Introduction to Logic, PL 241, fall 2008

Introduction to Logic, PL 241, fall 2008

TTH 9:30-10:50, M 311

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

Assistants: Jeremy McNeill, Marc Parker, Ben Perkins

Homepage: http://csunx4.bsc.edu/bmyers/logic08.htm

Office Hours: M 12:30-3:30; TWTH 12:30-2:00 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, Custom Edition, Cengage Publishing. 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/logic08.htm. You may also download Logic Coach 10, which can be very useful!

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. While this class does not have a set attendance policy, missing class is not in your best interest.

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, you will get a zero on your homework for the day each time you are tardy 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

8/28: Course introduction and general information

9/2: 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3

9/4: 1.4-1.5

9/9: 3.1-3.2

9/11: 3.2-3.3

9/16: 3.4 (Division-Composition Handout)

9/18: 3.5 (Editorial Page Homework) (sample)

9/23: review (Practice Test)

9/25: exam 1

9/30: 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3

10/2: 4.4 & 5.1