University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Successful humanities students are sophisticated consumers and producers of arguments. In this key skills module students will learn to distinguish arguments from other forms of persuasion; to map the argumentative structure of a complex text; to spot fallacious patterns of reasoning; and to plan and compose a strong argumentative essay. Since these skills are not topic-specific, illustrations will be drawn from a range of academic disciplines. No knowledge of philosophy will be assumed.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Distinguish arguments from non-argumentative forms of persuasion
  2. Map the argumentative structure of a text, even when the topic is unfamiliar
  3. Correctly use the terms ‘premise’, ‘conclusion’, ‘inference’, ‘conditional’, ‘counterexample’, 'valid' and 'invalid'
  4. Criticise an argument without (necessarily) rejecting its conclusion
  5. Recognise question-begging arguments, arguments ad hominem, arguments from false dichotomies, and simple fallacies involving conditionals, quantifiers, and misleading statistics.
  6. Plan and compose an essay with a clear argumentative structure
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (50%)
  • Continuous Assessment (50%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module PI1101: "Critical Thinking and Persuasive Writing" and is valid from 2016 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.