LABETTE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYLLABUS
SPRING SEMESTER 2008
COURSE NUMBER: 1563
COURSE TITLE: CRITICAL THINKING AND ARGUMENTATION
SEMESTER CREDIT HOUR: 3 Credit Hours
DEPARTMENT: Communication
DIVISION: Instructional
INSTRUCTOR: Thomas A. Duran
Office Hours: M-F – 8:30am – 9am & 1pm-2:30pm
Office Phone: 620-820-1171
E-mail: tomd@labette.edu
PREREQUISITE: Fundamentals of Speech – 1560 or consent of instructor
Text and Supplementary Materials Used in the Course:
Critical Thinking, by Richard L. Epstein, Thomson Wadsworth – ISBN 9780534583484
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to the basic theory of argument and persuasion. Students learn how to think in a clear and logical manner, analyze information critically, formulate persuasive arguments, and deliver those arguments effectively, both in oral and in written forms. Students learn how to make claims, provide evidence, explore underlying assumptions, and analyze counter-points.
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of principles of argument and persuasion.
· Describe the relationship between critical thinking and argumentation.
· Identify the parts (claim, evidence, and reasoning) of an argument and how they work together.
· Differentiate arguments from other forms of communication.
· Apply ethical standards to argument practices.
· Understand how evidence functions within the context of argument.
· Understand the criteria for accepting or rejecting claims
· Diagram argument structures using the general model of argument analysis.
· Differentiate between compound claims and conditionals.
· Understand the process for refuting an argument
· Understand the different types of fallacies in arguments.
· Demonstrate effective argument analysis.
· Compose good arguments using the critical abilities developed.
Apply these principles to actual speaking situations.
· Analyze how arguments build on each other to produce argument chains.
· Establish ethical relationships with the audiences of your argument.
· Formulate an effective proposition on an argumentative case.
· Apply the tests of reasoning to arguments to detect fallacies in others' arguments.
· Use the strategies of refutation to respond to an opposing argument.
COURSE OUTLINE:
The course is divided into three major units:
First 6 Weeks: Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 – This section covers the fundamentals beginning with the reasoning process; four quizzes covering chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4; four concept or issue written assignments; chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 exercises, four argument writing assignments.
Second 6 Weeks: Chapters 5, 11,– This session evaluates premises and evaluates bad arguments; two quizzes covering chapters 5, and 11; two concept or issue written assignments; chapters 5, and 11 exercises; two argument construction assignments.
Third 6 Weeks: Chapters 6, 7, and 8- This section addresses compound claims, counterarguments, and general claims; three quizzes covering chapters 6, 7, and 8; three concept or issue written assignments; chapter 6, 7 and 8 exercises; three argument construction assignments; a for or against argument construction; argument analysis assignment.
Methods of INSTRUCTION:
This course is taught using a variety of instructional methods that include but are not limited to lecture, computer presentations, overhead projector, handouts, videos, and possibly guest speakers.
Assignments:
Readings from the text, written assignments, quizzes, test, argument construction, argument evaluation.
Readings: Read the assigned chapters from the text when assigned and take notes on them. All handouts are to be read, studied and kept.
Written Assignments: All written assignments are to be handed in on the date they are due. Assignments that are to be handed in to the instructor should be done neatly, with 12 pitch and Times New Roman font.
Tests and Quizzes: There will be a final exam and there will be quizzes over the assigned chapters in the text, over notes from class lectures, and class discussions.
Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period. Late papers will be docked according to Late Work policy.
LATE WORK - I have developed a system that deals with any crises or delays you may encounter. The following penalty will be assessed for work submitted after each deadline.
Up to one
week after the deadline - 10% penalty
Up to two weeks after the deadline-20% penalty
Up to three weeks after the deadline-30% penalty
Up to four weeks after the deadline - 40% penalty
Five + weeks after the deadline - 50% penalty
For example: Let's say that during the third week of class, your child, your computer, and the coworker you have to cover for all come down with a virus!
You just cannot get to that 3rd lesson but you finish it and submit it the next week. Assuming that you do the same complete and thorough job that you always do, you would earn 90% of the points possible for the task, quiz, or written assignment you submitted late. The penalties will be assessed after the work is graded. This system will allow you to set your priorities and determine your own grade possibilities. Obviously, an occasional late submission will not "sink the boat", however chronic lateness will definitely affect your grade.
The grading scale will be as follows:
90 - 100% = A - Student does an outstanding assignment or paper. Excellent content, well organized, excellent wording, and/or superior accomplishment on the criteria established for that assignment or paper.
80 - 89% = B - Assignment or paper approaching the qualities of an “A” assignment. A good assignment, not necessarily any major weaknesses, but not achieving a standard of excellence in any or enough areas to merit an “A”. A good job in meeting most established criteria for that assignment or paper.
70 - 79% = C - An acceptable assignment or paper. Reasonably clear purpose, adequate support, apparent organization, but may not be entirely clear; and/or some deficiencies in meeting many of the major criteria established for the assignment or paper.
60 - 69% = D - An unclear purpose and serious deficiencies in some and perhaps all areas of content, organization.
