The Skeptics Society & Skeptic magazine

This course was taught at Irvine Valley College in Irvine, California in 2011.

Excerpt from Syllabus

This course has one principle goal: to familiarize students with the process of thinking critically about the world in which we live. This will involve a firm understanding of the science of psychology. A science requires adherence to the scientific method, and the scientific method requires that one obtain empirical evidence to support or refute testable theories. This course endeavours to persuade students that psychology is both interesting and vital—and that it is a key to understanding ourselves, those around us, and the world in general. Therefore thinking critically about psychology becomes of the utmost importance.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify and contrast the biases and inherent assumptions behind controversial statements.
2. Explain and demonstrate the skills needed to be a critical consumer of information.
3. Recognize the difference between an observation and an inference.
4. Use standards of evidence derived from the scientific method to analyze and evaluate the quality of evidence presented in an argument.
5. Recognize and explain the dynamics of at least five different techniques of persuasion and propaganda.
6. Illustrate and apply appropriate strategies and models for solving problems.
7. Explain and distinguish among several strategies and models for decision making.
8. Distinguish belief from knowledge.

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