04/06/06

COURSE TITLE:   Philosophy 1120-02  Introduction to Logic

CREDITS:                3

PREREQUISITES: None

TIME & PLACE:          1-3:50pm, Tuesdays, LA127

INSTRUCTOR:             Doug Knapp (Office: B217)

                                        Phone:  450-8560 (includes voice mail)

                                        E-mail: dknapp@inverhills.edu

OFFICE HOURS:         1-2pm M W Th F; or by appointment.

TEXTBOOK:                 The Power of Critical Thinking: Effective Reasoning About Ordinary and        Extraordinary Claims by Lewis Vaughn.

     OBJECTIVES:

1.  Learn and apply some of the logical principles that separate good reasoning from bad reasoning.

2.  Examine topics such as recognizing arguments, validity and soundness, conditional relationships, patterns of inference, categorical syllogisms, inductive and deductive arguments, propositional logic, informal fallacies, judging scientific theories.

 SCHEDULE OF CLASS MEETINGS:  (date, tentative textbook chapters which include exercises that will be assigned and should be worked on before class on the listed date):

1/10     Introduction and part of Chapter 1 

1/17     Chapters 1 and 2

1/24     Chapter 3

1/31     Chapter 4

2/7       Review and Test     Student Success Day

2/14     Chapter 5

2/21     Chapter 6

2/28     Chapter 7

3/7       No Class – Spring Break

3/14     Chapter 8

3/21     Review and Test

3/28     Chapter 9

4/4       Chapter 10

4/11     Chapter 11

4/18     Review/New Applications of Argument Section (Chapters 6, 7 & 8)

4/25     Review/New Applications of Argument Section

5/2       Review/New Applications

5/9       Tuesday, Final Exam, 2-4pm

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES:  Some lecture and analysis of current media items; work on exercises individually and in groups; quizzes; periodic tests.

 METHOD OF EVALUATION:  For purposes of grading the approximate weight for each method of evaluation is as follows:

            Tests (including final)                                65%

            Quizzes                                                       20%

            Exercises, In & Out of Class                     15%

TESTS:  Studying the theoretical material and then doing several exercises before coming to class is one of the best ways to begin to prepare for the quizzes and tests.  Then, coming to class, comparing and discussing answers, and doing yet more exercises are other useful methods.  Everyone takes the tests at the same time---that is, when they are scheduled.  And students are expected to turn in assignments when they are scheduled.  If an extraordinary circumstance or emergency arises when a test is scheduled, the possibility of a makeup test must be cleared with the instructor in advance of the scheduled test.  If this happens, the student should be prepared to makeup a test promptly.  Tests may not be made up after they have been returned to the class.  Plus, a student is allowed at most only one emergency.  Grades will be given approximately as follows:  A (90-100%); B (80-89%); C (70-79%); D (60-69%); F (59% or below).

 WRITTEN ANSWERS TO EXERCISES:  Be prepared to show me your homework at the start of the class period.  If assigned work isn't completed on time, there usually is a point deduction or, in some cases, such late work may not be accepted at all.  Sometime I may have you show me or hand in your homework at the end of class period.  Some changes in the assignments may be needed as we go along. 

REQUIRED EXERCISES:  There are some exercises in the course that are required exercises.  I'll give you advance notice about which exercises are required.  A required exercise may not be weighted much, percentage wise, for the course overall, yet it is viewed as being quite valuable and therefore is required.

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION:  There is substantial value in having face-to-face interaction when we work through the exercises and do other relevant tasks, and it's difficult or impossible to accomplish these things without regular attendance.  Probably you'll benefit from the input of other students and they'll benefit from your input.  It's noteworthy that there's a high correlation between poor attendance and poor grades.  By the way, if a student intends to withdraw from the course for whatever reason, the formal procedure has to be initiated and accomplished by the student so as to avoid a failure.

QUIZZES:  Occasionally there will be quizzes which will provide an incentive to do the study and work before coming to class. 

SMALL GROUP WORK ON EXERCISES:  Sometimes using small groups can assist student learning, and can add some nice variety to classroom procedures.  This might be combined with work on the blackboard or overhead.

DISABILITY SERVICES:  I want all of the course materials and activities to be accessible to you.  So if you would like to request accommodations or other services, please contact me as soon as possible.  It is also possible to contact the Disability Services Office, L-224; phone, 651-450-8628; TTY, 651-450-8369.

 HONESTY/DISHONESTY:  Be honest.  Doing otherwise can result in a course failure.