a copy of the syllabus is available here [pdf]
course description
you will develop skills for the analysis of complex questions through reading, writing and debating
part 1 -arguments and data – we will examine various ways in which people can deceive, e.g. by misrepresenting the data and drawing unjustified conclusions from them
part 2 – getting the facts right – by examining controversial questions of our time, we will (try to) distinguish “facts” from “fictions”
part 3 – beyond facts – once the facts are agreed upon, we still need to answer non-factual questions, e.g. what should we do?
part 4 – presentations – students will present their ideas for the final paper