Study Skills: Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills
In an era of information overload, political polarization, and global challenges from conflicts to climate change, it’s vital to learn how to evaluate information critically. This module teaches strategies—both theoretical and hands‑on—for analyzing media, interpreting statistics, conducting scientific work, constructing and deconstructing arguments, spotting logical fallacies, and recognizing biases. Covering techniques from the Socratic method to cognitive‑science insights, it blends theory with exercises like argumentation analysis and case studies. Students will apply their skills to real‑world issues—disinformation, “fake news,” alternative facts, and AI—conduct independent research, and emerge with practical tools to think more clearly and rigorously in academic and everyday contexts.
About the course
Content
This module covers:
- theoretical principles of critical thinking,
- the use of media literacy tools,
- the use of close reading methods.
Students acquire strategies, such as:
- applying critical thinking in specific situations and case studies,
- using media literacy skills,
- critically analyzing statistics,
- thoroughly conducting scientific work,
- successfully building, explaining, defending, or countering arguments / positions,
- identifying and categorising logical fallacies,
- identifying biases.
Learning outcomes
Students completing this course will acquire the knowledge, the skills, and the disposition necessary to become a strong critical thinker. They will gain a clear understanding of critical thinking principles and learn how to apply them to improve logical, evidence-based decision making and adopt a rational, analytical mindset. They will also build transferable skills in teamwork, problem solving, and intercultural communication.
Teaching format
- one 90-minute (synchronous) seminar session per week
- synchronous group work activities (self-regulating groups)
- self-study activities
Programme
- Introduction to Critical Thinking
- Media literacy
- Identifying impediments to critical thinking
- Case study work
- Student exam presentations in international teams, interactive discussions and reflection.
Assessment
Form of assessment:
- 15-minute presentation and handout (2 pages max.)
Further requirements for assessment:
- Regular attendance and active involvement
Calculation of the examination mark: pass/fail
Lecturers
Laura Syms, University of Göttingen,
Course dates
- One 90-minute online session per week
- Teaching and learning material available on Moodle
How to register?
! Before application: Please check with your home faculty / programme if the course can be integrated in your curriculum in order to ensure recognition of the credits / ECTS obtained!
Entry requirements: Good command of English.
Selection of course participants will be based on entry requirements and available course capacities. Selection will refer to a “first come first serve” principle across partner universities, i.e. the first applications from each university will be selected to increase diversity in the course.
Students from all ENLIGHT partner universities are eligible to participate. Students who meet the requirements mentioned above can apply directly: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/698171.html.
Students from Ghent University need to obtain faculty approval by filling this form and have it signed by Faculty Student Administration.
The host university will select the permitted number of students, inform the students as soon as possible following the application deadline.
Unsuccessful students will be placed on a waiting list and may get a place in case of drop outs at a later stage.
Contact
If you have questions about the course (content, structure, requirements, etc.), please contact:
Laura Syms,