syllabus: Spring 2012

course: Logic I, P&R 1100

department: Philosophy & Religion

instructor: Dr. Patrick Rardin, office: 216 I.G. Greer

office phone: 262-2423

e-mail: rardintp@appstate.edu

office hours: MWF 8:30 to 9:30, 9:50-10:00, 10:50-11-, 1:50-200

T.Th online 8:00-10:00

course description:

This course is an introduction to deductive reasoning. We study the statement logic and quantification theory. The focus is on the concept of validity. The goals are to understand the concept of validity and to learn to test arguments for validity.

topics:

1. Statement Logic

    1. Symbolizing Statements
    2. Truth-Tables
    3. Deduction

2. Quantification Theory

    1. Translation
    2. Deduction

course requirements:

1. First Examination (Feb. 17, in-class 50 minutes) ~30% of grade

2. Second Examination (March 30, in-class 50 minutes) ~30% of grade

3. Final Examination (as scheduled) ~30% of grade

4. Homework (30 assignments) ~9% of course grade

summary:

Class attendance is required. Each examination is worth 100 points; each homework assignment is worth 2 points. Missing an examination will result in a score of 0 points. Emergencies are to be handled according to the General Bulletin. As a rule, no late work is accepted. (Exceptions are based on individual circumstances.) No collaboration is permitted on any examination or homework assignment. Collaboration is treated as cheating and is adjudicated in accordance with The Academic Integrity Code. The point spread and letter grade assignment is as follows: A...330-297, B...296.9-263, C...262.9-229, D...228.9-195, F...194.9-000.

Academic Integrity Code

  1. Introduction
    Appalachian State University’s Academic Integrity Code is designed to create an atmosphere of trust, respect, fairness, honesty, and responsibility. The Academic Integrity Code outlines “user-friendly” procedures and mechanisms for resolving alleged violations of academic integrity. The Academic Integrity Code is the result of cooperation among Appalachian’s faculty, students, and administrators, and promotes a campus dialogue about academic integrity. All members of the Appalachian State University community are responsible for promoting an ethical learning environment.
  2. The Academic Integrity Code
    Students attending Appalachian State University agree to abide by the following Code:

Students shall agree to abide by the Academic Integrity Code when submitting the admission application.

Printable PDF of the Complete Academic Code

Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services recommends including the following text on course syllabi and course web sites:

 "Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you have a disability and may need reasonable accommodations in order to have equal access to the University’s courses, programs and activities, please contact the Office of Disability Services (828.262.3056 or www.ods.appstate.edu).Once registration is complete, individuals will meet with ODS staff to discuss eligibility and appropriate accommodations."

Individuals with Disabilities - Motor Pool

To reserve a vehicle with hand controls through Motor Pool, please submit the following completed reservation form at least 72 hours in advance:  https://www.webapp.appstate.edu/Electronicforms/pdfforms/TravelAuthorizationForm.pdf

Attendance Policy

5.5.1.1 It is the policy of Appalachian State University that class attendance is an important part of a student's educational experience. Students are expected to attend every meeting of their classes and are responsible for class attendance. Since attendance policies vary from professor to professor, students should refer to the course syllabus for detailed information. Regardless of what reasons there may be for absence, students are accountable for all academic activities, and faculty may require special work or tests to make up for the missed class or classes.

In addition, faculty members are required to make reasonable accommodations for students requesting to miss class due to the observance of religious holidays. All ASU students are allowed a minimum of two absences per year for religious observances. Up to two absences for such observances will be excused, without penalty to the student, provided that the student has informed the instructor in the manner specified in the syllabus. Notice must be given by the student to the instructor before the absence occurs and no later than three weeks after the start of the semester in which the absence(s) will occur. Arrangements will be made to make up work missed by these religious observances, without penalty to the student. For the purposes of this policy, ASU defines the term “religious observance” to include religious holidays, holy days, or similar observances associated with a student’s faith that require absence from class.

Faculty, at their discretion, may include class attendance as a criterion in determining a student's final grade in the course. On the first day of class, faculty must inform students of their class attendance policy and the effect of that policy on their final grade; both policies must be clearly stated in the class syllabus

A student who does not attend a class during one of its first two meetings may, at the discretion of the academic department, lose her or his seat in that class. Further, if a class meets only one time per week - e.g., a laboratory or an evening class - the student must attend the FIRST meeting of that class or risk losing her or his seat.

Printable PDF of the Attendance Policy (PDF)

Statement on Student Engagement with Courses

The following statement has been approved by the Faculty Senate and the Academic Policies and Procedures Committee.

In its mission statement, Appalachian State University aims at “providing undergraduate students a rigorous liberal education that emphasizes transferable skills and preparation for professional careers” as well as “maintaining a faculty whose members serve as excellent teachers and scholarly mentors for their students.” Such rigor means that the foremost activity of Appalachian students is an intense engagement with their courses. In practical terms, students should expect to spend two to three hours of studying for every hour of class time. Hence, a fifteen hour academic load might reasonably require between 30 and 45 hours per week of out-of-class work.

Printable PDF of the Statement on Student Engagement with Courses (PDF)

 

text: Iving M. Cope, Carl Cohen, Kenneth McMahon.  Introduction to Logic (Rental text)