MAASAI MARA UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES

COURSE OUTLINE

Semester: September- December, 2023/2024

Course Title: CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Course Code: PHG 2100-1.
Credit Hours: 3
Lecturer’s Name: Dr. Pascal Mbatha
Lecturer’s Contact: +254 719406529
[email protected]

The purposes of the course are to introduce the learner to philosophy as the foundation of critical
thinking; to cultivate in the learner critical thinking skills for effective decision making and problem
solving in society and to deal with impediments to Critical Thinking.
Expected Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course unit the learner should be able to:

1. Explain the importance of distinguishing appearance and reality in life.

2. Discuss intellectual Standards for Critical Thinking.
3. Describe the Problem-Solving Process.
4. Assess the importance of moral reasoning in Decision Making
5. Explain the benefits of Critical Thinking to Problem Solving.
6. Discuss impediments to Critical Thinking.
7. Analyze at least one ethical dilemma related to their profession.
8. Explain the nature of Philosophy and Critical thinking.
Course Content
WEEK TOPIC DETAILS
1 General Introduction -Definition of critical and creative thinking
-Introduction to philosophy
-Nature of philosophy

2 Logic -Definition of logic

-Propositional; Symbolic.
-Concepts of logic

3 Nature of critical thinking -Epistemic conceptions

-Traits and environment of critical thinking
-Process of developing critical thinking skills
4 Tools of Reasoning - Questions; Theories (tools of analysis)
-intellectual standards (tools of evaluation)
-Intellectual traits (tools of transformation)
(Assignment One)

5 Obstacles to critical thinking -Fallacies; definition, classification of

i. Fallacies fallacies:
-Formal and Informal Fallacies
-Types of Informal Fallacies
6 ii. Egocentric
Problems(obstacles) -Irrational Lenses
iii. Sociocentrism -Egocentric Thinking
-Feelings that Accompany Egocentrism
-Problem of Sociocentric Thinking
-Primary forms of sociocentric thought
iv. Idols of the mind
v. Relativistic
Thinking
vi. Wishful thinking
7 Problem Solving -Problem Solving Procedures
-Barriers to Problem Solving
-Appearance and reality (Betrand Russell)
-Practicality of critical thinking (Kwasi
Wiredu)
8 Critical thinking benefits -In the classroom
-In working places
-In one’s life.

Assignment Two
9 Types of Critical Thinking -Observation
skills -Evaluation
-Critical response
-Application skills

10 Critcal thinking on: -Freedom and interpersonal relations, justice,

social transformation,
11 Critical Thinking on: -On governance,
-On terrorism,
-On addiction
-On corruption.

12 Decision Making -Decision making as way of life

-Evaluation of decision-making patterns
-Logic of decision making
-Bases to good decision making
13 Ways of Improving Critical -Critical thinking taken as essential
Thinking skills -Teaching the discipline often
-Discouraging closed mindedness
-Practicing intellectual: humility, empathy,
confidence in reason
-Encourage self-cultivated critical reasoning
-Diminish irrational thought
-Internalize intellectual standards
-Overcoming all barriers to critical thinking
-Self-examination: individual; collective,
Morality.

________________________
14 and 15 Semester Examinations

Course Requirements
- Regular Attendance and Participation in Class Discussions
- Sitting all the Required CATS / Assignments and the Final Examination
- Completing Assignments on Time
- Adequate Preparation for Every Class

Teaching Methodologies
- Lectures
- Group Discussions
-Class Presentations

Course Assessment
 Semester course assessments will comprise TWO Continuous Assessment Tests (compulsory
sitting CAT and a written assignment).
The distribution of Marks shall be as follows:
CATS - 50%
EXAM - 50 %
FINAL GRADE = CAT AVERAGE + EXAM

Core Reading Materials

1. Arnold Margaret, et al. (2005). Problem Solving: Tools and Techniques for the Park and Recreation
Administration, 4th ed. Illinois: Sagamore Publishing, LLC
2. Bailin, S., & Battersby, M. (2016). Reason in the Balance: An Inquiry Approach to Critical
Thinking. Hackett Publishing.
3. Bowell, T., & Kemp, G. (2014). Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide. Routledge.
Graham, Priest (2017). Logic: A Very Short Introduction, 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University press.
4. Hughes, W., & Lavery, J. (2015). Critical Thinking: An Introduction to the Basic Skills, Canadian
Seventh Edition. Broadview Press.
5. Namwamba, T.N, (2007). Elements and Pedagogy of Critical Thinking. Nairobi:Dale Publishers.
6. Plato, The Republic
Recommended Reference Materials
1. Chaffee, J. (2014). Critical Thinking: Thoughtful Writing. Cengage Learning.
2. Durant, W. (2006). The Story of Philosophy. New York: Pocket Books
3. Eales-Reynolds, L. J., Judge, B., McCreery, E., & Jones, P. (2013). Critical Thinking Skills for
Education Students. Learning Matters.
4. Facione, P., & Gittens, C. A. (2015). Think Critically. Pearson.
5. Groarke, L. A., & Tindale, C. W. (2012). Good Reasoning Matters: A Constructive Approach to
Critical Thinking.
6. Halpern, D. F. (2014). Critical Thinking across the Curriculum: A Brief edition of Thought &
Knowledge. Routledge.
7. Jeketule, S.J., (2014). Marketing for Social Transformation. Nairobi: Pauline’s Publications Africa.
8. Law, S. (2013). The Great Philosophers: The Lives and Ideas of History’s Great Thinkers.
London;Quercus
9. Moore, T. (2013). Critical Thinking: Seven Definitions in Search of a Concept. Studies in Higher
Education, 38(4), 506-522.
10. Mulnix, J. W. (2012). Thinking Critically about Critical Thinking. Educational Philosophy and
Theory, 44(5), 464-479.
11. Namwamba, T.N, (2005), Essentials of Critical and Creative Thinking: A Teach Yourself
Handbook. Nairobi: Didaxis Resources and Services.
12. Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2013). Critical Thinking: Tools for taking Charge of your Professional and
Personal Life. Pearson Education.
13. Pherson, K. H., & Pherson, R. H. (2012). Critical Thinking for Strategic Intelligence. Press.
14. Sahakian, W.S. (1968). A History of Philosophy. New York: Barnes & Noble Books
15. Salmon, M. H. (2012). Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking. Cengage Learning

SIGNED:

(Lecturer) Approved by (COD)

Date: Date: _________________