Bcom 275 Student Guide

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

o The Claim and Its Source

o Assessing the Content of the Claim

* Does the Claim Conflict with Our Personal Observations?

* Does the Claim Conflict with Our Background Information?

o The Credibility of Sources

o Credibility and the News Media

* Government Management of the News

* Bias Within the Media

* Talk Radio

* The Internet, Generally

* Wikipedia

* Blogs

o Advertising

* Ch. 5: Persuasion Through Rhetoric: Common Devices and Techniques of Critical Thinking

o Euphemisms and Dysphemisms

o Rhetorical Definitions and Rhetorical Explanations

o Stereotypes

o Innuendo

o Loaded Questions

o Weaselers

o Downplayers

o Horse Laugh/Ridicule/Sarcasm

o Hyperbole

o Proof Surrogates

o Rhetorical Analogies and Misleading