Thursday, November 1, 2007

Critical thinking (or lack thereof) in our courses

For this session of the Teaching Lunch we had no pre-planned topic, but Amira began the discussion asking about teaching critical thinking - she finds that many 3rd year students seem unprepared to think and write critically, and she wonders how much teaching critical thinking is or should be an explicit part of our courses.

Judith suggested that small writing assignments can be a way to stimulate critical thinking - rather than overwhelming students with longer papers (some similar suggestions were made last month - see below).

Frances said that she has been troubled by this too and may start assigning a book on critical thinking in her 2nd year courses. Something like Nosich's Learning to Think Things Through: A Guide to Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum, for example, which is presented as a sort of textbook that could be part of a list of required course books. David suggested that religious studies may require a specialized presentation of critical thinking; reference was made again to a work on this topic by Scott Brown, a former CSR student (where is this book available?). Penaskovic's Critical Thinking and the Academic Study of Religion may be helpful, although it doesn't seem to be presented as a textbook but rather as a guide for instructors.

There was some discussion about whether such a book should/could be required of all (?) second year courses in the department. Do we want to make acquisition of critical thinking and writing skills such a priority that we require our students to read books on this topic? It was agreed that this is a topic that should be part of a larger discussion about the development of our undergraduate curriculum.

Pamela favored the accumulation of a set of online resources for the department, such as Laurier's "Blue Book" on how to write religious studies papers. All agreed that it would be useful to have such a resource, although we would then have to actually create it. (Perhaps this is another thing that we'd want to get a grant for.)

Wondering why our upper level students seem to have a hard time thinking critically, we spent some time discussing the World Religious course, wondering whether its content ought to be standardized to some extent at least, especially given that we consider it to be such an important way of drawing students into our programs. (Frances asked, though, whether we have any actual data to support our assumption that this course draws more students into our programs than other courses.) Should it include readings explicitely on topics such as critical thinking and how to write? (David thought it would be hard to introduce anything else into this course's already packed schedule.) Should it be team-taught? Should it be taught by a team of senior faculty? Should that team consist of 2 faculty members, or perhaps of many faculty members, one per tradition, for example? This last possibility might be a way of exposing prospective majors to our faculty (but then how would those faculty participants be "compensated" for this additional teaching)?

There was some enthusiasm for scheduling a workshop of sorts - perhaps a half-day event even - to discuss the World Religions course and its role in the department's curriculum. Most people seem to feel that it is an important course, but everyone agreed that we could put more thought into how it is taught and how it could be better integrated into the curriculum as a whole.

We will have one more Teaching Lunch this semester, scheduled for Friday DECEMBER 7th. For that session, Amira suggested that we might bring in someone from the Office of Teaching Advancement; John suggested that we might discuss how to make small groups work in large classes. Other suggestions are welcome. A reminder will be sent around the week before.

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Here are the details on my book: Scott G. Brown, A Guide to Writing Academic Essays in Religious Studies (London: Continuum, 2008). Approx. 110 pp. It is due for release in North America in April or May (one month earlier in the UK) and should cost around $14.95 (paperback).

Have you considered adding a new course on critical thinking and academic writing for undergraduate religion students? It could involve lectures on the basics of writing and essay composition (using a writer's handbook as a textbook) and classroom discussions in which the students dissect short assigned readings that exemplify the best and worst of critical thinking.

Anonymous said...

Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palladium?
Help, please. All recommend this program to effectively advertise on the Internet, this is the best program!

Anonymous said...

Now ovral 50mg ovral 50mg zithromax Sale propecia Cheap hytrin Sale seroquel

Anonymous said...

singles cruise vacations [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]fre singles[/url] dating personals manchester http://loveepicentre.com/ free dating sites for muslims with no card required

Anonymous said...

Well your article helped me truly much in my college assignment. Hats off to you dispatch, intention look forward in behalf of more cognate articles without delay as its anecdote of my favourite issue to read.

Anonymous said...

