Logic and Reasoning (SZF_200)
About Study Course
Objective
The course’s “logic and reasoning” aims to develop students "ability to critically analyze, engineer and evaluate arguments using principles of logical thinking and reasoning strategies. The course will provide knowledge of the basics of formal and informal logic, methods of making and evaluating arguments. Particular attention will be paid to the application of reasoning in the academic environment. The course will be particularly relevant in the Bachelor’s thesis development process, helping students:Accurately formulate research questions and hypotheses on the basis of logically sound reasoning;Create a structured and reasonably substantiated Bachelor’s thesis text, providing a clear logical sequence and convincing conclusions;Critically evaluate and interpret academic sources, distinguishing logically substantiated claims from erroneous reasoning;Develop the ability to systematically argue and justify their position, which is essential both in the defence of Bachelor’s thesis and in academic discussions;Identify and avoid typical errors of reasoning that may weaken the quality and reliability of research paper.
Prerequisites
The course is intended for students of RSU Faculty of Social Sciences (SRF) bachelor programmes in the 6th semester and therefore students are expected to already have:learn the basics of academic writing and analysis of texts necessary for the development and critical evaluation of arguments;the amount of knowledge relevant to the bachelor’s programme has been acquired in political science, law, communication science or economics and business, depending on the study programme, in order to apply reasoning in their field.basic skills in logical thinking and analytical approach obtained in previous study courses have been developed.Additional prerequisites in logic or philosophy are optional as the course will provide the necessary introduction to these issues.
Learning outcomes
1.After completing the course, students shall:
Is familiar with the basic principles of formal and informal logic, the theory of logical reasoning and its application in different sectors.
Able to identify and explain logical errors such as mistaken inference, the construction of incorrect arguments and demagoguery.
Is familiar with the reasoning strategies and types used in scientific, political, legal and public communication.
Understands the importance of critical thinking in academic and social discourse, is able to apply it by analysing different texts and sources of information.
Learn arguments scoring techniques that help identify plausible and valid arguments in academic and public space.
1.After the study course, students will be able to:
Develop logically sound and structured arguments that meet academic and professional requirements.
Analyse, evaluate and critically evaluate arguments recognising their strengths and weaknesses.
Identify and avoid logical errors such as faulty correlation, circle reasoning, authority argument, or false dilemma.
Constructively defend and justify their views through rational, logical and evidence-based arguments.
Apply reasoning methods in the development of Bachelor’s thesis by establishing a clear and reasoned investigative reasoning.
Analyse and structure academic and professional texts highlighting key arguments and a series of logical conclusions.
To recognise and analyse arguments in political, legal and media discourse, able to distinguish manipulation from sound reasoning.
1.After completing the course, students will acquire the following competences:
Ability to critically evaluate information and arguments by making academically and professionally sound decisions.
Independent ability to analyze and structure complex information by linking different arguments into a coherent, logically sound whole.
Ability to apply logical and argumentative methods in academic and professional settings, including Bachelor’s thesis writing, policy analysis, law and media communication.
Ability to identify and respond effectively to incorrect reasoning and disinformation based on facts and rational conclusions.
Self-reflection and the ability to develop your reasoning skills by analysing and improving your thinking process.
Study course planning
| Study programme | Study semester | Program level | Study course category | Lecturers | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Marketing and Advertising | 6 | Bachelor | Limited choice | ||
| International Business and Sustainable Economy | 6 | Bachelor | Limited choice | ||
| International Relations - European Studies | 6 | Bachelor | Limited choice |
