Vanessa Lehan

vlehan@yorku.ca

Office Location: S401A Ross Building

Office Phone Number: (416) 736 - 2110

Office Hour: Monday 11:30am - 12:30pm (Or by Appointment)

This is a skills-based course focusing on critical thinking, research-based writing, and qualitative and quantitative analysis. The aim of the course is to develop the student's ability to read, write and think critically. In this course we will study informal fallacies, classical logic, propositional and predicate logic, and inductive reasoning. Using these tools we will examine philosophical, social, and political arguments from opinion pieces taken from newspapers, blogs, and podcasts.

Kelley, David. The Art of Reasoning (4th Edition). W.W. Norton, 2014

Weekly Assignments: Worth 2% each to total 20% of final grade.
Quizzes: Worth 10% each, to a total of 20% of final grade,
Reading responses: Two responses worth 10% each.
Participation: Worth 20% of final grade.
Final Test: The final test is cumulative and is worth 20%.

In order: Argument analysis, Informal reasoning, classical logic, modern logic, inductive reasoning, analogical reasoning.

Students will: Identify inductive vs deductive arguments, identify the conclusion and premises of an argument, identify the connection between different parts of an argument, identify common fallacies, identify logical structure of an argument, understand which types of quantitative information support which types of argument, and construct valid or strong arguments of their own.

The Senate Committee on Curriculum & Academic Standards Web site provides an important read, the: STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET.

The Student Information Sheet includes:
· York’s Academic Honesty Policy and Procedures/Academic Integrity Website
· Access/Disability
· Ethics Review Process for Research Involving Human Participants
· Religious Observance Accommodation
· Student Conduct Standards

Additional information:
· Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
· Alternate Exam and Test Scheduling
· Grading Scheme and Feedback Policy
The Senate Grading Scheme and Feedback Policy stipulates that (a) the grading scheme (i.e. kinds and weights of assignments, essays, exams, etc.) be announced, and be available in writing, within the first two weeks of class, and that, (b) under normal circumstances, graded feedback worth at least 15% of the final grade for Fall, Winter or Summer Term, and 30% for ‘full year’ courses offered in the Fall/Winter Term be received by students in all courses prior to the final withdrawal date from a course without receiving a grade (see the policy for exceptions to this aspect of the policy - http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/legislation/senate/gradfeed.htm

“Final course grades may be adjusted to conform to Program or Faculty grades distribution profiles.”
If Term Test will be held outside of regularly scheduled class time, include announcement of day, date and time here (e.g., Saturday, October 28, 2006, 10 am to 11:30, room TBA).

·
"20 % Rule"
No examination or test worth more than 20% of the final grade will be given during the last two weeks of classes in a term, with the exception of classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or on the weekend (Saturday and/or Sunday at any time). (Approved by Senate, November 28, 1996)