It isn't hard at all to start making money online in the underground world of [URL=http://www.www.blackhatmoneymaker.com]blackhat seo forum[/URL], It's not a big surprise if you haven’t heard of it before. Blackhat marketing uses little-known or little-understood methods to produce an income online.

Anonymous said...

hendrick medical center [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/mentat.htm]mentat[/url] emory graduate medical sciences http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/zanaflex.htm harvard pilgruim health care http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/arthrite.htm
radiation used in medicine [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/eurax.htm]eurax[/url] alberta health care covered microderm abrasion [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/valtrex.htm]dosage of kratom leaf[/url]

Anonymous said...

are permits required to server tea in texas retail business [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/women-s-health.htm]women s health[/url] lump or mass in breast http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/plendil.htm stress causing breast pain http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/ayurslim.htm
alberta emergency medical responder jobs [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/cialis-super-active-plus.htm]cialis super active plus[/url] medical insurance companies in raleigh north carolina [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/viagra-jelly.htm]toddler sleeping habits[/url]

Anonymous said...

http://rxmeds.in/cyclophosphamide/cyclophosphamide-before-lung-transplant
[url=http://rxmeds.in/abilify/abilify-package-insert]pharmacy washington dc[/url] pharmacy ce in resorts [url=http://rxmeds.in/accutane/hartford-accutane-attorneys]hartford accutane attorneys[/url]
classification of agents used as antimalaria drugs http://rxmeds.in/cytotec/cytotec-hemorrhage-postpartum
[url=http://rxmeds.in/acyclovir/uses-of-acyclovir]animated drugs[/url] external factors that affect drug companies [url=http://rxmeds.in/actonel/actonel-plus-calcium]actonel plus calcium[/url]
pharmacy it applications europe http://rxmeds.in/cyproheptadine/cyproheptadine-hcl-4mg-for-animals
[url=http://rxmeds.in/accutane]what is a 10 point drug test[/url] pro and con legalization of drugs [url=http://rxmeds.in/adapalene/differin-adapalene-gel]differin adapalene gel[/url] buy online order viagra [url=http://rxmeds.in/famvir]famvir[/url]

Anonymous said...

http://alwayshealth.in/oxybutynin/oxybutynin-cl-er-tabs-side-effects
[url=http://alwayshealth.in/pravachol/side-effects-of-pravachol]prescription drug uses[/url] illegal drug purchase [url=http://alwayshealth.in/prescription/about-prescription-drugs]about prescription drugs[/url]
slang names for street drugs http://alwayshealth.in/heart-medicine/immunology-heart-science-lab-hh
[url=http://alwayshealth.in/pain-relief/pain-relief-for-piched-nerves]merits and demerits of drug administration[/url] office of mental health services hold room [url=http://alwayshealth.in/omeprazole/omeprazole-otc]omeprazole otc[/url]
devicevox drugs http://alwayshealth.in/stress-types/stress-and-memory-loss
[url=http://alwayshealth.in/no-prescription/cheap-evista-prescription]chartered institute environmental health[/url] what is drug reminyl used for [url=http://alwayshealth.in/stop-smoking/quit-smoking-kits]quit smoking kits[/url] and flomax cialis [url=http://alwayshealth.in/pill/gray-pill-hc]gray pill hc[/url]

Anonymous said...

volkswagen golf parts accessories http://autoexpress.in/rover bad credit auto loans automobile loan car financing
[url=http://autoexpress.in/buell/buell/360/rear/tire/kit]automobile market leaders[/url] donating an automobile [url=http://autoexpress.in/maybach/price/of/maybach]price of maybach[/url]
mercedes ruehl kelsey grammer http://autoexpress.in/nissan/nissan/titan/washer/fluid/light/reset
[url=http://autoexpress.in/bugatti/priced/bugatti/veyron/france/items/outrageously/pictures/world]volkswagen austalia[/url] axel straps for auto towing [url=http://autoexpress.in/bugatti/bugatti/16/4/veyron/schematic]bugatti 16 4 veyron schematic[/url]
sims auto mall http://autoexpress.in/romeo/alfa/romeo/33/coupe
[url=http://autoexpress.in/rover/rover/416/workshop/manuals/downloads]gargash dubai mercedes[/url] french auto parts company distributor jerome [url=http://autoexpress.in/pontiac/catholic/hispanic/outreach/pontiac]catholic hispanic outreach pontiac[/url]

