Clear Expression through Critical Thought

Master the connection between critical thinking and effective writing in this advanced course designed for writers seeking to improve clarity and persuasive impact. Through interactive sessions, you will learn strategies for analyzing problems with critical rigor and applying a structured process to develop innovative solutions. You will then apply these thinking skills to strengthen your writing by mastering techniques for crafting logically sound persuasive arguments with a genuine focus on reader understanding and engagement. By integrating critical thinking and writing instruction, this course empowers you to become a more effective and successful communicator.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for advanced writers who want practical tips and techniques to improve their writing clarity. You will gain understanding and skill in applying the critical thinking process to solve complex problems and communicate your solutions persuasively.

What You Will Learn at a Glance:

• Use the seven traits of good writing and the writing process to enhance your written expression and document quality
• Describe and apply the critical thinking process in a variety of contexts
• Apply critical thinking approaches when writing. Implement reader-focused strategies to appeal to your audience
• Identify strategic opportunities to use logic in your writing to strengthen arguments
• Build persuasive arguments using logic, evidence, and sound reasoning
• Think critically to analyze problems and identify root causes
• Create solutions to problems using a structured, step-by-step process

Course Syllabus

Module 1: Defining Critical Thinking

• Define critical thinking and explain its purpose in various personal, professional, and academic contexts
• Describe the six thinking abilities involved in critical thinking processes
• Learn the steps in the critical thinking process and apply them to solve real-world problems

Module 2: Problem Analysis: Getting to the Root Cause

• Identify key components of a problem, including root causes and contributing factors
• Critically analyze information and evidence related to a given problem
• Use graphic organizers such as Venn diagrams and Fishbone diagrams to analyze complex problems systematically

Module 3: Using the Problem-Solving Process

• Learn the steps in the problem-solving process and how to apply them effectively
• Analyze a situation using tools like process maps to discover potential solutions
• Evaluate and select the best solution by applying critical thinking skills and evidence

Module 4: The Foundations of Clear Writing

• Learn the Seven Traits of good writing and understand how to apply each to your documents
• Master the four-step writing process: prewriting to plan, drafting to develop ideas, revising for clarity, and refining for polish
• Explore the Plain Writing Act of 2010 and apply its principles to create clear, concise, accessible written communication

Module 5: Building Your Case: The Persuasive Argument

• Identify the structure of a persuasive argument and understand the role of reasoning and supporting evidence
• Apply inductive reasoning (from specific examples to general conclusions) and deductive reasoning (from general principles to specific conclusions) when building arguments
• Use the CECC format (Claim, Evidence, Commentary, Conclusion) to organize and structure persuasive documents effectively

Module 6: Persuasion Through Connection

• Analyze how tailoring your writing to specific audience characteristics enhances reader engagement and impact
• Identify reader needs and develop strategies for addressing objections from readers who may initially resist your message
• Apply Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs framework to understand what motivates your audience and how to connect with them meaningfully

Module 7: Logical Writing

• Learn to identify and prevent common logical fallacies in your writing
• Ensure clarity and rational progression throughout your documents using logical writing techniques and clear organization

Module 8: Creating Clarity from Complex Subjects

• Use the writing process to develop a persuasive document, starting from a complex or technical subject
• Apply peer review and self-evaluation techniques to identify areas for improvement and strengthen overall writing clarity