Critical Inquiry
Critical Inquiry Class: IND 1003

"Critical thinking" is a term that you'll hear a lot in the liberal arts setting of universities such as Ozarks. However, here it is more than just a term; it is also a fundamental skill that will aid you in your job -- and life. At the University of the Ozarks we don't cross our fingers and hope that a student will acquire this skill sometime within the four years -- instead we introduce the concept at the very beginning with a required course (for students with less than 24 hours) called "Critical Inquiry". The course is designed to begin developing the skills students need for success, both in college and the working world. Through reflective writing assignments, class discussions and group activities, the course focuses on helping students:

Accept personal responsibility	Gain self-awareness
Adopt lifelong learning	Discover self-motivation
Master self-management	Develop emotional intelligence
Build supportive relationships	Increase self-esteem

In "CI", students are also encouraged to explore their values, appreciate cultural and intellectual diversity, and learn the fundamentals of ethical reasoning as it applies to their own lives and choices. Social development is enhanced through a variety of activities, cultural events and community service outings that foster a connection with classmates, the college and the surrounding community. Upperclassmen are selected for each class as peer mentors to assist students in their transition. Peer mentors serve as resource and contact people, role models, facilitators of small-group discussion and general aides to the instructor.

Students' and Peer Mentors' Perspectives:

"It's needed to get students ready for college (although they are already there) by teaching both educational and social skills as well as teaching them how to balance these important aspects."
-Rodnie Bohannon, CI class of '00

"It's a great way for students to get know their peers in a classroom setting."
-Chelsea Joslin, CI class of '04

"CI helps bridge the gap between high school and college. It doesn't just focus on education, but it helps students become more self-aware and stronger outside of just the 'college' setting."
-Kasie Osmond, CI class of '05 and Peer Mentor '06

"It's learning how to think outside your own views."
-Fidel Samour, CI class of '04 and Peer Mentor '05, '06

"Critical Inquiry is unlike any other class a student can experience. It not only shows students the different approaches to be successful academically, but it also helps to develop students' understanding and acceptance of differences they may experience as well as giving them the foundation for building up lifelong relationships."
-Emma Bottorff, CI class of '05 and Peer Mentor '06