Critical Thinking and Theory Minor

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Students in the Critical Thinking and Theory minor will be challenged to master the basics of critical thinking and writing and then are given the option of pursuing one of two tracks focusing on either rhetoric, logic and critical thinking (the art of argument), or the social and cultural dimensions of knowledge construction and constitution. Critical thinking is the process of carefully examining an issue in order to come to a reasoned judgment based on a critical evaluation of relevant reasons. Mastering critical thinking is a core outcome of higher education and employers highly value the capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems.

Requirements (18 credits)

6 required credits, the remaining to be selected from within one of two tracks.

HUM 210 Studies in Criticism and Theory 3 credit hours
OR
FCO 225 Interdisciplinary Communication 3 credit hours
PHL 222 Critical Thinking 3 credit hours
OR
PHL 231 Logic 3 credit hours

Cultural Theory Track

Students must complete 12 credits of the following:

ANT 220 Cultural Anthropology 3 credit hours
FLM 380 Film Theory and Criticism 3 credit hours
HUM 210 Studies in Criticism and Theory 3 credit hours
LIT 381 Literary Theory 3 credit hours
MAT 107 History of Codes and Ciphers 3 credit hours
PHL 238 Race, Gender, and Sexuality 3 credit hours crosslisted as WGS 238 Race, Gender, and Sexuality 3 credit hours
PHL 321 Philosophy and Knowledge 3 credit hours
REL 265 World Religions 3 credit hours
REL 271 Religious Traditions and Culture 3 credit hours

Rhetoric Track

Students must complete 12 credits of the following:

CM 206 Communication Theory 3 credit hours
CM 211 Mass Communication 3 credit hours
CM 327 Persuasion 3 credit hours
PHL 222 Critical Thinking 3 credit hours
PHL 231 Logic 3 credit hours