Instructor: Brian W. Carver

E-mail: bwcarver@earthlink.net

Course Web-site: http://home.earthlink.net/~bwcarver/

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Layman, C. Stephen. The Power of Logic 2nd Edition. McGraw-Hill (2002). ISBN: 0767420330.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

(1) Test on Chapter 1 (15%): Monday, March 10.

(2) Test on Chapter 2 (15%): Wednesday, March 26.

(3) Argument Analysis Exercise #1 (10%): Due Wednesday, April 9. Analysis of an Editorial*

(4) Test on Chapter 3 (15%): Wednesday, April 30.

(5) Test on Chapter 4 (15%): Monday, May 19.

(6) Argument Analysis Exercise #2 (15%): Due Wednesday, June 4. Analysis and Response to an Editorial*

(7) Test on Chapter 10 (15%): Friday, June 6 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Final Exam Period).

Chapter tests will be made up of multiple-choice and true-false questions similar to the exercises in the text. Students should purchase a total of five scantron sheets (Form 882).

*Specific instructions for the Argument Analysis Exercise will be provided in class.

Make-up Exercises, Late Papers: Late Argument Analysis Exercises will generally not be accepted. Those with an excuse may be accepted with a penalty to the grade.

Attendance: Attendance is expected. Quality class participation and an excellent attendance record may be used to resolve borderline cases.

Add/Drop Policy: The college has determined that the last day to drop without a "W" is March 21, and the last day to drop is May 19. If space permits, I will add students who attend every class through February 26.

Academic Honesty: I assume you are familiar with the College's policies on Academic Honesty. I consider it my responsibility in cases of academic dishonesty to respond with the most severe penalty.

Students with disabilities: Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for any sort of disability are invited to make an appointment to see me.

Changes to this Syllabus: It is my intention to follow this syllabus as closely as possible. If a change is necessary, this will be discussed in class. For this reason, if you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact me or a fellow student to stay abreast of the class/exam schedule.

Transfer Status: Transferable to UC/CSU, see counselor for limitations.

Course Description:

(from College Catalog) This course presents critical thinking as a tool and skill to be used for better understanding, evaluating and constructing arguments. The focus will be on developing and enhancing the student's ability to identify, analyze and present arguments. Topics covered through analysis and writing include the nature of argument, inductive and deductive reasoning, rhetoric, theory of knowledge, scientific method, informal fallacies and the composition of persuasive essays.

Schedule:

2/19 W: Introduction to Critical Thinking

2/24 M: Begin Chapter 1

2/26 W: Chapter 1

3/03 M: Chapter 1

3/05 W: Finish Chapter 1

3/10 M: Test on Chapter 1 (pages 1-45)

3/12 W: Begin Chapter 2

3/17 M: Chapter 2

3/19 W: Chapter 2

3/24 M: Finish Chapter 2

3/26 W: Test on Chapter 2 (pages 47-87)

3/31 M: Begin Analyzing Arguments (for AAE #1)

4/02 W: Analyzing Arguments (for AAE #1)

4/07 M: Analyzing Arguments (for AAE #1)

4/09 W: Argument Analysis Exercise #1 Due; Begin Chapter 3

4/14 M: Spring Break (No Class)

4/16 W: Spring Break (No Class)

4/21 M: Chapter 3

4/23 W: Chapter 3

4/28 M: Finish Chapter 3

4/30 W: Test on Chapter 3 (pages 89-119)

5/05 M: Begin Chapter 4

5/07 W: Chapter 4

5/12 M: Chapter 4

5/14 W: Finish Chapter 4

5/19 M: Test on Chapter 4 (pages 121-161)

5/21 W: Begin Chapter 10

5/26 M: Memorial Day (No Class)

5/28 W: Chapter 10

6/02 M: Chapter 10

6/04 W: Argument Analysis Exercise #2 Due, Finish Chapter 10

6/06 F: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Final Exam Period): Test on Chapter 10 (pages 441-479)