T, Th 9:30-10:45 a.m.
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.
Course Alignment
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:
- Critical Thinking
Faculty Contact Information
M, T, W, Th 8:45-9:30 a.m.
Kenneth West
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Recognize arguments.
- Evaluate the structure and success of arguments.
- Develop the ability to read, write, listen, and speak critically and creatively.
- Develop the habit of analyzing, assessing, and revising thought.
- Identify key structural components in argument and reasoning.
- Identify fallacies in academic, professional, and everyday reasoning.
- Situate intellectual authority in logic and reasoning rather than authoritative figures or texts.
- Assess and defend the reasonableness of one’s own beliefs and the beliefs of others.
- Formulate and defend arguments in both spoken and written form.
Walter Sinnot-Armstrong and Robert Fogelin, Understanding Arguments (Boston, MA: Cengage Learning, 2014).
Examinations
Homework
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700
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.
| Week | Reading |
| August 17 | Walter Sinnot-Armstrong and Robert Fogelin, Understanding Arguments, Ch. 1-3, pp. 1-58 and Harry Frankfurt, “On Bullshit” (Canvas) |
| August 23 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 5, pp. 79-96 |
| August 30 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 5, pp. 96-110 |
| September 6 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 6, pp. 111-134 |
| September 13 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 6, pp. 134-150 |
| September 20 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 7, pp. 151-162 |
| September 27 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 7, pp. 162-175 |
| October 4 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 8, pp. 177-193 |
| October 11 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 9, pp. 195-214 |
| October 18 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 10, pp. 215-227 |
| October 25 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 10, pp. 228-238 |
| November 1 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 13, pp. 273-289 |
| November 8 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 14, pp. 291-305 |
| November 15 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 15-16, pp. 307-332 |
| November 22 | Understanding Arguments, Ch. 17, pp. 333-349 |
| November 29 | No assigned reading |
College Policies, Resources and Supports
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.
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.
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.