59% & below = F - The person does not submit the assignment at all or simply demonstrates that there has been no preparation for the assignment in content, goal attainment, or organization.
METHODS OF Evaluation
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
1. 9 – Concept or Issues 10 pt. ea
2. 9 – Chapter exercise 10 pt. ea
3 9 – Argument writing assignments 10 pt. ea
4. 1 - Argument analysis assignment 25 pt.
5. 1 – Reasoning evaluation assignment 25 pt.
PRESENTATION
1. For or Against Argument presentation 50 pt.
1. 9 Quizzes: 10 pt. Each
2. 1 Final Exam 40 pt.
Class Participation: 10 pt.
Total Points Possible 510
Grade: Your final grade is determined by the total point accumulation of all your grades from
papers, tests, and presentations.
Attendance Requirements:
Students are expected to attend all classes. If the student has to miss a class especially on the day he/she is scheduled to hand in a written assignment or take a test; he/she must notify me before the missed class.
In case of emergencies, notify by e-mail, telephone or leave a message for me with the college operator, or send a note with a fellow student.
Failure to do so means the student will receive a zero for that assignment or test and will loose the option of makeup work. If a legitimate conflict did arise and the student did notify me, the student has one week to finish the assignment or take the test. If a student misses a class, he/she is still responsible for the material covered and for assignments made during that time. The students need to ask for notes from myself or a fellow student for the class missed.
The student is allowed three hours of absences without explanation except on the day(s) assigned for single or group presentations or for tests. Unexcused absence over the allowed absences will result in the lose of ten points from their overall letter grade. The instructor reserves the right to drop a student for excessive (7 or more unexcused) absences. All students will receive a grade for the course after the last day to withdraw for the semester regardless of the number of absences. By and large, it is simply a good idea not to miss class.
Since this is a communication class, I expect students to practice good communication skills and thus disruptive talking during class will not be tolerated.
ACADEMIC HONESTY REQUIREMENTS: (Procedure 3.07)
Academic Honesty Policy:
Labette Community College expects students to adhere to a strict code of academic honesty. Students should learn in an environment of integrity, free from the intrusion of any kind of dishonest conduct.
When an academic exercise is designed to result in a grade, any of the following activities constitute violations of academic honesty (unless expressly authorized in advance by the instructor) and will be subject to disciplinary action:
A. Cheating on an examination or the preparation of academic work. Any student
who engages in any of the following shall be deemed to have engaged in cheating:
B. Plagiarizing or appropriating another work or idea without properly
acknowledging incorporation of that work or idea into one’s own work offered for credit.
C. Any forgery, alteration or misuse of academic documents, forms or records.
D. Fabrication includes the intentional falsification or invention of any information.
E. Collusion includes any secret agreement among students who participate in any
academically dishonest activity.
F. Students in online courses agree not to give their passwords, login information, or access to an online course to anyone. Any student who does so will be considered guilty of academic dishonesty and subject to the penalties described for such offenses.
Penalties for Academic Misconduct
In addition to the penalties specified in this code, being found guilty of academic misconduct will result in a minimum of a zero grade for the paper, assignment or test on which the violation occurred. Instructors may choose a more stringent course of action.
Labette Community College seeks to promote a teaching and learning environment free from classroom disruptions.
The following standards are intended to define acceptable classroom behavior with regard to cell phones that preserve academic integrity and ensure that students have optimum environmental conditions for effective learning.
As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the Office of Dean of Instruction prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent mode and cannot be visible during class. At the discretion of the instructor, exception to this policy is possible in special circumstances. Cell phones may not be dialed or answered in a classroom (including text messages, games, and other uses).
In testing situations, use of cell phones or similar communication devices may lead also to a charge of academic dishonesty and additional sanctions under the Academic Regulations in the Student Handbook.
Children are not allowed to accompany LCC students to classes. In the event of an emergency, requests for an exception to this rule must be made by the student to the appropriate Dean or Program Director prior to the class meeting. In the event that an exception is granted, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure the child(ren) do not disrupt the educational environment of the class. Adult guests may be admitted at the discretion of the instructor.
Furthermore, children (age twelve and under) are not allowed to be left unsupervised by an adult anywhere on campus. This procedure applies to all facilities owned or managed by Labette Community College.
Students with Disabilities:
Students who need special assistance should contact Megan Hentzen, ADA Coordinator, by calling (620) 421-6700, ext.1230, or visit her in person in the Business Office on the main campus.
Weather Cancellations:
When snow, ice, or other bad weather threatens the normal class schedule, students should listen to local radio stations, especially KLKC and KKOW, and local television stations, especially KOAM, regarding changes in the schedule. If the radio or television does not state that LCC classes have been canceled, students should assume that classes will be held on the normal schedule.
In the event of cancellations, students should hear one of the following announcements:
Day classes are canceled. Evening and extension classes beginning at 5:30 or later will meet on the normal schedule.
Classes are canceled for day, evening, and extension.
Evening and extension classes are canceled.
Announcements regarding day classes will be made after 6:15 a.m. and evening and evening extension classes after 3:15 p.m. Extension classes will not be held if the facility in which they are meeting is closed that day.