Study Skills: Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills
In an era of information overload, political polarization, and global challenges from armed conflicts to climate change, it’s vital to learn how to evaluate information critically. This module teaches strategies—both theoretical and hands‑on—for analyzing the media landscape, fact-checking, close reading, constructing and deconstructing arguments, spotting logical fallacies, recognizing biases, and real-world applications of critical thinking concepts. Covering techniques from the Socratic method to cognitive‑science insights, it blends theory with exercises like argumentation analysis and case studies. Students will apply their skills to real‑world issues—disinformation, “fake news,” alternative facts, and AI—conduct independent research, and emerge with practical tools to think more clearly and rigorously in academic and everyday contexts.
About the course
Content
This module covers:
- theoretical principles of critical thinking,
- the use of media literacy tools,
- the use of close reading methods.
Students acquire strategies, such as:
- applying critical thinking in specific situations and case studies,
- using media literacy skills,
- critically analyzing texts, data, AI output,
- thoroughly conducting scientific work,
- successfully building, explaining, defending, or countering arguments / positions,
- identifying and categorising logical fallacies,
- identifying biases.
Learning outcomes
Students completing this course will acquire the knowledge, the skills, and the disposition necessary to become a strong critical thinker. They will gain a clear understanding of critical thinking principles and learn how to apply them to improve logical, evidence-based decision making and adopt a rational, analytical mindset. They will also build transferable skills in teamwork, problem solving, and intercultural communication.
Programme
- Introduction to Critical Thinking
- Media literacy
- Identifying impediments to critical thinking
- Case study work
- Student exam presentations, interactive discussions and dissemination.
Teaching method(s)
- one 90-minute (synchronous) seminar session per week
- synchronous group work activities (self-regulating groups)
- self-study activities
Assessment method(s)
Form of assessment:15-minute presentation and handout (2 pages max.)
Timing for assessment: Wednesday 03 & 10 February 2027 from ca. 8:15-09:45 (CET)
Further requirements for assessment: regular attendance and active involvement
Calculation of the examination mark: pass/fail
Lecturers
Laura Syms (University of Göttingen)
Course dates
One 90-minute online session per week, Wednesday from ca. 08:15-09:45 (CEST/CET), from 28 October 2026 to 10 February 2027.
Teaching and learning material available on Moodle (or via email)
How to register?
Entry requirements: Good command of English.
Students from all ENLIGHT partner universities are eligible to participate. Students who meet the requirements mentioned above apply directly to the host university through Application link. Before applying, students should check with their home faculty or programme whether the course can be included in their curriculum and whether the credits will be recognised. Students from Ghent University must obtain faculty approval by completing this form and having it signed by the Faculty Student Administration.
The host university will select the permitted number of students, inform the students as soon as possible following the application deadline (30th September 2026). Selection of course participants will be based on entry requirements and available course capacities. Selection will refer to a “first come first serve” principle across partner universities, i. e. the first applications from each university will be selected to increase diversity in the course. Unsuccessful students will be placed on a waiting list and may get a place in case of drop outs at a later stage.
Transcript of Records will be available to students by the end of February 2027.
Contact your ENLIGHT coordinator for further information on the application process or consult the linked information:
- University of the Basque Country:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Bern:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see application instructions for students at the University of Bern - University of Bordeaux:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Comenius University Bratislava:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Galway:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Ghent University:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see information about BIP's and virtual courses - University of Groningen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Göttingen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for BIP’s) orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (other courses) - University of Tartu:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see information about BIP’s and virtual courses - Uppsala University:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see application instructions for students at Uppsala University
Contact
If you have questions about the course (content, structure, requirements, etc.), please contact:
Laura Syms,