F-7-16

Unit Code ERE 111

Unit Title: INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING
Program(s): BED ARTS
Lecturer Name: DR. JAMES KARORI
Lecturer Contacts: [email protected] , Phone No: 0720409119
Consultation time :
ERE 111: INTRODUCTION TO CREATIVE AND CRITICAL THINKING
Course Prerequisite
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 45
Purpose of the course

The purpose of this course is to introduce the learner to philosophy as the

foundation of critical thinking; to cultivate in the learner critical thinking skills
for effective decision-making and problem-solving in society and to deal with
impediments to Critical Thinking.

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course unit the learner should be able to:
1. Explain the nature of Philosophy and Critical thinking
2. Explain the importance of distinguishing appearance and reality in life
3. Discuss intellectual Standards for Critical Thinking
4. Describe the Problem-Solving Process
5. Assess the importance of moral reasoning in Decision Making
6. Explain the benefits of Critical Thinking to Problem Solving.
7. Discuss impediments to Critical Thinking
8. Analyze at least one ethical dilemma related to their profession.

Course Description:
Introduction to Philosophy as the foundation of Critical Thinking: Its Nature,
Basis, Task, and Content: Epistemology (Knowledge), Axiology(values),
Metaphysics (Appearance and Reality). Introduction to formal logics: Sub-
matter, Analysis, and Relations of propositions, categorical syllogisms,
hypothetical, alternatives, and disjunctive syllogism and generalized logic;
the skills necessary to critically analyze complex issues, generate innovative
ideas, and approach problems creatively and rigorously. Examining real-
world examples and engaging in hands-on activities, develop a deeper
understanding of the interplay between critical and creative thinking
processes and their significance in personal, academic, and professional
settings., and the application of critical thinking to religious studies

Mode of Delivery of the Course

This course will be offered on blended learning.
Teaching Methodology
Lecture method, Group activities, Class discussions, Demonstrations,
illustrations, and online sources.
Instructional Materials and/or Equipment
LCD Projector, Handouts/modules, Charts, Textbooks, whiteboard marker,
Online resources, Journal articles and extracts, Testing materials
Course Assessment
Continuous Assessment Tests
30%
Final Examinations
70%
Total Mark 100%
Course Textbooks:
1. Nash, R. J., and Bishop, P. (2009). Teaching Adolescents Religious
Literacy in a Post-9/11 World. Information Age Pub. ISBN: 1607523124,
9781607523123.
2. Ndwiga, J. and Mugambi, K. (2002). Christianity and African culture.
Acton Publishers. ISBN: 9966888756, 9789966888754.
3. Roberts, C. C. (2009). Christian Education Teaching Methods - from
Modern to Postmodern: Teaching the Faith to Post-moderns. Author
House. ISBN: 1449053106, 9781449053109.
4. McCreery, E., Palmer, S. & Voiels, V. (2008). Teaching Religious
Education: Primary and Early Years. Sage. ISBN: 0857252526,
9780857252524.
Reference Textbooks
1. Buchanan, M. T. and Gellel, A. (2015). Global Perspectives on Catholic
Religious Education in Schools. Springer. ISBN: 3319209256,
9783319209258.
 2. Sanderse, W. (2012). Character Education: A Neo-Aristotelian Approach
to the Philosophy, Psychology and Education of Virtue. Eburon
Uitgeverij B.V. ISBN: 9059727029, 9789059727021.
3. Farrell, M. (2013). Key Issues for Secondary Schools. Routledge. ISBN:
1134572077, 9781134572076.
Course Journals
1. British Journal of Religious Education. Taylor & Francis. ISSN: 0141-
6200.
2. Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature & Culture. ISSN: 1749-4907,
1749-4915.
3. Religious Education (RE). Taylor & Francis. ISSN: 0034-4087.
Reference Journals
1. Religious Diversity and Education. ISBN 978-3-8309-2154-7.
2. Journal of Teacher Education (JTE). Sage. ISSN: 0022-4871.
3. Teaching and Teacher Education (Online), Teaching & Teacher
Education. Elsevier. ISSN: 0742-051X.

Class/Week Topic Sub topic

Wk 1 Introduction to Philosophy and  Overview of the course and its

Critical Thinking objectives
 Definition and scope of philosophy

Wk 2& 3 The Nature and Basis of Philosophy  The nature of philosophical inquiry
 The basis of philosophical thought:
questioning and reasoning
 Historical development of philosophical
thought

Wk 4 & 5 Epistemology: The Study of  Introduction to epistemology:

 Types of knowledge: empirical, rational,
Knowledge and intuitive
 Theories of knowledge: rationalism,
empiricism, and constructivism
Wk 6 CAT 1 Process of Knowing

Wk 7 & 8 Axiology: The Study of Values  Introduction to axiology: What are

values?
 Theories of values: moral, aesthetic, and
cultural values
 The role of critical thinking in
evaluating and applying values
Wk 9 Introduction to Formal Logic  Overview of formal logic and its
significance in critical thinking
 Basic concepts: propositions, arguments,
and validity
 Types of reasoning: deductive and
 inductive
Wk 10 Assignment 2 Class presentation

Wk 11 & 12 Critical Thinking in Religious  The application of critical thinking to

religious studies
Studies  Analyzing religious texts and doctrines
critically
 Addressing common fallacies in
religious arguments
 The interplay between faith and reason

Wk 13 CAT 2 Life skills

WK 14 Case Studies and Real-World  Examination of real-world examples

requiring critical thinking
Applications  Applying philosophical concepts to
analyze and solve complex problems

Approval for circulation by:

Dr. James Karori ………. signature: …………………….

HOD: Madam Doreen … signature: …………………….