This module is designed to introduce students to critical thinking and argument and will allow students to recognise and develop their communication skills, learning how to apply these skills effectively within a variety of different contexts. After an initial introduction to critical thinking and argument, the module topics for discussion will be student led, allowing for development of these key skills within a range of contemporary and thought-provoking issues.

There is no formal prescribed content. Indicative content may include:

Identifying and analysing argument and critique
Differentiating between fact and opinion
Comparing different viewpoints
Assessing strengths and weaknesses in reasoning
Assessing the credibility and reliability of claims, sources and evidence
Using evidence to validate arguments
Constructing and developing reasoned and well-balanced arguments
Presentation skills

Oral presentation on a contemporary issue - LOs 1, 2, 4 & 5

Students are able to select from any one of the topics discussed throughout the module to demonstrate the development of their critical thinking and argument skills.

Annotated bibliography (referencing the sources used within the oral presentation) – LOs 1, 3

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 200 hours of activities, split between 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 161 hours of directed and independent study, together with preparation for and completion of assessment tasks.

The module is predominantly student-led and is delivered through taught classes, seminars and debates. Group discussions, tutorials and formative feedback will give students the opportunity to reflect upon progress and discuss strategies for developing skills and ideas

WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS
In these sessions, students are introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject and provided with an introduction to critical thinking and argument. Teaching materials, including the use of the VLE platform, supplement the sessions. These sessions guide students towards consolidating their knowledge and understanding.

SMALLER GROUP SESSIONS
These are preceded by a period of independent learning. Class work will include individual, pair and group work and will involve producing, presenting and discussing oral and written work. This module is student-led, therefore the debating topics discussed will be guided by student interest and contemporary issues. The purpose of the smaller group sessions is to help students assess their understanding of a topic, to develop critical thinking and analytic skills, and to learn how to apply these skills to different situations. The sessions encourage active participation and interaction among students and between students and tutors. A variety of teaching methods is adopted in order to encourage the development of essential skills such as intellectual rigour, communication, research, teamwork, negotiation, presentation, referencing, judgement and the appropriate use of IT.

DIRECTED AND INDEPENDENT STUDY (161 hours)
Independent study includes research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in the smaller group sessions and consolidation of understanding afterwards. Directed and independent study aims to develop a deeper understanding of issues within the area of critical thinking and argument.

Module information including module booklet, timetable, class notes, practice activities, feedback, links to external resources, assessment details and additional resources to support study will be on the VLE. Students may also be expected to post comments and have on-line discussions through the VLE.

1. Define what is meant by critical thinking and be able to recognise the importance of examining the meaning and nature of knowledge within academic disciplines through the construction of well-reasoned argument

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Appraise and appreciate a variety of differing beliefs and values

Enquiry

3. Assess the reliability, credibility and validity of evidence and engage with a range of different sources to produce appropriately referenced work

Analysis
Application

4. Construct well-reasoned arguments

Application

5. Present arguments, verbally, in a clear, confident and logical manner

Communication

Module Handbook
Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources via the library databases, such as: Westlaw; Lexis-Nexis; Practical Law Online; Law Trove; E-books and Journals

Computing facilities to access material available via Blackboard and the web.

Core Text:

Cottrell S, Critical Thinking Skills (3rd edn, Palgrave Macmillan 2017)

Recommended Texts:

Birrell Ivory S, Becoming a Critical Thinker: For your university studies and beyond (OUP 2021)

Brink-Budgen Van Den R, Critical Thinking for Students (4th edn, How To Books 2010)

Freely AJ and Steingberg DL, Argumentation and Debate (13th edn, Cengage Learning 2014)

Moore I and Newbery-Jones C, The Successful Law Student: An Insider’s Guide to Studying Law (OUP 2018) (Available on Law Trove – see in particular Chapter 10 ‘Thinking Like a Lawyer: Critical Thinking and Legal Analysis’)