Bcom 275 Student Guide
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Week Two Student Guide
Week Two introduces the concept of using data accurately and effectively and it is an important foundation for effective communication. Studying these aspects of critical thinking are intended to show how they are an integral part and basis of effective communication.
The assigned readings in Critical Thinking show a wide variety of effective and ineffective uses of data in developing arguments, including persuasive rhetoric and identification of fallacies. There are many meaningful examples of the various concepts.
This week, you use real-life examples of how to recognize fallacies to achieve a better understanding of how valid, credible, and reliable data contribute to effective communication.
Critical Thinking Applied to Effective Communication
OBJECTIVE: Analyze the validity, credibility, and reliability of data.
OBJECTIVE: Evaluate arguments for validity.
Resources: Ch. 4-7 of Critical Thinking
Content
Ch. 4: Credibility of Critical Thinking
The Claim and Its Source
Assessing the Content of the Claim
Does the Claim Conflict with Our Personal Observations?
Does the Claim Conflict with Our Background Information?
The Credibility of Sources
Credibility and the News Media
Government Management of the News
Bias Within the Media
Talk Radio
The Internet, Generally
Wikipedia
Blogs
Advertising
Ch. 5: Persuasion Through Rhetoric: Common Devices and Techniques of Critical Thinking
Euphemisms and Dysphemisms
Rhetorical Definitions and Rhetorical Explanations
Stereotypes
Innuendo
Loaded Questions
Weaselers
Downplayers
Horse Laugh/Ridicule/Sarcasm
Hyperbole
Proof Surrogates
Rhetorical Analogies and Misleading