874bc893_2012_2013____Academics____USNA__Scope
[Course] XH497 [Title] CRITICAL THOUGHT [Crdts] 3 [Department] Department of Social Sciences [Scope] 
The purpose of XH497, Critical Thought is to improve cadets' ability to evaluate complex issues involving ethical judgements and choice among scarce resources, reach reasoned positions on these issues, and effectively argue their positions verbally and in writing. The process of pursuing this goal will make cadets better officers, scholars, and citizens. The course will employ several methods to assist in this pursuit. First, it will achieve breadth by focusing on current issues from a variety of fields, examining the "hard choices" that confront society, government, military leaders, and individual citizens. Among the disciplines from which the course will draw are Philosophy, Law, Political Science, Economics, Physics, Biology, and English. Each cadet will also be assigned an individual mentor from among the faculty of the Departments of Social Sciences, History, Law, or English. Requirements include a briefing on a current issue in the cadet's major field, a book review, and a personal statement summarizing academic and other goals.
USMA Course Offerings Fall 2012-2013 :: Academics :: USNA
Scope