How to think and write critically for Arts students in university

1. Critical analysis Orna Farrell orna.farrell@dbs.ie

2. How do you get higher marks? Description? Or Analysis?

3. What is critical analysis? Identifying other peoples positions, arguments and conclusions Evaluating evidence Weighing up opposing arguments Reflecting on issues in a structured way Drawing conclusions about whether arguments are valid Presenting a point of view in a structured clear & well reasoned way

4. Why should I analyse? Critical analytical thinking is a key part of university study- using it will lead to higher marks Many first year students receive comments such as 'not analytical enough' on their early assignments when you cite a source of evidence for your own arguments, you will need to be sure that the evidence really does support your point, and is accurate and reliable. You are expected to be very critical of your sources, using evidence that has been well researched rather than just your own opinion

5. Barriers to critical thinking Strategies used at school are not sufficient for third level Reluctance to critique experts Misunderstanding of what is meant by criticism Mistaking information for understanding

6. Different perspectives on learning Student: “I want you the expert to give me the answers to the questions, I want to know the right answer” Lecturers: “I want you to become critical thinkers, which means I want you to challenge experts answers and pursue your own answers through active questioning.”

7. Critical writing The focus of critical writing is to present a case by providing reasons, relevant evidence, evaluating alternative arguments, weighing up conflicting evidence, forming judgements on the evidence. Description and background keep to a minimum

8. Critical writing Feature of critical writing: Clarity: convince the reader, sparse language, sticks to the point Analysis Selection: give only important details Sequence Signposting

9. My approaches to analysis When writing: State Relate Prove Explain When discussing a theory: What is the theory? Do I agree or disagree with the theory and why? How does it relate to the assignment question? Give an example of how it works..

10. References Cottrell, S.(2005) Critical Thinking Skills. London: Palgrave. http://www.palgrave.com/skills4study/studyskills/thinking/critical.asp#thinking