The second in a two-semester sequence, this course continues the discussion from Critical Thinking I of critical ideas, concepts and belief systems that are shaping the modern world. This semester focuses primarily on economic, political, legal, social and cultural aspects of contemporary life, and ends with a discussion of the impact of the cultural sphere—art, music, literature, and the media—on the individual and society. Lectures and discussion will be accompanied by textual and audiovisual material. Students will be evaluated on the basis of short, knowledge-based exams, and possibly short essays/a portfolio, discussing one or two of these areas in relation to a particular case study. Topics to be covered include: economics, political science, law, philosophy, history, art and archeology, music, communications, literature.
