Summer 2016

MTWTh 1:50-4:25pm

Philo 103/CSCI 203

Symbolic Logic
Course Description
An introduction to the principles of valid deductive reasoning, including both
sentential and predicate logic. Transfer: (CSU, UC) (C-ID: PHIL 210 =
Symbolic Logic ) General Education: (MJC-GE: D2 ) (CSU-GE: A3 )

Student Learning Outcomes

Instructor: Jennifer Smith

E-Mail: smithje@mjc.edu
Website: philosophyclsss.weebly.com
Location: Founders Hall 176
Office Hours: By Arrangement only

Required Textbook
A Concise Introduction to Logic,
12th edition by Patrick J. Hurley, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-285-19654-1

Important Dates Summer 2016

May 1

1. Describe the differences between deductive or formal standards of logic

and non-deductive or informal standards.

Summer classes begin.

May 29

2. Construct deductive arguments with careful attention to language and

subtleties of reasoning.
3. Analyze and critically evaluate arguments wherever they appear.

Memorial Day Holiday

July 4

Independence Day Holiday

August 19

4. Requirements

Summer Semester Ends

Students who are considering dropping the course for any reasons are
encouraged to meet with the instructor firstIm happy to do what I
can to help you succeed in this class!
Homework may not be made up. If you miss class on the day of an
exam, you will receive a score of zero for that exam. Attendance is a
vital part of doing well in this course!
Students are not required to provide a reason for absence (with the
exception of the midterm and final exam), nor are apologies necessary. I
assume that absences will only occur under legitimate circumstances.
Students who miss a class meeting are responsible for obtaining any
information or assignments they may have missed. Changes to the
syllabus will be announced in class and may be missed if you do not
attend class.

Evaluation

Symbolic Logic

Homework: 10%

Propositional Logic Exam: 30%

Predicate Logic Exam: 30%

Final Comprehensive Exam: 30%

How to Do Well in This Course

Learning logic is like learning a foreign language or learning mathematics: it involves learning how to do something, not just
learning facts, and what you learn is cumulative. Here are three keys to success in this course:
1. Keep up. Do the readings and exercises as they are assigned in the schedule. The material in this course is not
friendly to last-minute cramming. Don't let yourself get behind.
2. Practice. Lots. To succeed in this course, you have to learn how to do things, not merely learn some facts. That
takes practice, repetition, doing the same thing over and over, repetition, practice, doing lots of exercises,
practice, and doing things over and over. You have to practice. Repetition is essential. It gets easier if you do it
many times. Do lots of exercises. Use the exercises in the book and online if you need extra practice problems.
3. If you need help, ask for it. Immediately. There are several sources of help built into this course. Class meetings
will feature opportunities for you to ask questions about what you don't understand.

Class Policies
PLAGIARISM: If you plagiarize work in this class you will receive a zero for that assignment and perhaps an F in the class at my discretion. I
may also report the infraction to the vice president of instruction at Modesto Junior College. The most common form of plagiarism is taking
articles, papers, or selections from a website-based source and presenting it as your own work or having another student write a paper for you.
Don't plagiarize!
CELL PHONES & LAPTOPS: unless the phone call is from me, I ask you to turn off your cell phones before entering class. No texting, no
emailing, no surfing, no movies, no music while in class. It's rude to me, it's rude to others, and it's usually obvious to everyone around you,
including me. No laptop use while in class, unless you sit in the front row.
EATING: you may eat in class if your food intake is minimal. Please do not bring noisy food to class.
OFFICE HOURS: If you are having difficulties in the course, come speak with me as soon as possible! Although I do not offer office hours, I
am available after class for extra help. I am also happy to arrange another time, or help via email.
ATTENDANCE: I reserve the right to drop students who have not attended for 3 consecutive class sessions as measured by HW and in-class
exercises.
STUDENT DISABILITIES: I will make every effort to work with students with disabilities. If you have a learning or other disability you
should let me know and as well sign up with the MJC Disability Services Center if you have not already done so. Disability Services will assist
students with disabilities in participating in college activities, securing financial aid, scheduling classes and examinations, and planning careers.
MJC Disability Services are located on the East Campus in the Journalism Building 160 behind Founders Hall. Phone: (209) 575-6225; TTY:
(209) 575-6863
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Do not come to class late. Do not leave early. (Unless prior understanding has been made)
ADD/DROP: It is your responsibility, as a student, to officially enroll in the class.

Symbolic Logic

June 13
(Monday)
June 14
(Tuesday)
June 15
(Wednesday)
June 16
(Thursday)

Classroom Topic:
Intro to class; Review Syllabus

Reading Due that Day:

Translation into Predicate Logic

Chapter 6.1

Truth Tables in Predicate Logic

Chapter 6.2

Truth Tables for Propositions/Arguments

Chapter 6.3, 6.4

June 20
(Monday)
June 21
(Tuesday)
June 22
(Wednesday)
June 23
(Thursday)

Indirect Truth Table

Chapter 6.5

Rules of Implication I & II

Chapter 7.1, 7.2

June 27
(Monday)
June 28
(Tuesday)
June 29
(Wednesday)
June 30
(Thursday)

Rules of Replacement I & II

Chapter 7.3, 7.4

July 4
(Monday)
July 5
(Tuesday)
July 6
(Wednesday)
July 7
(Thursday)

No Class (Fourth of July)

July 11
(Monday)
July 12
(Tuesday)
July 13
(Wednesday)
July 14
(Thursday)

Review for Exam

** Predicate Logic Exam **

Conditional Proof

Chapter 7.5

Indirect Proof

Chapter 7.6

Review for Exam

** Propositional Logic Exam **

Predicate Logic, Symbols and Translations

Chapter 8.1

The Rules of Inference

Chapter 8.2

Quantifier Negation Rule

Chapter 8.3

Catch up day
Review For Exam
** Final Comprehensive Exam **

Symbolic Logic