Shyam Ranganathan

shyamr@yorku.ca

Office Location: S446 Ross Building

Phone Number: (416)736-2100 Ext. 77543

Office Hours: By appointment

“ Techniques of Pursuasion is the version of Modes of Reseaning that touches upon work in the social sciences (at least two), and humanities, outside of philosophy. This is supposed to be a skills-based course focusing on critical thinking, persuasive writing, and strategic argumentation. A topic that will unite our exploration of these themes are philosophies of medtiation from Asia.”

None. Course credit exclusions: AP/MODR 1730 6.00, AP/MODR 1760 6.00.

Patañjali. Patañjali's Yoga Sūtra. Penguin 2008. (Available on Kindle. Some hard copies available form instructor.)

Online Readings, linked via Moodle

Participation: 40 %

Annotated Bibliography: 15 %

Essay: 15 %

Two Exams: each 15 %

With the exception of two in class commentaries, all assignments are submitted via Moodle.

Lecture

• Learn basic reasoning skills---informal and formal logic.

• Understand the difference between reason and belief, between argument and pursuasion.

• Think openly about projects of meditation and critical thinking.

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)