The Skeptics Society & Skeptic magazine

This course was taught at Oklahoma City University during the spring 2011 semester.

Excerpt from Syllabus

This critical thinking course interprets extraordinary claims using reason, logic, and skeptical analysis in drawing conclusions. Fringe science, pseudoscientific, and bogus health claims will be evaluated based on available evidence. Health claims, fortune- telling (astrology, psychic predictions, palm reading), alternative medicine, sensory illusions such as magic, faith healing, clairvoyance, telepathy, the lunar effect, and psycho-kinesis will be some of the topics likely covered. The role of the media in covering and reporting such claims will be explored. The course will focus on drawing plausible and logical conclusions based on evaluation of existing evidence. Assignments will include weekly quizzes, class discussions, and a formal project/presentation.

Learning Goals

1. Have a basic knowledge of critical thinking, skeptical thought, and the scientific method.
2. Discriminate between sound vs. faulty logic in descriptions and observations of pseudoscientific claims.
3. Demonstrate how to conduct research and/or investigate anomalistic phenomena via a positive working relationship with a team of students.
4. Evaluate skeptical knowledge of unexplained phenomena, its claim(s), or a central skeptical figure.

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