II. Prerequisites

None

III. Course (Catalogue) Description

Course studies principles of correct reasoning. Topics include analyzing structure of arguments, evaluating both inductive and deductive arguments, and recognizing common errors in reasoning. Focus is on providing tools to critically evaluate persuasive language encountered in everyday life, in mass media, and in academic texts.

IV. Learning Objectives

After completing this class, students will be able to do the following:

A. Analyze the structure of arguments in everyday exchanges and in more formal written material.

B. Evaluate the validity and persuasiveness of arguments.

C. Recognize common types of faulty reasoning.

D. Develop skills that will enable them to construct their own arguments with greater clarity and sophistication.

V. Academic Integrity

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

· cheating,

· plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),

· falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),

· helping others to cheat,

· unauthorized changes on official documents,

· pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,

· making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and

· any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.

Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.

VI. Outline of Topics

Week 1 (1/17): Introduction

(1/19): Arguments & Validity, Essentials of Logic pp.1-31

Week 2 (1/24): Analyzing Arguments, pp. 31-45

(1/26): Fallacies, pp.46-67

Week 3 (1/31): Fallacies, pp.67-79

(2/2): Fallacies, pp.79-99

Week 4 (2/7): Fallacies (cont.)

(2/9): Categorical Propositions, pp.100-122

WRITING ASSIGNMENT DUE

Week 5 (2/14): Categorical Propositions (cont.)

(2/16): Immediate Inferences, pp.123-135

Week 6 (2/21): Immediate Inferences (cont.)

(2/23): Categorical Syllogisms, pp.136-143

Week 7 (2/28): Categorical Syllogisms (cont.)

(3/1): Venn Diagrams, pp.143-163

Week 8 (3/6): Venn Diagrams (cont.)

(3/8): Venn Diagrams (cont.)

SPRING BREAK

Week 9 (3/20): Review for Mid-Term Exam

(3/22): MID-TERM EXAM

Week 10 (3/27): Symbolizing Arguments, pp.191-208

(3/29): Symbolizing Arguments (cont.)

Week 11 (4/3): Truth Tables, pp.208-221

(4/5): Truth Tables (cont.)

Week 12 (4/10): Truth Tables as a Test for Validity, pp.221-235

(4/12): Truth Tables (cont.)

Week 13 (4/17): Truth Tables (cont.)

(4/19): Formal Proofs of Validity, pp.244-257

Week 14 (4/24): Proofs (cont.), pp.257-265

(4/26): Proofs (cont.)

Week 15 (5/1): Proofs (cont.)

(5/3): Proofs (cont.)

Week 16 (5/8): Review for Final Exam

(5/10): FINAL EXAM

VII. Methods of Instruction

This course will consist of interactive lectures in which arguments will be analyzed and problems will be solved. Due to the technical nature of the subject matter, it is imperative that students attend class in order to learn the tools of logical reasoning. Small group work will occasionally be employed to assist the learning process. Exercises will be assigned and discussed regularly.

VIII. Course Practices Required

Because a firm grasp of logic demands practice outside the classroom, homework will be assigned regularly. Extra credit problems will be given occasionally along with the homework. In addition, short quizzes will be administered at random times to ensure that students are keeping up with the material. There will be a mid-term and a final exam that will assess student learning more completely. There will be no make-up exams except in the case of a genuine emergency. Finally, there will be a writing assignment that will ask students to apply what they have learned (with respect to informal logic) to arguments found in public media.

IX. Instructional Materials

Essentials of Logic, by Copi, Cohen, & Flage (2^nd Edition)

X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress

Homework 20%

Quizzes 20%

Mid-term Exam 25%

Final Exam 25%

Writing Assignment 10%

XI. Other Course Information:

A. Disabilities

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

B. Discrimination

The Oakton Community College Catalog states:

Oakton Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, or marital status in admission to and participation in its educational programs, activities and services, or employment practices. The College does not tolerate sexual harassment or sexual assault by or of its students or employees.

In keeping with this policy of tolerance and non-discrimination, in this class all of us (myself included) should strive to listen and give careful consideration to all ideas expressed in class, especially those that are different from our own, without attacking or demeaning the people who have those views. We should also strive to avoid using insulting terms or telling offensive jokes when talking to or about individuals or groups.