DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY Ref.: KU/ACAD/SOP/8.5-3
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Ver.: 1.0
Title: Course Outline Date: 2025/2026
UCU 111: CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Credit Hours: 3
Pre requisite: None
3.2 Purpose of the Course
This course introduces the learner to the basic elements of critical thinking and problem solving
for effective and judicious thinking patterns and practices. The skills of reasoning acquired are
invaluable for effective problem solving and sound decision making for rational and ethical
living in the changing world.
3.3 Expected Learning Outcomes of the course
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
CLO1 Explain the role of critical thinking to decision making and problem solving.
CLO2 Apply critical thinking skills to avoid deceptive situations.
CLO3 Construct valid and cogent arguments
CLO4 Evaluate the role of quality education in transforming individuals and society from state
of dependency to autonomy
CLO5 Solve problems in everyday life endeavors critically.
3.4 Course Content
Philosophy, meaning, methods, characteristics, importance, Levels of thinking: pre-conventional,
conventional, post-conventional. Critical thinking: meaning, elements, relevance, barriers, logic,
Arguments: deductive, Inductive, Fallacies, formal, informal, Decision making, categories,
procedures, decision-making, problem solving, Critical thinking case studies, Socratic method,
Appearance and Realty, thinking for oneself, individuality and sociality, Practicality of critical
thinking. Critical thinking in education and its transforming role.
3.5 Instructional methods
1
Lectures; collaborative learning; case study method; self-directed learning; class discussions
3.6 Instructional Materials and/or Equipment
Print: Handouts, manuals, textbooks, blended modules, Visual: Videos, power point slide.
Electronic Interactive: Computers, Laptops.
3.7 Student Assessment at Course level
Formative Assessment 40%
Summative Assessment 60%
Total 100%
Pass mark 40%
3.8 Core Reading Materials for the course
3. 8.1 Print Books
Hum, B (2023). Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: The Ultimate Guide for Mastering
Decision-Making Secrets, Logic, Systematic Problem-Solving, Featuring Expert Techniques to
Detect Logical Fallacies Paperback
Namwambah, T. D. (2020). Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Riga, Latvia (E.U):
Scholars’ Press.
Vanguard, N (2022). Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving: (4 Books in 1) The Definitive
Guide to Make Smarter Decisions and Creatively Solve Complex Problems and Challenges
Autonomously Kindle Edition
3. 8.2 E-Books
Proctor, T. (2021). Absolute Essentials of Creative Thinking and Problem Solving (1st ed.).
Routledge. [Link]
Watson Jr., G.J. (2020). Critical Thinking: Learning from Mistakes and How to Prevent Them
(1st ed.). CRC Press. [Link]
Zornado, J., Harrison, J., & Weisman, D. (2019). Critical Thinking: Developing the Intellectual
Tools for Social Justice (1st ed.). Routledge. [Link]
3. 8.2 E-Journals
Huang, J., & Sang, G. (2023). Conceptualising critical thinking and its research in teacher
education: A systematic review. Teachers and Teaching, 29(6), 638–660.
[Link]
2
Lau, J. Y. F. (2024). Revisiting the origin of critical thinking. Educational Philosophy and
Theory, 1–10. [Link]
Samson, P. L. (2021). Reconsidering critical thinking: findings from a qualitative Delphi study.
Social Work Education, 40(4), 427–444. [Link]
3. 9 Recommended Reading Materials for the course
3.9.1 Print Books
Cottrel, S. (2019). Critical Thinking Skills: Effective Analysis, Argument and Reflection.
London: MacMillan Education.
Neurons, W (2023). Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving: The Complete Guide to
Superior Thinking, Systematic Problem Solving, Making Outstanding Decisions, and Uncover
Logical Fallacies like a Pro. Paperback
Wilson, J. (2017). Critical Thinking: A Beginner's Guide to Critical Thinking, Better Decision
Making and Problem Solving. New York: C.S.I.P Publishers.
3. 9.2 E-Books
Fox, W.P., & Bauldry, W.C. (2019). Advanced Problem Solving with Maple: A First Course (1st
ed.). Chapman and Hall/CRC. [Link]
Manalo, E. (Ed.). (2019). Deeper Learning, Dialogic Learning, and Critical Thinking: Research-
based Strategies for the Classroom (1st ed.). Routledge. [Link]
Ogden, J. (2018). Thinking Critically about Research: A Step by Step Approach (1st ed.).
Routledge. [Link]
3. 9.3 E-Journals
Butcher, K. R., Larson, M., & Lane, M. (2019). Making Critical Thinking Visible for Student
Analysis and Reflection: Using Structured Documentation to Enhance Effective Reasoning and
Communication. Science Scope, 42(8), 44–53. [Link]
Dumitru, D. (2019). Creating meaning. The importance of Arts, Humanities and Culture for
critical thinking development. Studies in Higher Education, 44(5), 870–879.
[Link]
Kleinig, J. (2018). Trust and critical thinking. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 50(2), 133–
143. [Link]
3
Li, L. (2023). Critical thinking from the ground up: teachers’ conceptions and practice in EFL
classrooms. Teachers and Teaching, 29(6), 571–593.
[Link]
Mahmoud, Y., Jerneck, A., Kronsell, A., & Steen, K. (2018). At the nexus of problem-solving
and critical research. Ecology and Society, 23(4). [Link]
