Logic, Argumentation, and Critical Thinking
Certificate of Achievement Arts, Communication & Humanities · Bakersfield College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Logic, Argumentation, and Critical Thinking Certificate of Achievement
This Certificate of Achievement is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the fundamentals of logic and critical thinking, and their practical application in social, professional, and relational contexts. The certificate is intended to enhance the problem-solving, written and oral communication, and effective deliberation and decision-making skills of students from all majors and career plans. The student will learn how to critically dissect and analyze a problem, assess possible solutions and associated risks, and hone their strategic decision-making skills by employing the tools of logic and analytical thinking. Upon completion of the required courses with at least a “C” or “P” grade in each course, the student will be eligible for a Certificate of Achievement.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to demonstrate proficiency with the basic tools of logic, argumentation, and critical thinking.
2. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to distinguish different concepts, questions, and problems so as to analyze and examine their different components, connections, implications, and sociohistorical contexts.
3. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to implement critical thinking skills within practical decision-making and problem-solving contexts and defend judgments about the most appropriate decision or solution for the situation.
4. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to construct a clear, consistent, and well-reasoned position on various topics and problems within industries such as law, medicine, management, and others.
Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Logic, Argumentation, and Critical Thinking Certificate of Achievement | 18-19.5 | |
| List A | 6-6.5 | |
| ENGL C1000 | Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
| ENGL C1000E | Academic Reading and Writing | 3.5 |
| PHIL B6A | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| List B | 3 | |
| PHIL B7 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| PHIL B8 | Logic and Critical Thinking | 3 |
| List C | 3 | |
| PHIL B10 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL B12 | Ethics of Living and Dying | 3 |
| PHIL B35 | Identity and Difference in a Shared World | 3 |
| POLS B16 | Vital Political Problems | 3 |
| SOCI B2 | Problems of Modern Society | 3 |
| List D | 3 | |
| PHIL B16 | Social and Political Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL B18 | History of Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| PHIL B19 | History of Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| HIST B9 | Historical Methods: Critical Thinking & Writing in History | 3 |
| List E | 3-4 | |
| PHIL B9 | Critical Thinking and Advanced Composition | 3 |
| ENGL C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3-4 |
| ENGL B3 | Arg Wrtg & Critical Thnk Lit | 4 |