Communications and Critical Thinking
Learn effective communication, critical thinking, and research strategies for the digital age.
About the Course
This course introduces students to the communication and analytical skills essential for success in college and beyond. You’ll develop questions, conduct credible research, and learn to evaluate the reliability of information in today’s digital world.
Because the breadth of information available, electronically and otherwise, can be overwhelming and at times misleading, emphasis will be placed on information literacy, and students will learn how to gather and evaluate valid and reliable information through credible research.
Students will also practice academic writing skills such as summarizing, forming arguments, and supporting a thesis with research.
Course Details
- Credits: 3
- Location: Adelphi University, Garden City, NY campus
- Dates: July 12–August 1, 2026
- Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 1:00pm–4:00pm
A pre-college student discovers new ways to think, question, and communicate at Adelphi’s Garden City, NY campus.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of the course, you will:
- Identify a topic, develop a research question, and formulate a working thesis
- Differentiate between suitable primary and secondary scholarly sources
- Analyze, organize, synthesize, and critically evaluate information
- Utilize appropriate formatting and citation styles in writing assignments
Meet Your Professor
Erin Truesdell, MEd, holds a Master’s in Education from Molloy College and is certified in Special Education. With a background in teaching, she has been a key member of Adelphi University’s Learning Resource Program for the past 8 years. Erin has also taught writing classes at Adelphi for the last 6 years, with a focus on guiding students in research and academic inquiry. Her dedication to teaching and learning fuels her passion for helping students excel in their educational journeys.
