Critical Thinking

Write a paragraph about an area of your life that you feel could be enhanced with critical thinking. Viewing the situation objectively and using critical thinking, what steps might you be able to take to improve your life in this area?

1. Synthesize theories and approaches from the subject areas of the general education curriculum to address complex problems.
a. Utilize interdisciplinary approaches and informed decision-making when solving problems.
b. Frame problems and construct solutions through reasoned analysis, including consideration of diverse views.
c. Analyze and present a reasoned response to problems within a wider societal and systems context.
d. Articulate commonalities and differences across varying cultural, economic, and geographic populations as part of global citizenship.
e. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills using adaptable, flexible, creative, and innovative approaches.
2. Integrate skills from the general education competencies when interpreting ideas and arguments in order to respond to civic, societal, environmental, and economic challenges.
a. Apply the principles of critical thinking to contemporary issues.
b. Exhibit clear, sustained, and coherent arguments and narratives in written and oral communication.
c. Utilize information, media, and technology literacy skills appropriate for an associates or bachelor degree level, by recognizing when information is needed and effectively locating, evaluating, and using the information.
d. Construct solutions to problems through qualitative or quantitative analysis and/or computational skills and practices.
e. Display leadership and interdisciplinary teamwork skills.
f. Employ the skills necessary to engage in lifelong learning through intellectual inquiry.
3. Synthesize proficiencies appropriate to the degree level and discipline or major.
a. Explain field specific concepts, theories, and practices.
b. Evaluate complex problems or challenges related to the field by applying field specific concepts, theories, and practices.
4. Construct ethical responses to contemporary issues.
a. Identify and address key ethical issues, including the application of academic knowledge to the concerns of society.
b. Articulate the constraints that ethical theories and principles place on responses to specific challenges.