PHR 1005: Logic Instructor: Corey McCall McGraw Hall 210B x1889 cmccall@elmira.edu Office Hours Winter 2009: MWF 9:30-10:30am and by appt. Course Description and Objectives: This course serves as an introduction to logic and critical thinking. Logic is a tool that has been devised to assess arguments in order to make judgments with regard to their soundness and validity, i.e. in order to assess their truth claims. This course presupposes no prior knowledge of logic, but it is hoped that by the end of the course, students will be able to recognize informal fallacies and their various uses in public speech, understand the basics of classical Aristotelian logic as well as the basics of modern symbolic logic. The focus of the course will be on the practical significance of logic and critical thinking for everyday life. At the end of the term, the successful student will: Know what logic is and understand its usefulness. Recognize and understand the effects of various informal fallacies employed in public discourse, rhetoric, and advertising in order to avoid being duped. Understand the basics of critical thinking and how it applies to writing and thinking clearly Understand the basics of inductive and deductive arguments These various objectives will be achieved through in-class collaborative exercises, homework exercises, three non-cumulative exams, and two short presentations. Required textbooks: Brooke Noel Moore and Richard Parker, Critical Thinking, 9th Ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2008 Course Requirements: In-class exercises 25% *Note: These include reading quizzes as well as in-class writing assignments Homework Exercises 25% *Note: you are expected to bring typed responses to selected exercises to class on the days designated on the syllabus. These responses must be typed in order to receive credit, but you may omit the exercises with a triangle next to them if you wish (these answers are found in the back of the book). Participation 5% Exams 45% (3@15% Each) 1 Attendance Policy and Class Participation: You must be present in order to contribute to this class. Any more than five unexcused absences will result in a grade of F for this course. If you anticipate being absent, please come see me. If you are absent due to illness, please contact me as soon as possible regarding your absence. The class participation component of your grade consists of more than merely avoiding excessive absences, however. Active participation in class discussions and thoughtfully completing in-class writing assignments and reading quizzes (which are part of your participation grade) is also required. Ground Rules: The basic ground rule is that students should refrain from any behavior that disrupts class The use of cellphones during class is strictly prohibited I reserve the right to ban food/drink if it become disruptive Please refrain from getting up and leaving class. I understand that there are cases in which you may have to leave, but please keep this to a minimum. Students with Special Needs: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 provide students with learning or physical disabilities the right to certain educational modifications or special assistance. If you will be making any such requests, please speak with the instructor during the first week of class so that the necessary arrangements can be made promptly. If you have any questions about your eligibility for such services, please contact Carolyn Draht, Director of Education Services (X1922). Grading Scale: 94-100: A 90-93: A87-89: B+ 84-86: B 80-83: B- 77-79: C+ 74-76: C 70-73: C67-69: D+ 64-66: D 60-63: D59 and below: F 2 3/20: Ex. 10-1, 10-2 Tentative Schedule: Week One: 1/5: Course Introduction 1/7: Discussion: Ch. 1, pp. 1-21 1/9: Ex. 1-1, 1-6, 1-11 Week Twelve: 3/23: Ex. 10-6, 10-10 3/25: Discussion: Ch. 11, pp. 385-413 3/27: Ex. 11-1, 11-20 Week Two: 1/12: Discussion: Ch. 2, pp. 41-54 1/14: Ex. 2-4, 2-5, 2-8 1/16: Discussion: Ch. 3, pp. 69-92 Week Thirteen: 3/30: Discussion, Ch. 12, pp. 436-449 4/1: Ex. 12-2, 12-3, 12-6 4/3: Review Week Three 1/19: Ex. 3-6 1/21: Discussion: Ch. 4, pp. 105-135 1/23: Ex. 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 Final Exam: TBA Week Four: 1/26: Discussion: Ch. 5, pp. 147-169 1/28: Ex. 5-1, 5-11 1/30: Review Week Five: 2/2: Exam 1 (Chs. 1-4) 2/4: Discussion: Ch. 6, pp. 183-200 2/6: Ex. 6-2, 6-4 Week Six: 2/9: Discussion: Ch. 7, pp. 211-229 2/11: Ex. 7-2, 7-3 2/13: Discussion: Ch. 8, pp. 254-270 Week Seven: [Midterm Break] Week Eight: 2/23: Ex. 8-1, 8-4, 8-5, 8-10 2/25: Discussion: Ch. 8, pp. 273-285 2/27: Exam 2 (Chs. 5-7) Week Nine: 3/2: Ex. 8-11, 8-12 3/4: Discussion: Ch. 9, pp. 297-312 3/6: TBA Week Ten: 3/9: Review 3/11: Ex. 9-2 3/13: Discussion: Ch. 9, pp. 314-338 Week Eleven: 3/16: Ex. 9-8, 9-13 3/18: Discussion: Ch. 10, pp. 346-370 3