RATIONALE:
Coherent, organized and critical thinking is vital for communication both in
our everyday lives and in our professional capacities. To that end, this course
exposes the student to strategies that have been developed to systematize
thinking, strategies that will enable her/him to develop her/his thinking
skills and further will enable her/him to thoroughly evaluate arguments.
BEHAVIORAL
OBJECTIVE: At the end of the course, it is expected that the student will have
gained some mastery of the techniques for constructing and critiquing
arguments, and s/he will be able to apply those techniques to her/his personal
and professional life.
CONTENT: The
topics to be studied include (but are not limited to) the following: (i) the nature and structure of an argument; (ii) deductive
and inductive types of arguments; (iii) techniques for recognizing arguments;
(iv) diagramming arguments; (v) sentential logic: syntax and semantics; (vi)
the use of truth-tables and truth-trees to demonstrate truth-functions such as
truth-functional truth, truth-functional falsity, truth-functional
indeterminacy, truth-functional equivalence and truth-functional validity;
(vii) the natural deduction method to demonstrate truth-functions; (viii)
definition and meaning; (ix) the study of fallacies (or common errors in
argumentation).
METHODOLOGY:
Lectures, in-class group assignments to practice exercises, and assigned group
presentations on a variety of topics in ethics, journalism, religion and other
aspects of life. (The presentations would count as part of your class
participation.)
|
EVALUATION: 4
(four) tests each valued 15% |
60% |
|
Final
Examination |
30% |
|
Class
participation |
10% |
TEXTS:
S.
Supplementary readings will be provided in the form of xeroxed
handouts or will be put on Reserve in the library.
CLASS POLICIES:
(i) FULFILLING COURSE REQUIREMENTS: You are expected to
fulfill all the requirements of this course during the semester and not later.
Accordingly, it is your responsibility to be present for evaluation on the
specific dates in which tests and similar forms of examinations are
administered. Be advised that failure to present yourself for a test, or to
give a required class presentation, or to take part in a mandatory debate
automatically means that you have failed that component of the course. There
will be absolutely no make-up tests, assignments or the like except in the case
of a death in the family or a debilitating illness. And the grade of
"I" (Incomplete) will not be given unless in the exceptional
situations just noted.
(ii) ATTENDANCE:
Since in order to participate in class discussions and debates you must be
present in class, attendance will therefore be very closely monitored. Note
that class participation constitutes 10% of your overall grade in the course.
(iii) ACADEMIC
HONESTY: Anyone guilty of plagiarism or cheating will automatically receive an
"F" in the course. Please note that academic dishonesty may constitute
grounds for expulsion from the college.
(iv)
INSTRUCTOR'S RIGHT AND PREROGATIVE: I reserve the right to make changes in the
course as I deem necessary.