Abstract
These measures cut across all courses in the IDST program (Interdisciplinary Studies [IDST]), but a valuable opportunity exists for it to be introduced at the freshman level in UC 175-UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE. The University Experience Program is housed within the IDST unit, and provides basic instruction on critical thinking, basic library skills, and many other issues relevant to students transitioning into higher education. About 1,200 WKU freshmen take UC 175 each academic year, and the core curriculum (especially acquiring basic library and research skills) dovetails nicely with the E&A ESSENTIAL SKILLS and with the objectives outlined above. These skills are presently addressed in the course, but this proposal outlines an intentional plan with a core set of readings and course content that will establish concrete connections with the new QEP.
These skills would flow into IDST courses more broadly as well. By definition, Interdisciplinary Studies aims to see complex phenomenon through various disciplinary perspectives in order to gather specific disciplinary insights and integrate them to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand. IDST operates in cross-disciplinary ways in its very nature.
1. Examine and distinguish between the different types of evidence including but not limited to personal experience, expert opinion, surveys, reliable documents, eyewitness accounts, research studies, and meta-analyses. This addresses E&A ESSENTIAL SKILL #1.
2. Equip students with a basic understanding of the different types of evidence used to form various types of arguments, assertions, theories, claims, and beliefs. This addresses E&A ESSENTIAL SKILL #1.
3. Develop students’ ability to recognize the evidential basis for various types of arguments used in and across academic disciplines as well as wider society and culture.
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Recommended Citation
Basham, Cortney S., "UA35 Introducing Evidence and Argument in First Year Courses" (2017). Arts and Humanities. Paper 1.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/aments_ah/1
Comments
Document includes project overview, syllabus, assignment, and ppt.