Syllabus
Critical Thinking and Composition Philosophy 110 / Schedule Number 22557 / LSS-246
Kevin Siefert / Fall 2014 MWF 9-950am /
Office Hours: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 11am-12pm
Course Description: From the SDSU General Catalog 2013-2014: “Introduction to critical
thinking and writing. Evaluation and development of correct reasoning and effective style and
organization in argumentative writing. Correct deductive and inductive reasoning. Fallacies.
Critical appraisal of evidence. Construction of rebuttals and counter-arguments.”
General Education:
Passing this course satisfies the Intermediate Composition and Critical Thinking requirement for
General Education (I.3). You may find more information regarding this requirement in the San
Diego State University General Catalogue under the Communication and Critical Thinking
requirements. See http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/catalog/2013-14/086-098_GradReq.pdf.
Student Learning Outcomes:
•Distinguish the difference between arguments and other kinds of discourse
•Identify the differences between reasoned and unreasoned opinions
•Assess the relative strengths of classical arguments from western philosophers
•Apply the basic criteria used to evaluate claims and arguments (soundness, cogency)
•Recognize assumptions and identify common informal fallacies in human reasoning
•Analyze and critique both inductive and deductive arguments using formal methods
•Improve the clarity, precision, and organization in writing and rational persuasion
•Understand multiple perspectives held by different groups about morally controversial
issues.
Required Texts: Morrow, David R. and Weston, Anthony, A Workbook for Arguments
(Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, Indianapolis, 2011). In addition to this text there may be
readings and assignments posted to Blackboard.
Contact Information: AL-430; email: kevinsiefert@gmail.com
Office Hours: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays 11am-12pm and by appointment
Grade Assessment: Students’ grades will be based upon exam and homework grades. Exams will
make up 60% of the students’ grades. Three exams each containing 40 multiple choice questions
to assess the students objective understandings of the readings, argumentative claims being
made, terminology, etc.. There will be one short answer question to demonstrate knowledge of
an argument, and the ability to philosophically take a stance regarding the argument. This is to
include either arguing for or against a position, acknowledging at least one counter argument,
and at least one response to the counter argument. Each multiple choice question will be worth
one point; the short answer worth ten points for a total of 50 points, non-cumulative.
There will be a term paper instead of a final exam, which takes a stance on a moral issue that has
personal and global relevance, relating to controversial issues such as abortion, euthanasia,
capital punishment, etc. This term paper will constitute 20% of the student’s final grade.
Homework will consist of completing exercises that demonstrate the proper application of the
terminology and analyzing arguments. Written responses will also be included as homework,
which will be based off of material covered in lectures. Homework assignments will make up
20% of the student’s final grade.
Attendance: Attendance will not be taken but is expected. Philosophy requires participation in
order to be engaging. If you do not show up to class you should not expect a strong grade on
your exams.
Homework Assignments: There will be homework assignments collected in class as dictated on
the syllabus (See course schedule for a more in depth description of assignments). Assignments
will be given in class. If you are absent the day that homework is assigned, please contact me to
find out what the assigned homework is. Late assignments will not be accepted. As previously
stated, homework will make up 20% of the student’s final grades.
Laptops/Computers: Due to the tendency of students to use laptops for purposes outside of
classwork, laptops will not be allowed in class. We will be using the textbook for most in class
assignments and if blackboard is needed I will use the projector in order to view the assignment.
Extra Credit: There will be extra credit opportunities throughout the semester made available to
help increase students' grades. These opportunities are not meant to give a dramatic increase to
any student's grade, but offer minor help. Participation within the philosophic community is
encouraged and attending Philosophy Club on campus or attending other philosophic events in
the San Diego community will be rewarded. Attendance of such events will add 1 point to the
lowest exam grade received, with a maximum of 2 points being added to any one exam. There
will also be the possibility of small 10 minute presentations related to the reading materials
assigned later in the semester, which we will discuss in future weeks.
Grades: There will be no make up exams offered (unless there is a truly dire emergency of which
I will determine the proper course of how to make up the missed exam). Your grade will be
calculated from your exams and homework using the following system:
93 – 100% = A
90 – 92% = A87 – 89 % = B+
83 – 86% = B
80 – 82% = B77 – 79% = C+
73 – 76% = C
70 – 72% = C67 – 69% = D+
63 – 66% = D
60 – 62% = D0 – 59% = F
Students with Disabilities:
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it
is your responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To avoid any
delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability Services as
soon as possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations
based upon disability cannot be provided until you have presented your instructor with an
accommodation letter from Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Class Schedule (This schedule is only tentative and subject to change as the semester
progresses):
Week 1: Read Introduction and Chapter 1: Short Arguments.
Week 2: Continue Chapter 1; Read Chapter 2: Generalizations.
Week 3: Read Chapter 3: Arguments by Analogy and Chapter 5: Arguments about Causes
Assignment 1 due (Last day of class that week).
Week 4: Read Chapter 6: Deductive Arguments. Assignment 2 due (Last day of class that week)
Week 5: Read Appendix I: Fallacies and Appendix II: Definitions. Exam 1 (Last day of class
that week).
Week 6: Read Chapter 7: Extended Arguments. Assignment 3 due (Last day of class that week).
Week 7: Read Chapter 8: Argumentative Essays. Assignment 4 due (Last day of class that
week).
Week 8: Read Chapter 4: Sources. Assignment 5 due (Last day of class that week).
Week 9: Read ‘Sample Essays’ and ‘Guide to Writing a Philosophy Paper’ (found online on
Blackboard).
Week 10: Exam 2 (First day of class that week) Read ‘Reading Packet 1’ (Blackboard).
Week 11: Read ‘Reading Packet 2’ (Blackboard). Assignment 6 due (Last day of class that
week).
Week 12: Read ‘Reading Packet 3’ (Blackboard).
Week 13: Read ‘Reading Packet 4’ (Blackboard).
Week 14: Continue Philosophic Readings (Blackboard)
Week 15: Exam 3 (Last day of class that week).
Week 16: Review of concepts thus far discussed hold; office hours for further guidance in
writing the final assignment.
Final Exam Week: Final Paper due (Refer to the school catalog for final exam date).