This course examines the bases of critical thinking and analysis in the social sciences – primarily in research and theoretical discourse – but including its role in society. Material in the courses discusses the role and contribution of social research and criticism in a broad range of social contexts. Students undertake critical analysis assignments to develop key skills in understanding theoretical meaning, logical analysis and reasoning, and developing effective argumentation. Classes focus on critical analysis tasks based on academic, policy and opinion texts. The classes require students to understand analyse and produce effective arguments and responses in spoken and written forms, appropriate to the tasks. Consideration of relevant work in the philosophy of science is undertaken. Themes in the course include; values; attitudes; norms; convention and customs; fact; opinion and preference; deductive and inductive thinking; validity and truth; logical argument; evidence; and ethics.