INT 333 - (University Wide) Why Do We Believe the Things We Do?

Focuses on the central question “why do we believe the things we do?” This question drives all individual writing and reading assignments. In this context we’ll consider from a multi-disciplinary perspective topics such as: mental models; hidden assumptions and the place of implicit beliefs in reasoning; “thin slicing” and the role of the “adaptive unconscious” in decision making; propaganda, public relations and the role of the media in belief formation, and the nature of impact of propaganda in our lives; the identification and evaluation of arguments and the difference between persuasive and cogent reasoning.

General Education Requirements: Satisfies the General Education Social Context and Institutions and Writing Intensive Requirements.

Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing.

Course Typically Offered: Not Regularly Offered

Credits: 3