Course Outline
Semester: Fall & Spring
Hours: Class meets 3 hours per week.
Professor: Charles T. McGruder, Ph.D.
Office: Building 26B, Room 2551K
Office Hours: MTWTh 8:45 am - 9:45 am
Telephone: (909) 274-4595
Email: cmcgruder@mtsac.edu
Web Address: https://faculty.mtsac.edu/cmcgruder
Textbooks
Writing Philosophy:
A Student's Guide to Writing Philosophy Essays, Lewis Vaughn
Writing to Reason, Brian Mogck
A Rulebook for Arguments, Anthony Weston
Writing Philosophy Papers, Zachary Seech
Prerequisite: ENGL 1A or ENGL 1AH
Advisory Prerequisite: PHIL 5 – Introduction to Philosophy
Course Description
The function and use of formal and informal logic, argument, critical evaluation,
and language in written composition as they relate to the humanities in general,
and the study of philosophy in particular. The course will increase the student’s capacity for logical analysis and argumentative writing.
This course meets the requirements for AREA A
English Language and Critical Thinking (Elective Courses) of the California State University General Education Requirements.
Goals
An enhanced capacity to be philosophical—to grapple with language and values,
to discern value judgments, to relate meaning/facts/attitudes.
A disciplined engagement with contemporary themes and issues.
Improved communication skills.
Develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills
beyond the level achieved in ENGL 1 A.
Use of visual/analytical methods.
Requirements & Grading
90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60% = D, 50% = F
Four papers in class - reflections (500 pages 2-3 pages)
Four essays (1000 words each; 4-5 pages) 40%
One research paper (2000 words; 8-10 pages) 20%
Chapter homework 10%; Chapter exams 20%; Class participation 10%
Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory in all of my classes.
It is your responsibility to drop the class. I may drop you for lack of attendance or work.
Make up Policy
No make ups allowed.
I will accept assignments early, but not late.
Calendar Course Outline
Week Date Day Discussion Topic and Reading
1 Introduction; Language and Writing
Critical Thinking Format
Read: Psychic Surrender
Psychic Surrender
Discuss Writing Philosophy Papers
Read: Chapters 1 & 2, Weston
2 Composing a Short Argument
Arguments by Example
Read: Chapters 3 & 4
Arguments by Analogy
Arguments from Authority
In Class Essay: Human Nature
Read: Chapters 5 & 6
3 Arguments about Causes
Deductive Arguments
Discuss Research Paper Topics
Read: Chapters 7 & 8
Compose an Argumentative Essay
Exploring an Issue
Main Points of the Essay
Read: Chapter 9
4 Compose an Argumentative Essay
Writing
Discuss Essay # 1 – Definition
Exam Weston
Read: Chapters 1 & 2, Kelley
5 Thinking Skills
Classification
Draft: Essay # 1
Read: Chapter 3
Definitions
Review Chapters 2 & 3 Homework
Read: Chapter 4
6 Propositions
Review Chapter 4 Homework
Due: Essay # 1
Read: Chapter 5
Argument Analysis
Review Chapter 5 Homework
Read: Chapter 5
7 Argument Analysis
Review Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5
Discuss Essay # 2 - Compare & Contrast
Exam Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5
Read: Chapter 6
8 Fallacies
Draft Essay # 2
Read: Chapter 6
Fallacies
Read: Chapter 6
9 Review Chapter 6 Homework
Due: Essay # 2
Exam Chapter 6
Read: Chapter 8
10 Classical Deductive Logic
Discuss Essay # 3 - Cause & Effect
Read: Chapter 8
Categorical Propositions
Due: Research Topics
Read: Chapter 9
11 Categorical Syllogisms
Draft: Essay # 3
Read: Chapter 10
Disjunctive & Hypothetical Syllogisms
Read: Chapter 10
12 Review: Chapters 8, 9, 10 Homework
Due: Essay # 3
Exam Chapters 8, 9, 10
Discuss Research Papers
Read: Chapter 11
13 Syllogisms in Ordinary Reasoning
Review Chapter 11 Homework
Discuss Essay # 4 - Argumentative
Read: Chapter 15
Inductive Generalizations
Read: Chapter 16
14 Argument by Analogy
Draft: Essay # 4
Read: Chapter 16
Argument by Analogy
Read: Chapter 17
15 Statistical Reasoning
Due: Essay # 4
Discuss Research Papers
Review Chapters 15, 16, 17 Homework
16 Exam Chapters 15, 16, 17
Read: Chapter 18
Explanations
Review Chapter 18 Homework
Final Review
Discuss Research Papers
FINAL – Research Paper Due
Mt. San Antonio College Philosophy Department
Critical Reading/Thinking Format
1. What is the purpose of the reading? Is the purpose explicitly stated?
2. What problem does the author attempt to identify and to resolve?
3. What are the key terms and concepts of the problem?
4. How are these terms related?
5. How are the terms functionally defined?
6. What thesis does the author present?
Negative:
Positive:
7. How is the thesis substantiated?
8. In order to entertain the problem as well as the thesis, what philosophy of life must the author affirm?
(Identify several of the more significant assumptions or convictions.)
9. Do you accept or reject the argument? Why?
Mt. San Antonio College Philosophy Department
STUDY SHEET
Name:
Date:
Title:
1. What is the purpose of the reading? Is the purpose explicitly stated?
2. What problem does the author attempt to identify and to resolve?
3. What are the key terms and concepts of the problem?
4. How are these terms related?
5. How are the terms functionally defined?
STUDY SHEET
6. What thesis does the author present?
Negative:
Positive:
7. How is the thesis substantiated?
8. In order to entertain the problem as well as the thesis, what philosophy of life must the author affirm? (Identify several of the more significant assumptions
or convictions.)
9. Do you accept or reject the argument? Why?
| Last Updated: 10/19/22 |