OAKTONCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE
GENERICCOURSESYLLABUS
I.
II.
Course
Prefix
PHL
Course
Number
105
Course
Name
Logic
Credit Lecture
3
3
Lab
0
Prerequisites
None
III.
Course (Catalog) 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. IAI H4 906
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:
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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,
COURSE SYLLABUS (GENERIC)
PHL 105
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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
(This is a sample outline of topics. In your outline of topics please specify the dates
when you will cover specific topics and other important dates such as exams and paper
deadlines.)
I.
Introduction
A. Identifying arguments
B.
Identifying assumptions
C.
Understanding different types of definitions
II.
The structure of arguments
A. Premises and conclusions
B.
Sub-arguments
C.
Missing parts of arguments
D. Casting arguments
III.
Deduction
A. Immediate inference and the square of opposition
B.
Validity and soundness
C.
Categorical syllogisms and Venn diagrams
D. Propositional logic, truth tables, and natural deduction
IV.
Induction
A. Generalizations
B.
Arguments from analogy
C.
Causal arguments
D. Good reasons arguments
COURSE SYLLABUS (GENERIC)
PHL 105
E.
V.
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Evaluating hypotheses
Informal fallacies
A. Fallacies of language
B.
Fallacies of relevance
C.
Fallacies of evidence
VI.
Applying logic in everyday life
A. Mass media
B.
VII.
Persuasive papers
Methods of Instruction
Course may be taught as a face-to-face, media-based, hybrid, or online course.
A. Lectures and discussion
B. Small group work
C. Analysis of arguments
D. TV, magazine, and newspaper analysis
E. Written logic exercises
F. Web-based logic exercises
VIII.
Course Practices Required
(Please include information here about all expectations you have for your students
regarding behavior, work, etc. The following are sample components you may wish to
include.)
A. Quizzes/Exams
B. Logic exercises
C. Standards for written work
D. Attendance
E. Participation
F. Final Project
G. Special policies about make-up exams, late papers, or other matters of concern
COURSE SYLLABUS (GENERIC)
PHL 105
IX.
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Instructional Materials
Note: Current textbook information for each course and section is available on Oakton’s
Schedule of Classes.
Text such as Rudinow’s Invitation to Critical Thinking, Copi’s Introduction to Logic, or
Hurley’s A Concise Introduction to Logic
X.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
(In this section, please present the percentages or point breakdown of their final grade.
An example follows)
A. Quizzes/Exams……60 points
B. Journal/Logic exercises……20 points
C. Final Project……20 points
D. Grading scale: 90-100, A……80-89, B……70-79, C……60-69, D
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 Access and Disability Resource Center at the Des Plaines or Skokie
campus. 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.
COURSE SYLLABUS (GENERIC)
PHL 105
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C. Instructor information
Office number and office hours:
Phone number:
Email and website:
Approval Dates:
(Faculty: Do not include the following information on your individual syllabi created for class
distribution.)
Effective beginning term:
Fall 2013
Ending term:
Syllabus prepared by: Hollace Graff
Date: March 2006
Revised by:
Date: June 2010
Joo Lee
Reviewed by Chair:
Hollace Graff
Date: July 2010
Approval by Dean:
Linda Korbel
Date
June 2013