Anonymous said...

travel philippine cafe civet coffee http://livetravel.in/hotel/handlery-hotel-and-resort-san-diego possible christian travel business names
[url=http://livetravel.in/vacation-packages/vegas-vacation-package]south african travel facts[/url] luxury australia travel [url=http://livetravel.in/disneyland/disneyland-cheer-competation]disneyland cheer competation[/url]
shower tote travel http://livetravel.in/tours/reptile-tours-australia
[url=http://livetravel.in/maps/a-z-maps]travel deviled egg carrier[/url] travel to question then to [url=http://livetravel.in/tourism/educational-tourism]educational tourism[/url]
travel cheap fare cruise the world http://livetravel.in/motel/building-a-motel
[url=http://livetravel.in/tours/tours-of-new-york-in-spanish]teenage travel wheels west[/url] to go travel [url=http://livetravel.in/hotel/hotel-near-west-end-marketplace-tx]hotel near west end marketplace tx[/url] metal travel cases [url=http://livetravel.in/inn/qulity-inn-and-suites-tulsa-oklahoma]qulity inn and suites tulsa oklahoma[/url]
travel system stroller ratings [url=http://livetravel.in/airport/ltl-freight-outbound-from-heartfeild-jackson-airport]ltl freight outbound from heartfeild jackson airport[/url]
aaa schuylkill county travel http://livetravel.in/motel/doral-motel-sault
[url=http://livetravel.in/motel/motel-bed-equipment]jnto japan travel[/url] remibursement for travel to work [url=http://livetravel.in/airlines/american-airlines-international-luggage]american airlines international luggage[/url]
[url=http://livetravel.in/cruise/caledonian-cruise]caledonian cruise[/url] travel supplies for dogs [url=http://livetravel.in/tour/new-york-ellis-island-tour]new york ellis island tour[/url] san diego concierge desiree yahoo travel [url=http://livetravel.in/travel/gay-naturist-travel-agent]gay naturist travel agent[/url]
abudabi travel agencies [url=http://livetravel.in/plane-tickets/cheap-plane-tickets-to-salt-lake-city]cheap plane tickets to salt lake city[/url]

Anonymous said...

howa semi auto http://autoexpress.in/maserati/maserati/rare gui automobile guages
[url=http://autoexpress.in/radiator/afco/aluminum/radiator]oxygen automobile engine[/url] mercedes cabriolet clk350 [url=http://autoexpress.in/nissan/dm/207/nissan/cap]dm 207 nissan cap[/url]
south shore auto sales http://autoexpress.in/buell/buell/360/rear/tire/kit
[url=http://autoexpress.in/bugatti/bugatti/veyron/dealer]volkswagen jetta 95[/url] petaluma auto shop [url=http://autoexpress.in/scion/scion/xb/accessories]scion xb accessories[/url]
who buys automobile engines for examination http://autoexpress.in/nissan/nissan/versa/bad/gas
[url=http://autoexpress.in/romeo/alfa/romeo/specialists/oxfordshire]complaint about mercedes benz clk 320 catalytic converter[/url] mcgeorge mercedes benz [url=http://autoexpress.in/plymouth/plymouth/rock/coffee/jello]plymouth rock coffee jello[/url]

Anonymous said...

european comfort shoes http://topcitystyle.com/?action=products&product_id=2478 ladies in latex clothes [url=http://topcitystyle.com/-clubbing-roberto-cavalli-category18.html]online skateboard clothes[/url] children licking shoes
http://topcitystyle.com/?action=products&product_id=2305 chinese brand infant shoes [url=http://topcitystyle.com/-tank-tops-women-category60.html]english interior designers[/url]

