Critical Thinking and Media Literacy Field of study: English Studies: Literature and Culture
Programme code: W1-S1EL25.2025

Module name: Critical Thinking and Media Literacy
Module code: W1-ELS1-CTML-2
Programme code: W1-S1EL25.2025
Semester: summer semester 2025/2026
Language of instruction: English
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 2
Purpose and description of the content of education:
This module focuses on developing critical thinking skills and applying them to the analysis of contemporary media. Students will refine their ability to assess arguments, detect bias and manipulation, and critically evaluate the construction and impact of media messages.Emphasizing logic, reasoning, and rhetorical analysis, the course challenges students to question assumptions, recognize persuasive strategies, and navigate complex information environments. Through case studies and critical discussions, students will strengthen their analytical and reflective capacities, fostering a deeper, more active engagement with media, especially in digital contexts.
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
demonstrates responsibility and critical awareness in the use of media information, consciously considering diverse perspectives and is able to participate actively in critical discussions, arguing coherently and respecting differing viewpoints [K01]
 EL_K02 [3/5] EL_K04 [3/5] EL_K05 [3/5]
is able to critically evaluate cultural and media texts, identify logical fallacies, biases, and manipulative narrative techniques [U01]
 EL_U02 [2/5] EL_U03 [2/5] EL_U05 [2/5] EL_U07 [5/5]
applies rhetorical and logical analysis tools to independently interpret complex messages present in cultural and media texts across various contexts [U02]
 EL_U03 [2/5] EL_U06 [2/5] EL_U07 [3/5] EL_U12 [3/5]
knows techniques for analyzing argumentation, rhetoric, and persuasive strategies used in cultural texts and media [W01]
 EL_W01 [2/5] EL_W02 [3/5]
understands the mechanisms of information manipulation and the impact of texts of culture and media on shaping public opinion and social attitudes [W02]
 EL_W04 [3/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
practical classes [C] 30 Explanation/clarification [a05] 
Activating method – discussion / debate [b04] 
Activating methods: a case study [b07] 
Activating method – peer learning [b08] 
Screen presentation [c07]  		course work K01 U01 U02 W01 W02
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Production/preparation of tools, materials or documentation necessary for class participation [a05] Preparation for classes
developing, preparing and assessing the usefulness of tools and materials (e.g. aids, scenarios, research tools, equipment, etc.) to be employed in class or as an aid when preparing for classes
Studying the literature used in and the materials produced in class [c02] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
exploring the studied content, inquiring, considering, assimilating, interpreting it, or organizing knowledge obtained from the literature, documentation, instructions, scenarios, etc., used in class as well as from the notes or other materials/artifacts made in class
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Analysis of the corrective feedback provided by the academic teacher on the results of the verification of learning outcomes [d01] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reading through the academic teacher’s comments, assessments and opinions on the implementation of the task aimed at checking the level of the achieved learning outcomes
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)