Critical Thinking

Source: Adapted from the California Academic Press's Learning Outcomes for Writing Proficiency

Learning Outcomes	Definition	Course Outcomes
Identification	Accurately Identifies and Interprets Evidence	The goals of each course rely on identifying and accurately interpreting multiple forms of evidence. For example, in the Applied Theatre course the students must take a case study of a documented oppressive regime (in the last course, the students read a case study involving limited health care options for female victims of rape in Rwanda) and the people living in/under it and interpret that case study through multiple lenses of applied theatre practice. The students investigated and articulated how various applied theatre techniques could be used working within that community and how those various approaches might be received in that community.
Alternate Consideration	Considers major alternative points of view	The discipline of theatre itself is based on critically thinking about, considering and embodying alternative points of view represented in societal choices, the reflection of personal views in a cultural context, the reflection of cultural norms and expectations through dramatic characters, etc. It is difficult to parse out specific instances of alternative considerations because that is precisely the driving force behind Theatre of the Oppressed: it is a rehearsal for a revolution—taking on the perspectives and thinking behind various characters in the culture and, quite literally, exploring divergent ways of problem-solving through role-play.
Accurate Conclusions	Draws warranted, judicious, non-fallacious conclusions	The discipline of theatre itself is based on critically thinking about, considering and embodying alternative points of view represented in societal choices, the reflection of personal views in a cultural context, the reflection of cultural norms and expectations through dramatic characters, etc. It is difficult to parse out specific instances of alternative considerations because that is precisely the driving force behind Theatre of the Oppressed: it is a rehearsal for a revolution—taking on the perspectives and thinking behind various characters in the culture and, quite literally, exploring divergent ways of problem-solving through role-play.
Justification	Justifies key results and procedures, and explains assumptions and reasons	The course discussions, drawn from the “Question and Quote” assignments that give the prompts for reading and assignment discussion, are grounded in the practice of clear justification of assumptions, questions, and reasons. The “Preparation, Process and Outcome” final writing summary in the practicum theatre education courses is built around the student’s ability to think critically about and justify their assumptions, reasons, and conclusions throughout the project.