INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF THE CARIBBEAN (formerly)

THE INSTITUTE FOR THEOLOGICAL AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

COURSE OUTLINE

SUBJECT Undergraduate
COURSE TITLE COM-331 Skills for Context and Content Analysis
YEAR 2
CREDIT / DURATION 3 Credits / 1 Semester
TOTAL HOURS 45 Hours
PRE-REQUISITE None
RATIONALE We currently exist in the Information Age, where there is not only
ready access to information but we are bombarded on a daily basis
with books, magazines, news reports, Internet articles and
advertisements of every description. The challenge arises to
distinguish legitimate and usable knowledge from superficial, poorly
supported claims. There is also the need to recognise the profound
significance of context in terms of the origin of information and its
applicability.
This course is aimed at providing the requisite skills for critically
evaluating and applying information so that it is translated into usable
knowledge for the individual and for his/her context.

AIM The module seeks to expose students to the basic skills required for
critical thinking in the analysis of the content and context of
information and arguments.
OBJECTIVES At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
a) Explain the significance of critical thinking, and apply critical
thinking skills to context and content analysis.
b) Describe the structures of arguments and apply them to reading
and writing.
c) Evaluate and critique arguments in light of their content and
context.
CONTENT The module will be covered within the following topics

Week 1 Overview of course and expectations

Weeks 2 and 3: Introduction to Critical Thinking

i. The importance of critical thinking
ii. Developing self-monitoring capacity
iii. Naïve and critical awareness

Weeks 4 and 5 Reasoning

iv. Essential steps in reasoning
v. Evaluating verbal and non-verbal cues
vi. Evaluating inferences
 Week 6: Evaluating Written Content
i. The anatomy of an argument
ii. Types of claims: fact versus fiction
iii. Types of proof

Week 7: Argument (Contd.)

iv. Understanding argument styles
v. Reading and evaluating argument

Week 8: Evaluating Visual & Oral Content

i. Recognising visual and oral argument
ii. Using argument theory to critique
visual & oral argument

Week 9 and 10: Valuating Context

i. Clarifying purpose
ii. Understanding the audience
iii. Understanding the source
iv. Evaluating applicability

Weeks 11 and 12: Applying Content & Context Analysis

Analysis of various written, materials
(Caribbean and International sources)
i. Application to literature
ii. Application to written media (non-fiction,
newspaper articles, reports, etc.)
iii. Application to audio-visual media

Weeks 13 and 14 Applying Content & Context Analysis

(Contd.)
Analysis of various visual and oral materials
(Caribbean and International sources)
i Application to literature
ii Application to written media (non-
fiction, newspaper articles, reports,
etc.)
iii Application to audio-visual media

Week 15 Revision

TEACHING Students will be engaged through:

METHODS  Lectures
 Individual & group exercises
 Class discussions
 Student presentations

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EVALUATION Course Work 60%
Pre-Course assignment 10%
Individual Assignment 20 %
Group Project 30%
Examination 40%

LEARNING RESOURCES:

 Allied reading (handouts)

 Supporting documents
 Audio-visual presentations
 General bibliography

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Module text:
FISHER, A. (2001). Critical Thinking: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press.

BOOTH, W.C., COLOMB, G.C., and WILLIAMS, J.M. (1995). The Craft of Research.
Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

FREIRE, P.. (2003). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York: Continuum.

FREIRE, P. (2003). Education for Critical Consciousness. New York: Continuum.

LEVY, H. (1996. They Cry Respect. Kingston: University of the West Indies.

WOOD, N.V. (2004). Perspectives on Argument, 4th Ed. New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice
Hall.

NOTES TO ALL STUDENTS:

Plagiarism

As a student of this programme, all papers that you submit should be your original work
with appropriate referencing using the American Psychological Association (APA)
format.  Please ensure that you purchase a copy of the APA Referencing manual so that
your referencing is appropriate and accurate:

 American Psychological Association (2001). Publication manual of the American

psychological association (5th Ed.). Washington DC: Author.

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 In the event that plagiarism, self-plagiarism, unauthorized assistance, copyright
infringement, misrepresentation or collusion is detected, disciplinary actions will be taken
such as failure of the course, suspension or expulsion from the University.  (See the
Graduate Student Handbook for additional information).

 Class Attendance

You are required to attend all 4 days of classes.  If you are unable to attend class due to
an emergency, the appropriate documentation must be submitted, for example, a medical
certificate.  However, if you are absent for more than 20% of the total class time you are
required to do the sections of the class missed when it is next offered. Please note that
you are expected to be on time for classes. Lateness will result in a reduction of your
participation grade.

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