PHIL 120 Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking is designed to improve students' ability to reason well. Students will study the nature, structure, and purpose of valid arguments, identify common fallacies and mistakes, and determine when to use various forms of reasoning (e.g., deductive, inductive, and abductive). Students will sharpen their understanding of these concepts by analyzing and assessing arguments in the courts, news, and other contemporary media.
Prerequisites: English Studies 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 60%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | 3.00 |
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| Total Hours | 45 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- participate in activities and discussions about arguments and critical thinking in a respectful and collegial manner.
- identify and explain the parts, structure, and purpose of sound and cogent arguments.
- identify and explain common fallacies in reasoning.
- analyze invalid and weak forms of argumentation.
- distinguish between deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning.
- recognize when to use various forms of reasoning.
- critically analyze arguments in political, legal, and contemporary media content.
- formulate arguments that use evidence and reason to support claims.
Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.