Aims and Fit of Module

The module is designed to promote the development of knowledge, skills and academic behaviour that will enable students to improve their application of the rules of rationality, reason and logic within the multidisciplinary context of China studies. The module aims to develop in students an understanding of key concepts in academic endeavour such as argument and its parts, principles of philosophical logic, fallacies and rhetorical devices. The module is also meant as an exercise for students to apply such knowledge to develop a basic and critical understanding of the main conceptual frameworks and concepts in the field of China studies.

Learning outcomes

A Describe, explain and distinguish key concepts in critical thinking.
B Apply basic principles of deductive and inductive logic.
C Analyse specific arguments in order to identify logical fallacies and erroneous reasoning.
D Apply basic critical thinking skills to the main multidisciplinary concepts in the field of China studies

Method of teaching and learning

1) Lectures providing an overview of the weekly topic;
2) Seminars during which students will:
a) discuss concepts and their applicability
b) analyse the text and speech in search for arguments, fallacies and rhetoric
c) learn how to apply acquired skills for better reasoning and debate
3) Online skills support to help students to engage with module content.