Logic Syllabus

Course Description:
Students will be introduced to the rules of argument, inductive and deductive reasoning, the recognition of informal and formal fallacies, and the application of logical thinking in work and social situations.

Prerequisites:
There are no course prerequisites for Logic. A passing score or the equivalent on the reading, writing, and math portions of the TASP is required.

Course Rationale:
As human beings we think of ourselves as rational beings, beings who use reason in drawing judgments and determining actions. Since Logic is the science through which we assess the quality of reasoning, logic is essential to good judgment and right action.

Course Objectives:
1. Students will become acquainted with techniques of reasoning, including deduction and induction.
2. Students will develop the means to analyze and critically evaluate arguments, both in the classroom
and as they appear in everyday contexts.
3. Students will (further) develop the ability to construct cogent arguments.

Instructional Methodology:
This course will run like a math class: I’ll explain the concepts and then we’ll work problems in the book that will involve applying those concepts.

Course Materials:
Baum, Robert. Logic(fourth edition).

Coursework and Grading Policy:
There will be three tests in this class, each one covering only the material immediately preceding it. These tests will be composed of questions and problems of the same sort that you will be working on in the book. The first test will be worth twenty percent of your final grade, the second test twenty five percent, and the third test will count for forty five percent of your class grade. The other ten percent of your grade will be based on class participation.

Course Policies:
Attendance: There is no attendance policy. Be aware, however, that participation is part of your class grade and failure to attend class will cost you participation points. If you fail to attend at least two thirds of the classes, you will receive no participation points.
Withdrawal/reinstatement: I will not withdraw you from the class, so we shouldn’t have to worry about reinstatement at all. If you want to remove yourself from the class for whatever reason, please feel free to do so. Do not, however, expect me to drop you from the class if you stop coming. There are no excuses for failing to remove yourself from a class that you no longer wish to attend.
Incompletes: I do not give incompletes. If you have an emergency at the end of the semester then we will either work out a way for you to complete you work before the semester ends or I will turn in a failing grade for you and do a grade change form if/when you complete your coursework.

Academic Freedom:
Students have the right to believe whatever they happen to believe and, within the appropriate constraints that follow from the organization of a course and its class meetings, to express those beliefs. Grades will never be based on the beliefs that a student maintains, but only on the quality of the philosophical work performed by a student in conjunction with the course.

Scholastic Dishonesty:
Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework." (Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 32) Cases of scholastic dishonesty will be pursued according to the procedure set forth in the Student Handbook, “Student Rights and Responsibilities,” Section J, “Academic Dishonesty."

Student Discipline:
Students at the College have the rights accorded to all persons under the Constitution to Freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility for each individual to accord the same rights to others in the College community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. As willing partners in learning, it is expected that students will comply with College rules and procedures. ACC students are recognized as responsible persons who neither lose the rights nor escape the responsibilities of citizenship. Enrollment in the College indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in this policy, administered through the office of the Campus Dean of Student Services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action. (See the "Student Discipline Policy" in the Student Handbook, http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/policies4.htm for details.)

Office of Students with Disabilities:
"Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester." (Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 14)

Problem Resolution:
If you are having a problem related to this course or related to me as your professor your first step generally should be to speak with me. If I cannot resolve the problem or satisfy your concern, or, if for some reason you would prefer not to address the issue with me, you can appeal to the Chair of the Department for help by completing and submitting the form available at: http://philadmin.constantinformation.com/forms/f_prob_res.htm

Class Policy Addendum:
Students are obviously responsible for course material covered in class and they are also responsible for other matters discussed in class such as policy and schedule changes and explanations (whether they are in attendance at the time of these discussions or not).