EULER Credit and Workload
TPH-499: Argumentation and Critical Thinking. Credit value in EULER programs: European LL.M. in International Law (core, 4 ECTS / 2 US credits); Master in International Relations and Global Development (core, 4 ECTS / 2 US credits); PhD in International Relations and Global Development (foundation, 4 ECTS / 2 US credits).
| Activity | Hours (4 ECTS) |
|---|---|
| Reading (approx. 300 pages at 20 pages per hour) | 15 |
| Video lectures, with notes | 4 |
| Response papers (5 x approx. 2,500 words, one per study period) | 60 |
| Student-created quiz (10 questions) | 6 |
| Major paper (approx. 4,000 words: research, drafting, revision) | 22 |
| Oral examination preparation | 6 |
| Oral examination (45 minutes) | 0.75 |
| Total student workload | 113.75 |
| Required band (25 to 30 hours per ECTS) | 100-120 |
The course runs over seven study periods. Its credit value is justified by the total student workload above, at 25 to 30 hours per ECTS credit, under the EULER Credit Allocation and Conversion Policy (EULER-QA-CR-2025-01). The reading line reflects the standard reading allocation for the credit value and is verified against the course reading list in the termly syllabus audit.
Workload statement under the EULER Syllabus Standard (EULER-QA-SY-2025-01), Section 3 and Annex A. Version 2026-11 (2 November 2026). Credit values per the EULER Comprehensive Curriculum Integrity Matrix (EULER-QA-CI-2025-01).
EUCLID’s academic philosophy bears the imprint of this ideal. For this reason, 2 credits are assigned to this important course which is considered foundational.
Study of the basic skills of good reasoning needed for the intelligent and responsible conduct of life. Topics include: argument structure and identification, validity and strength of arguments, common fallacies of reasoning, use and abuse of language in reasoning, principles of fair play in argumentation.
For most students (ask your instructor if this requirement does not apply), this course will also use recorded video lectures.
- Credit value (EUCLID programs): 2 (US standard) | 5 (ECTS standard)
- Indicative duration (full time): 2-3 weeks
- Indicative duration (part-time): 4-6 week
- Certificate: Yes
Academic Guidelines (HQ version)
Academic Guidelines (most recent version even if unofficial)
Student Orientation Guidelines (most recent version even if unofficial)
Zotero instructions for EUCLID students
- identify fallacies and flawed argumentation
- articulate sound arguments
- use proper terminology
- analyze a debate or series of arguments
- present a convincing case on any topic.
Note: some of the terms to be mastered include (this is a very partial list):
- Inductive / Deductive
- Ad Hominem
- Equivocation
- Syllogism
- Straw man.
- Argumentation and Critical Thinking (Zarefsky)
- Philosopher’s Toolbox
- 42 Fallacies (LaBossiere)
- EUCLID compiled material