David L. Rouse
Office: Z216
376-4577
TEXT: Text material for the course is posted, by chapter, at the following link: http://people.uvawise.edu/philosophy/Logic%20Text/Contents.htm. Open each chapter and save it to your computer or storage device.
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE: The purpose of the course is to introduce the student to the basic concepts and techniques of classical and contemporary logic. The student will gain experience in applying these concepts to language analysis, the analysis and evaluation of arguments, and science.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING: Students are expected to do the assigned reading and exercises before each class session. There will be frequent, unannounced quizzes on material previously covered. Students must arrange to make up missed quizzes before the next class session or a "0" will be given for the missed quiz. There will be a comprehensive final exam. The higher of the quiz average and final will constitute 2/3 of the course grade.
Grades are assigned as follows.
92-100 A
90-91.9 A-
88-89.9 B+
82-87.9 B
80-81.9 B-
78-79.9 C+
72-78.9 C
70-71.9 C-
68-69.9 D+
62-68.9 D
60-61.9 D-
0-59.9 F
Students are expected to attend class. Excessive unexcused absence (more than three classes) may result in being dropped from the course. Students are expected to know and abide by the rules of The University of Virginia's College at Wise, including the Honor Code. Cheating on an assignment can result in a grade of "F" independent of any sanction that may be imposed by the Honor Court.
If you need course adaptations or academic adjustments because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment to talk with me as soon as possible.
TOPICS: Introduction to the course, The Uses of Language; Sentences, Statements, and Arguments; Truth Functional Statements, Truth Table Evaluation, Arguments and Argument Forms, Reduction Trees, Categorical Statements, Venn Diagrams