Introduction to Logic, PL 241, fall 2007

Introduction to Logic, PL 241, fall 2007

TTH 9:30-10:50, M 311

Dr. Bill Myers, Office: HC 222, Phone: 226-4868, email bmyers@bsc.edu

Homepage: http://csunx4.bsc.edu/bmyers/logic07.htm

Office Hours: MW 12-2:00; 3:30-4:00; TTH 12:30-1:30; and by appointment.

Course Description:

This course is a basic introduction to logic. Time permitting, we will cover some basic concepts, informal fallacies, categorical syllogisms and propositional logic. This course does not fulfill the philosophy/religion requirement for general education. It does count in the second level general education requirement (additional arts/humanities), and it is a requirement for philosophy majors.

Texts:

A Concise Introduction to Logic, 9th ed., by Patrick Hurley. Wadsworth, 2006. Also be aware that I will post handouts and practice tests on my web page. Our class page address is: http://csunx4.bsc.edu/bmyers/logic06.htm. Also, our text is bundled with an online tutoring program called I-Lrn. You can access it at: http://www.wadsworth.com/philosophy and click on iLrn. The login is bundled with your textbook. We will not be using this in class, nor do I have any expectations as to your use of it, but it is available as a tool should you find it helpful. You can also download the Logic Coach 9 program here.

Requirements:

Daily homework: 20%

Exam one: 25%

Exam two: 25%

Exam three: 30%

Attendance:

Attendance will be taken every class period. Attendance is expected and, as you will soon see, necessary in order for you to do well in this class. Excessive absences (more than 4) will result in the lowering of your final letter grade up to one full letter grade. After your 7th absence, it will no longer be possible for you to pass the class.

Tardy policy:

This class is scheduled to begin at 9:30 and, given that we are on a tight schedule, it is essential that class begin on time. In addition, habitual tardiness is irresponsible, rude, and disruptive. To discourage it, your final course grade will be reduced by one point for each instance of tardiness beyond the first two instances. No excuses will be accepted. You have two—use them judiciously

Make up exams and homework:

My policy regarding make‑up exams is quite simple. I do not give them. If you miss an exam, you make a zero on that exam. The only possible exception to this rule is if arrangements are made prior to the exam period. But, even then, this exception is only granted in extraordinary circumstances. DO NOT MISS EXAMS!!! The same basic rule applies to homework. If you do not turn in your homework by the time it is taken up in class, it will not count. It is always acceptable to turn it in early, but this must be done before class. If, after class, I find your homework slid under my door (or anywhere else), it will not count. Note that your lowest homework score will be dropped.

Classroom rules:

Two rules for the sake of courtesy: First, eating is not allowed in our classroom—it is rude and distracting. Don’t bring food to class. Second, turn off your cell phone. If I hear your cell phone ring, vibrate, or otherwise make its presence known, you will be immediately dismissed from class and counted absent for that day.

Honor Code:

You will, of course, be expected to abide by the Honor Code in regard to all of your assignments. Regarding exams, it is acceptable and even encouraged that you study with one another. Collaborating on homework is also encouraged. However, come exam times, your work must be your own. Blatant violations of the honor code will result in your failing this class

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

8/30: Course introduction and general information

9/4: 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3

9/6: 1.4-1.5

9/11: 3.1-3.2

9/13: 3.2-3.3

9/18: 3.4 (Division-Composition handout)

9/20: 3.5

9/25: review (practice test) (more counter examples)

9/27: exam 1

10/2: 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3

10/4: 4.4 & 5.1