PHIL 2533 Logic Syllabus 010 Spring 2026

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Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
Baccalaureate/Transfer
CIP Code
38.0102
Course Meeting Time

T, Th 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Course Description
A study of the rules of valid judging and reasoning, both inductive and deductive with an emphasis on traditional, language-centered context with some exposure to symbolic logic. Logical analysis of both formal and informal fallacies and of the consistency and logical consequences of a given set of statements is included. Logical analysis is applied to concrete problems dealing with our knowledge of reality. IAI: H4 906.
Prerequisites
Appropriate assessment score or ENGL 1422 with a grade of C or better - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
H4-906
IAI Title
Logic/Critical Thinking Intro
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Critical Thinking

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Kenneth West
Faculty Email
kwest@kcc.edu
Faculty Phone
8158028734
Faculty Office Number
L319
Faculty Student Support Hours

T, Th 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Faculty Information

Kenneth West

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Recognize arguments.
  2. Evaluate the structure and success of arguments.
  3. Develop the ability to read, write, listen, and speak critically and creatively.
  4. Develop the habit of analyzing, assessing, and revising thought.
  5. Identify key structural components in argument and reasoning.
  6. Identify fallacies in academic, professional, and everyday reasoning.
  7. Situate intellectual authority in logic and reasoning rather than authoritative figures or texts.
  8. Assess and defend the reasonableness of one’s own beliefs and the beliefs of others.
  9. Formulate and defend arguments in both spoken and written form.
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Walter Sinnot-Armstrong and Robert Fogelin, Understanding Arguments (Boston, MA: Cengage Learning, 2014).

Methods of Evaluation

Examinations

Homework

Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Policies

1. Late work need not be accepted for submission.
2. Make up examinations will be deducted 15 points.
3. Sleeping is unacceptable behavior in a college classroom. Don't do it. If you fall asleep, I'll ask you to
leave. If you're tired, stay home.
4. Class citizenship involves more than simply showing up for class. It also means participating actively in
discussions, asking questions, preparing for class, and respectfully engaging with others in creating a
healthy learning environment.
5. Unless otherwise stated, the use of laptops, smart phones, and watches is not permitted during class
sessions or examinations.

Course Calendar
WeekReading
January 12Walter Sinnot-Armstrong and Robert Fogelin, Understanding Arguments, Ch. 1-3, pp. 1-57 and Harry Frankfurt, “On Bullshit” (Canvas)
January 18Understanding Arguments, Ch. 5, pp. 79-96
January 25Understanding Arguments, Ch. 5, pp. 96-110
February 1Understanding Arguments, Ch. 6, pp. 111-134
February 8Understanding Arguments, Ch. 6, pp. 134-150
February 15Understanding Arguments, Ch. 7, pp. 151-162
February 22Understanding Arguments, Ch. 7, pp. 162-175
March 1Understanding Arguments, Ch. 8, pp. 177-193
March 8Spring Break
March 15Understanding Arguments, Ch. 9, pp. 195-214
March 22Understanding Arguments, Ch. 10, pp. 215-238
March 29Understanding Arguments, Ch. 11-12, pp. 239-272
April 5Understanding Arguments, Ch. 13, pp. 273-289
April 12Understanding Arguments, Ch. 14, pp. 291-305
April 19Understanding Arguments, Ch. 15-16, pp. 307-332
April 26Understanding Arguments, Ch. 17, pp. 333-349
May 3No assigned reading

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.
Copyright & Syllabus Disclaimer

The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright. 
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.