Critical Engagement UNIV 1004H

Instructor Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head, Trent University Durham GTA

Exploring how everyday encounters with popular culture contribute to and shape our understanding of the good life–this is the topic a small group of first-year Trent Durham students are exploring with Dean and Head Dr. Scott Henderson as part a unique new, in-person critical thinking course.

The first year course is being held in-person during the 2021 winter semester, and is the first to be held at the brand new academic and residence building at Trent University Durham GTA.

Strengthening skills to succeed in a number of disciplines

“This course aims to strengthen students’ skills in self-reflection, communication and peer-to-peer engagement, critical analysis, applied learning and goal setting, information seeking, and academic communication,” says Professor Henderson. “It offers a chance to have thoughtful, academically led, critical discussions about aspects of your own life, while contemplating the wider questions as to what constitutes a good life.”

First-year Psychology and Sociology student Christina Auger was drawn to the course for a number of reasons.

“I love having discussions with others and hearing different viewpoints. I also wanted to strengthen my skills on creating an argument through the use of critical analysis,” explained Ms. Auger.

A unique experience for a different year

Critical Engagement is one of a number of small in person classes and labs continuing at Trent’s Peterborough and Durham campuses. The course is held weekly in Trent Durham’s state-of-the-art new lecture hall—a generous sized instructional space with the capacity of 100 students.

“The smaller class setting is what drew me to Trent. I appreciate a smaller class setting because you are able to develop more personal relationships with your professor and peers,” shared Ms. Auger. “I believe this leads to better focus on the teachings, and a better quality of learning. You become less scared to pose questions and have discussions because the class size isn't overwhelming.”

View more information by visiting the Critical Engagement course page.