WAYS 101 - Critical Thinking Seminar

3 Credit(s)

A “Big Ideas” course focusing on “wicked problems” and the contexts in which those problems occur. The courses focus on significant and messy issues which the faculty experts are deeply engaged with. They feature explicit instruction in critical thinking – the ability to think clearly and rationally about what to do and what to believe, as well as oral and written applications of those abilities. Critical Thinking has been characterized as “…the awakening of the intellect to the study of itself.” This is important, as it implies a high degree of self-consciousness about and reflection on one’s thinking processes. Wicked problems seminars are specifically designed to introduce students to a rigorous and demanding liberal arts curriculum, provide the opportunity for students to work closely with a faculty mentor, and establish a sense of community among participants.