This dynamic, advanced level writing course weaves together instruction designed to sharpen both your critical thinking and writing skills. Through interactive sessions, you will implement strategies to think critically when analyzing problems and use a structured process to craft innovative solutions. You will then apply those thinking skills to improve your writing by analyzing techniques for structuring effective persuasive arguments using strong logic with a reader-centric focus. By blending the study of critical thinking and writing, this course empowers you to be a more effective, successful communicator.
Target Audience
Advanced writers who are interested in tips and techniques to improve their writing clarity will be guided in understanding and applying the process of critical thinking.
What You'll Learn at a Glance
- Use the seven traits and the writing process to improve written expression.
- Describe the process of critical thinking.
- Apply critical thinking in writing. Implement strategies for appealing to the reader.
- Identify opportunities to use logic in writing.
- Apply logic in creating persuasive arguments.
- Think critically to analyze problems.
- Create solutions to problems using a structured process
Course Syllabus
Module 1: Defining Critical Thinking
- Define critical thinking and its purpose in various contexts.
- Describe the six thinking abilities involved in critical thinking.
- Understand the steps in the critical thinking process and apply them to problem-solving.
Module 2: Problem Analysis—Getting to the Root Cause
- Identify key components of a problem, including root causes and contributing factors.
- Critically analyze information and evidence related to a given problem.
- Use graphic organizers like Venn and Fishbone diagrams to analyze problems.
Module 3: Using the Problem-Solving Process
- Identify the steps in the problem-solving process and how to apply them.
- Analyze a situation using tools like process maps to find potential solutions.
- Evaluate and choose the best solution using critical thinking skills.
Module 4: The Foundations of Clear Writing
- Learn the Seven Traits of good writing and how to apply them to your documents.
- Understand the four-step writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and refining.
- Explore the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and its relevance to clear, concise writing.
Module 5: Building Your Case: The Persuasive Argument
- Identify the structure of a persuasive argument and the role of reasoning and evidence.
- Apply inductive and deductive reasoning in building an argument.
- Use the CECC format (Claim, Evidence, Commentary, Conclusion) to organize persuasive documents.
Module 6: Persuasion Through Connection
- Analyze how tailoring writing to specific audience traits enhances reader engagement.
- Identify reader needs and strategies for countering objections from resistant readers.
- Apply Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to understand and connect with your audience.
Module 7: Logical Writing
- Learn to identify and prevent common logical fallacies in writing.
- Ensure clarity and rational progression in your documents through logical writing techniques.
Module 8: Creating Clarity from Complex Subjects
- Use the writing process to develop a persuasive document from complex subjects.
- Apply peer review and self-evaluation techniques to improve writing clarity.