Anonymous said...

repair manual mercedes e250d http://carautonews.in/automobile/denver-automobile-history palm v free automobile software
[url=http://carautonews.in/automobile/best-automobile-air-filters]how to tell if automobile battery needs replacement[/url] auto city used cars [url=http://carautonews.in/audi/audi-dealers-in-pa]audi dealers in pa[/url]
tray floor mats for 2005 mercedes benz ml 350 http://carautonews.in/audi/used-audi-a3
[url=http://carautonews.in/car-racing/horse-racing-dundalk]automobile tire comparisons[/url] fellers auto [url=http://carautonews.in/automobile/online-automobile]online automobile[/url]
automobile fonts http://carautonews.in/ferrari/ferrari-gts-4
[url=http://carautonews.in/auto-co/hillsboro-auto-mart-florida]bmw automobile promotions[/url] tata nano automobile [url=http://carautonews.in/auto-com/poage-auto-plaza-of-quincy-illinois]poage auto plaza of quincy illinois[/url]

Anonymous said...

amateur lesbian dvd http://pornrapidshare.in/pissing/pissing-web
[url=http://pornrapidshare.in/free-xxx/free-xxx-dating]sexy gaining girl[/url] jennifer love hewwit sexy [url=http://pornrapidshare.in/tv-xxx/scandinavian-hardcore-xxx]scandinavian hardcore xxx[/url]
nude pics of sexy brunettes http://pornrapidshare.in/pissing/pissing-porn-videos
[url=http://pornrapidshare.in/virgins/bleeding-virgins-videoes]mature women and anal sex[/url] adult fanfiction rape [url=http://pornrapidshare.in/teen-love/free-teen-thums-xxx]free teen thums xxx[/url]
free porno film adult http://pornrapidshare.in/live-xxx/free-xxx-adult-computer-games
[url=http://pornrapidshare.in/tit/dungeon-spy-tit-torture]adult adons for myspace[/url] dokuro chan hentai torrent [url=http://pornrapidshare.in/modelos-teen/teen-karma]teen karma[/url]
naruto hentai sakura videos http://pornrapidshare.in/free-xxx/villainess-xxx-passwords
[url=http://pornrapidshare.in/tit/utube-tit-willow]adult schoolgirl costume canada[/url] margarita anal [url=http://pornrapidshare.in/hot-teens/teens-12-yo]teens 12 yo[/url]

Anonymous said...

adult internet tv free http://theporncollection.in/gay-sex
[url=http://theporncollection.in/sex-mature/mature-woman-tiana-rose]anal euro[/url] absolute free porn clips [url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-sex/free-gay-asian-porn]free gay asian porn[/url]
cooling senations personal lubricant http://theporncollection.in/best-porn/gothic-porn-thumbs-picture-gallery
[url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-video/gay-men-showering]when to switch your kids to adult shoes[/url] gaping anal pics [url=http://theporncollection.in/porn-dvd/dixie-lee-porn-star]dixie lee porn star[/url]
asuka hentai a two http://theporncollection.in/orgasm/female-orgasm-movies
[url=http://theporncollection.in/hentai-sex/viper-gts-hentai-clip]dog porn free movies[/url] e stim amateur videos [url=http://theporncollection.in/lesbian-video]lesbian video[/url]
cassidey rae porn star video clips http://theporncollection.in/gay-porn/rob-steel-gay-porn
[url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-anal/fart-sex-gay]xxx prison porn stories[/url] adult education chino california [url=http://theporncollection.in/gay-male/gay-pride-nottingham-2008]gay pride nottingham 2008[/url]

Anonymous said...

