SOC 100: Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving

Overview

In this course students will explore and then assess their competencies in the areas of personal integrity, leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and innovation.

A plan for developing these competencies will be created by each student. Students will begin to work with other students in a team setting in which they will complete a course project, demonstrating personal integrity, leadership and teamwork, and critical thinking/problem solving competencies. This course is required for all students transferring in with less than 30 credits; it is strongly recommended for all others.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of core critical thinking and creative problem solving concepts;
• Apply core critical thinking and creative problem solving concepts to:
  • Distinguish between facts and opinions;
  • Spot assumptions;
  • Identify and analyze personal obstacles to thinking clearly and perceiving accurately;
  • Define inductive vs. deductive reasoning;
  • Build an argument effectively;
  • Critique an argument on several logical grounds;
  • Conduct internet research more effectively;
  • Analyze problems step-by-step; and
  • Map creative solutions to problems.
• Apply critical thinking and creative problem solving in completing course and work assignments in the future.

Required Texts
SOC 100 texts are available from the JIU/MBS bookstore