A discussion of the general principles of reasonable discourse, with a focus on persuasive and cogent writing.
| Module 1 | Claims: Recognising, Identifying, Distinguishing, Normative vs. Non-normative Issues: Recognising Arguments: Recognising, Identifying, Distinguishing, Features, Deductive vs. Inductive, Structure, Standardising |
| Module 2 | Argument Forms Validity Translation Tips Truth Tables |
| Module 3 | Credibility of Claims Credibility of Sources Rhetoric: Distinguishing Between Rhetoric and Argument Fallacies |
| Module 4 | Inductive Arguments: Generalising Scientific sampling: Sample, Target, Feature, Typicality Polls: Random Sample, Error Margin, Confidence Level Fallacies Arguments by Analogy Cause and Effect Fallacies Testability |
In this class you will learn how to think critically; you will learn how to evaluate arguments, claims, beliefs, and so on as well as how to make solid arguments of your own. You will learn how to think clearly, a powerful skill indeed. Since the complement to thinking clearly is writing clearly, this critical thinking course also includes a writing component. Many of the assignments require short essay or paragraph-style answers. These will be marked on content, grammar, and style. Please make sure you proofread your assignments before handing them in.
12% - Short Answer Assignment
12% - Essay Assignment
12% - Argument Evaluation Assignment
12% - Blog Argument
12% - Blog Critique
40% - Final Proctored Exam
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
Each assignment will focus on the material of the current section, but assignments 2, 3, & 4 will also contain questions that cover material from the previous sections.
Late penalties are set at 5% per day late. The turnaround time for getting comments on a late assignment could be considerably longer than for those which are submitted on time.
The final exam will test you on your understanding of the material covered in the course as a whole, as well as on your ability to apply the skills you have learned. It will be a closed-book exam in a form similar to that of the assignments. By the time you take the exam, the style of questions should be familiar to you since you will have encountered similar questions in the textbook exercises, as well as on your assignments.
CDS reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
Available from Queen's Campus Bookstore:
To complete the readings, assignments, and course activities, students can expect to spend, on average, about 10 hours per week (120 hours per term) on the course.
SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
See also Getting Started.
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
| A+ | 4.30 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D- | 0.70 |
| F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.
Call us at 613.533.3322 or email us.
