Despite this, we seldom take the time to expose students in our lower division classes to the first principles of the critical thinking that drives our pursuit of knowledge. For many practicing scholars, that mark was made when an educator led them to appreciate the process through which knowledge is acquired. To address these issues, I proposed breaking part of the mold of normal introductory classes. These courses typically expose students to historical and current events in American political institutions, processes and political organizations. Leading ideas about these elements of American politics are presented but it is exceptionally rare when students get to ponder or critically evaluate how those leading ideas were formed.
Heavy emphasis is placed on objective exams.
I am adding a component to this course that is a deliberate effort to get the student involved in the process of critical thinking about politics. I hope to familiarize students with the basic processes of abstract logical reasoning that guide research in the discipline. Working with your team, you will be an active participant in the creation of knowledge about a topic. You will formulate arguments, and compile and critically evaluate information related to those arguments. You will post this information on a web site so that it can be exchanged and critically evaluated by others in the class.