cytheria anal http://xwe.in/adult-video/disabled-cognitively-impaired-adult-products
[url=http://xwe.in/fetish/tongue-fetish-worship]sexy text message[/url] compare amateur radio hf amplifier [url=http://xwe.in/thongs]thongs[/url]
parade parade hentai http://xwe.in/bondage/ultimate-bondage
[url=http://xwe.in/erotic-gay/erotic-massage-in-milan]adult torrent tracker[/url] adult baby images [url=http://xwe.in/bbw/bbw-moviez]bbw moviez[/url]
hentai bond anime sex http://xwe.in/condom/how-reliable-are-condoms
[url=http://xwe.in/gay-anal/gay-pride-clothing]manda model porn[/url] free locker room porn pictures [url=http://xwe.in/bondage/bondage-vacations]bondage vacations[/url]
expandable dildo http://xwe.in/bdsm
[url=http://xwe.in/girl-anal/clean-before-anal-sex]outlaw star hentai doujin[/url] final fantasy mithra porn [url=http://xwe.in/condom/irritations-from-condoms-women]irritations from condoms women[/url]

Anonymous said...

travel trailer wiring schematics http://xwa.in/cruise/northern-lights-cruise-burlington-vermont go for low travel
[url=http://xwa.in/tourism/jamaica-ministry-of-tourism]travel weather on interstates[/url] disney travel sites [url=http://xwa.in/disneyland]disneyland[/url]
state of florida travel voucher form http://xwa.in/disneyland/disneyland-fireworks-show-pictures
[url=http://xwa.in/expedia/expedia-air]travel values by month[/url] less crowded travel destinations [url=http://xwa.in/hotel/miley-cyrus-hotel-floor-pictures]miley cyrus hotel floor pictures[/url]
movies that show travel http://xwa.in/airlines/united-airlines-average-daily-passengers brisbane travel [url=http://xwa.in/disneyland/disneyland-tour]disneyland tour[/url]

Anonymous said...

clomid help [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/dostinex.htm]dostinex[/url] blood in ejaculation http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/lasuna.htm
why does stress make you tired [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/cok-n--energy-and-sensory-enhancer-.htm]cok n energy and sensory enhancer[/url] torbutrol dosage [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/depakote.htm ]florida no prescription pharmacy xanax fedex delivery [/url] ppd drug safety
military regulation sleeping bags [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/acomplia.htm]acomplia[/url] free health safety cartoons http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/hangover-helper.htm
a clean heart [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/diabecon.htm]diabecon[/url] sacred heart school nyc [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/brand-amoxil.htm ]salvation army medical [/url] re arf medical abbrevation

Anonymous said...

fashion fable http://www.thefashionhouse.us/score-casual-fall-spring-brand75.html how to dye satin shoes [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/dolce-amp-gabbana-tank-top-beige-item410.html]marie antoinette fashion[/url] hemp shoes
http://www.thefashionhouse.us/dolce-amp-gabbana-merino-wool-luxury-sweater--item1183.html latex fashion [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/grey-black-casual-color238.html]kickers shoes[/url]

Anonymous said...

blood test for newborn sicilian [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/disclaimer.htm]Online Pharmacy - Safe, Secure, Prescriptions Guaranteed[/url] long term effects of breast feeding http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/femcare.htm
business case for a public health consultancy service [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/dostinex.htm]dostinex[/url] crockett ii incompetent perforator vein [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/provera.htm ]vestibulair sensory processing disorder [/url] penis length and success in business
diabetic tussin [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/ponstel.htm]ponstel[/url] gum dieases http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/vantin.htm
vic miranda american heart association [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/gastro-intestinal.htm]gastro intestinal[/url] california fda rules on catering hot food [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/anti-alergica-y-el-asma.htm ]mississippi figure competition bodybuilding [/url] free online health history form templates

Anonymous said...

svensk designer http://www.thefashionhouse.us/xl-jackets-amp-sweatshirts-size6.html fashion for men over fifty [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/women-tops-shirts-with-colar-type3.html]ralph lauren big pony shirt and bridget hall[/url] calvin klein jalli
http://www.thefashionhouse.us/27-roberto-cavalli-size17.html where lil kim shop for clothes [url=http://www.thefashionhouse.us/green-tank-tops-color53.html]red hot lauren free mocies[/url]

Anonymous said...

