning
Reading list
We've selected 40 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Reasoning Across the Disciplines.
Is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions or by industry professionals. It introduces the intellectual tools, principles, and standards that are essential for critical thinking. This book comprehensive and well-respected resource for anyone who wants to improve their critical thinking skills
Comprehensive overview of the field of thinking and reasoning. It provides a state-of-the-art review of the latest research on the topic.
Save
Widely-used textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of critical thinking. It covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of critical thinking, the different types of arguments, and the principles of logical reasoning. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to develop their critical thinking skills.
Can be used as a textbook. It covers a wide range of critical thinking topics, making it a great resource for students who want to improve their critical thinking skills.
Save
Develops critical thinking skills including problem solving, inference, and evaluating evidence.
A comprehensive textbook that covers the essential elements of critical thinking, including logical reasoning, argument analysis, and problem solving.
Provides a practical guide to critical thinking skills. It covers a wide range of topics, including argument analysis, problem solving, and decision making. This book is written in a clear and concise style, and it is full of examples and exercises that make it easy to understand and apply critical thinking skills.
Save
Philosophical exploration of thinking. It delves into the nature of thought, the relationship between thinking and language, and the role of thinking in human existence. This book can provide a deeper understanding of the philosophical foundations of critical thinking.
Classic text on critical thinking. It provides an excellent overview of the field, and it is written in a clear and engaging style.
Save
Examines the two systems of thinking – fast, intuitive thinking and slow, deliberate thinking – and how they influence our decision-making.
Save
Provides a fascinating and accessible overview of the science of causality. It explores the different ways that we can think about cause and effect, and it provides a number of practical tools for understanding and evaluating causal relationships.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of philosophical concepts and methods, written in a clear and engaging style. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of philosophy and the key philosophical debates that have shaped our understanding of the world.
Provides a sweeping overview of human history, from the Stone Age to the present day. It thought-provoking and insightful look at the human condition
Provides a practical guide to critical thinking skills, covering topics such as identifying assumptions, evaluating evidence, and constructing arguments.
Provides a fascinating and optimistic look at the history of human progress. It argues that human reason and cooperation are the driving forces behind our economic and social development
Classic guide to research writing. It provides clear and concise advice on all aspects of the research process, from choosing a topic to writing the final paper.
Explores the nature of thinking and reasoning, focusing on different cognitive processes such as problem solving, decision making, and creativity.
Save
A practical guide specifically designed for students, covering topics such as reading critically, writing effectively, and evaluating arguments.
Save
Classic work of logic that provides a rigorous and comprehensive overview of the subject. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the principles of logical reasoning and the history of logic.
Save
Explores the psychological and evolutionary roots of our moral intuitions. It provides a fascinating and thought-provoking look at how our moral beliefs shape our political and religious views.
Examines the role of critical thinking in psychological research and practice.
Practical guide to writing in the sciences. It provides clear and concise advice on how to write scientific papers, presentations, and reports.
A clear and concise introduction to logic and critical reasoning, covering topics such as syllogisms, fallacies, and argument analysis.
A clear and concise introduction to formal logic, covering topics such as syllogisms, predicate logic, and the nature of proof.
Provides 99 short and engaging chapters on cognitive biases and fallacies, and discusses how to avoid them.
Explores the role of critical thinking in literary analysis and interpretation.
Classic guide to writing style. It provides clear and concise advice on how to write clear, concise, and effective prose.
Provides insights into the principles of persuasion and how they can be used to influence others.
Save
Examines the role of critical thinking in understanding American history and culture.
Provides a historical overview of the development of critical thinking from ancient Greece to the present day.
This comprehensive handbook provides an overview of the latest research on thinking and reasoning, covering topics such as problem solving, decision-making, and argumentation.
Provides a step-by-step guide to problem solving, offering practical strategies and heuristics.
Teaches students how to evaluate arguments and identify fallacies, providing tools for critical thinking in everyday life.
Save
Provides a practical guide to critical thinking, with exercises and examples to help students develop their skills.
Discusses the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation in the modern world, and provides tools for evaluating the credibility of information.
Save
Discusses the psychology of willpower, and provides strategies for developing self-control.
This classic work provides a philosophical framework for understanding the nature of scientific inquiry.
Provides an introduction to Bayesian reasoning, a powerful statistical framework for reasoning under uncertainty.
Explores how people make decisions in complex and uncertain organizational environments.
Save
Provides a collection of cognitive tools and techniques for improving thinking and reasoning skills.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/qaxf6z/reasoning
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Level
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Instructor
Dr. Ram Neta
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English
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Good to know
Explores critical thinking across an expansive range of disciplines, broadening learners' perspectives
Strengthens critical thinking skills, enabling learners to develop a toolkit for multiple disciplines
Suitable for incoming college freshmen or learners seeking to improve critical thinking abilities
Provides a foundation for students to approach their college courses with a higher level of critical thinking
Delivered by experienced faculty from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
May require learners to engage with outside materials, including articles and books
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