Professor Mundale
HFA 411L
jmundale@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu
website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~jmundale
Ph: 823-5076
Office hours: Tues./Thurs. 11:30-12:45; Fri. 1-3:30, and by appointment.
Required Texts:
Kirby, G.R. and Goodpaster, J.R. Thinking (2nd ed.) Upper Saddle
River, New Jersey: 1999.
Hicks, S.R.C. and Kelley, D. Readings for Logical Analysis (2nd
ed.) New York: Norton, 1998.
These texts will be supplemented with additional handouts and online
resources.
Course Synopsis:
This course is intended to introduce students to critical thinking,
reasoning and analysis, from a broad perspective that includes common biases
and barriers, linguistic analysis, highlights from cognitive studies, some
formal elements of logic as well as a review of informal fallacies, and
other components.
Requirements:
Regular attendance and thoughtful preparation will be essential to
your successful completion of this course. Excessive absence will lower
your final grade. Meaningful class participation will figure positively
in determining your final grade. Disagreement and debate in the exchange
of philosophical ideas are natural, but you must observe a courteous, respectful
attitude toward others in the class. Disruptive or discourteous behavior
will not be tolerated and may result in a lowered grade, a failing grade,
or dismissal from the class. If you miss class, you are responsible for
the material covered in the missed class, as well as for any missed announcements
or handouts. Note about test attendance: If you miss a quiz or exam,
you will not automatically be granted a make-up: these will be given only
in exceptional circumstances, with substantial, written documentation,
from a competent authority (physician, coach, counselor, etc.) If granted,
the make-up will be more difficult than the original that was missed.
However, if you anticipate having to be absent on a quiz or exam day, and
have a legitimate reason for your absence, see me well ahead of time, and
if possible, I will arrange for you to take it early. Unexcused absence
from an exam will result in a failing grade for the missed exam.
Grading:
Quiz 1 - 20%
Quiz 2 - 20%
Midterm Exam - 25%
Final Exam - 35%
Important UCF dates to keep in mind:
| - Last day for full refund: January 12 | - Last day of classes (all UCF): April 23 |
| - Withdrawal deadline: March 2 | - Final Exams: April 24-30 |
| - Spring Break: March 12-17 |
Approximate Class Schedule. (May vary some depending on class progress. Any changes will be announced.)
Tu. Jan. 9: Introduction
Th. Jan. 11: pp. 1-12, Chapter One, What is Thinking?
Tu. Jan. 16: pp. 13-28, Chapter Two, Personal Barriers
Th. Jan. 18: pp. 29-43, Chapter Two, Personal Barriers
Tu. Jan. 23: pp. 44-47, Chapter Three, The Deception of Our Senses;
pp. 56-75, Chapter Four, "Brain and Memory"
Th. Jan. 25: pp. 76-96, Chapter Five, Language: Our Thinking Medium
Tu. Jan. 30: Chapter Five, "Language: Our Thinking Medium" (cont'd)
Th. Feb. 1: Review, QUIZ #1
Tu. Feb. 6: pp. 134-140, Chapter Nine, "Logical Thinking"
Th. Feb. 8: pp. 141- 146, Chapter Nine, "Logical Thinking"
Tu. Feb. 13: pp. 147-154, Chapter Nine,
"Logical Thinking"
Th. Feb. 15: pp. 155-162, Chapter Nine,
"Logical Thinking"
Tu. Feb. 20: Review pp. 134-162
Th. Feb. 22: MIDTERM EXAM (cumulative, from beginning)
Tu. Feb. 27: Handout, and pp. 163-167, Chapter Nine, "Logical Thinking"
Th. Mar. 1: pp. 171-192, Chapter Nine, "Logical Thinking" (Note:
last day to withdraw is March 2)
Tu. Mar. 6: pp. 239-250, Chapter 11, "Persuasive Thinking"
Th. Mar. 8: Review informal fallacies (pp. 171-190, and 239-248)
*Spring Break*
Tu. Mar. 20: pp. 119-133, Chapter Eight, "Organizing"
Th. Mar. 22: pp. 193-208 Chapter Ten, "Scientific Thinking"
Tu. Mar. 27: pp. 213-225 Chapter Ten, "Scientific Thinking"
Th. Mar. 29: pp. 161-165, "Semmelweis and Childbed Fever", in
Readings for Logical Analysis (RLA) QUIZ #2
Tu. Apr. 3: pp. 225-231, "Shouting 'Fire!'", and pp. 213-217, "The Declaration
of Independence" in RLA.
Th. Apr. 5: pp. 85-98, Furman v. Georgia, and pp. 99-110, Gregg v.
Georgia, in RLA.
Tu. Apr. 10: pp. 218-221, "A Few Kind Words for Affirmative Action",
and pp. 222-225, "Bakke and Davis" in RLA
Th. Apr. 12: Readings TBA
Tu. Apr. 17: Readings TBA
Th. Apr. 19: Review for final exam
FINAL EXAM: Thursday, April 26, 1:00-3:50, in regular classroom