nike airmax shoes youth http://luxefashion.us/men-page3.html klein pump trucks [url=http://luxefashion.us/killah-dressy-black-shirt-item1120.html]toddler boys shoes[/url] ropers western shoes
http://luxefashion.us/men-page15.html euphoria calvin klein [url=http://luxefashion.us/etro-milano-men-brand36.html]fashion in merrocco[/url]

Anonymous said...

casino in salamanca new york http://xwn.in/poker-online_poker-accessories powell lottery
[url=http://xwn.in/gambling-online_gambling-in-uk]redrock hotel and casino[/url] how do i cheat in blackjack [url=http://xwn.in/keno_katena-keno-atlanta]katena keno atlanta[/url]
mega millions lottery 12 11 http://xwn.in/slots_vegas-five-dollar-slots
[url=http://xwn.in/keno_pogo-keno-cheats]land rover cyber lottery[/url] quick n easy casino download [url=http://xwn.in/poker-online_oval-poker-table-right-size]oval poker table right size[/url]
health bingo http://xwn.in/online-casino_lco-casino rogue river lottery [url=http://xwn.in/gambling-online_florida-gambling]florida gambling[/url]

Anonymous said...

ohio lottery winner news http://wqm.in/online-casinos_online-casinos-that-have-the-game-doctor-lovemore best paying online craps casino
[url=http://wqm.in/gambling-online_gambling-to-play-blackjack]gambling casinos michigan[/url] motor carrier bingo cards [url=http://wqm.in/poker-online_poker-machine-games]poker machine games[/url]
legal casino style gambling http://wqm.in/slots_play-free-slots-for-cash
[url=http://wqm.in/bingo_bingo-freehold-jewish]lottery groups[/url] casino executive search llc [url=http://wqm.in/blackjack_blackjack-game-sign-up-bonus]blackjack game sign up bonus[/url]
toyota japan lottery http://wqm.in/blackjack_internet-blackjack cannary casino las vegas nevada [url=http://wqm.in/jokers_jokers-update-of-bb8]jokers update of bb8[/url]

Anonymous said...

powerball lottery statistics http://lwv.in/joker/joker-cover-pentagram samsung blackjack user guide
[url=http://lwv.in/slots/ra-bunny-money-slots]rollings hills casino[/url] inside casinos [url=http://lwv.in/casino-online/sofitel-reef-casino-cairns]sofitel reef casino cairns[/url]
meskawki bingo casino tama iowa december schedule http://lwv.in/gambling-online/mn-gambling-control
[url=http://lwv.in/online-casinos/no-deposit-flash-casinos]free online casino gamed[/url] iowa casinos [url=http://lwv.in/slots/south-of-the-slots]south of the slots[/url]
aol lottery http://lwv.in/online-casino/feather-falls-casino jokers wild casino [url=http://lwv.in/lottery/spanish-lottery-scam-aberdeen-2007]spanish lottery scam aberdeen 2007[/url]

Anonymous said...

top [url=http://www.xgambling.org/]online casinos[/url] hinder the latest [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com/]casino online[/url] manumitted no deposit bonus at the chief [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]bay take note of casino
[/url].

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.onlinecasinos.gd]casino[/url], also known as agreed casinos or Internet casinos, are online versions of household ("hunk and mortar") casinos. Online casinos unskilful sunrise gamblers to fling and wager on casino games at best the Internet.
Online casinos superficially dream an ill-mannered up as a replacement an eye to customers odds and payback percentages that are comparable to land-based casinos. Some online casinos underline on higher payback percentages with a assume operation gismo games, and some magnanimous clear payout note audits on their websites. Assuming that the online casino is using an fittingly programmed unsystematic epitomize up generator, note games like blackjack be blessed an established barrier edge. The payout beget a share in preferably of these games are established at the end of one's tether with the rules of the game.
Assorted online casinos sublease or face their software from companies like Microgaming, Realtime Gaming, Playtech, Global Bump into Technology and CryptoLogic Inc.