Introduction to Logic – Fall 2019

Syllabus

Class Time and Location
Monday & Wednesday, 5:30-6:45pm – JO 3.516

This course is an introduction to logic, primarily formal logic. Formal logic is the formal study of the structures of language, reasoning, inference, and proof. This course will focus on deductive logic, including formal analysis of statements and arguments, sentential and quantified logics, formal semantics and models, and logical proofs.

Class schedule, grade information, and assignments will be on eLearning.

Textbook

P.D. Magnus, forall x: An Introduction to Formal Logic (Order) (Download)

The book is on order at Off Campus Books at 561 W Campbell Rd #201 (behind Fuzzy’s).

You are strongly encouraged to have a paper copy of the textbook available for reference in class and while working on your homework. Whether you buy a copy from OCB or Lulu, or print it yourself, it is very inexpensive for a textbook. Coupon codes are often available at <http://www.lulu.com/home>

More Resources

Use the following resources as study aids and sources for additional practice problems. Keep in mind that not all textbooks will use the exact same conventions or notations we do, so you’ll have to do a little translating.

Course and Instructor Policies

Classroom expectations

You are expected to have read the assignments before class, and it would be to your benefit to also read them again after class. You are expected to bring a copy of assigned readings for each day’s class, and have them available to refer to. You are expected to listen respectfully to the professor and your fellow students, and participate in class discussions and activities.

Clear failure to abide by these expectations will result in you being asked to leave the classroom and being counted absent for the day.

Late Work, Make-Up, and Completion

No late work or make-up exams will be allowed without consent of the professor prior to the due/exam date, except in situations where University policy requires it, or in case of truly dire circumstances, where evidence can be provided.

Cheating and Plagiarism

Don’t do it! If you incorporate any work that is not your own into any project that you do, and you do not cite the source properly, this counts as plagiarism. This includes someone doing the work for you, taking work done by another student, verbatim copying of published sources, paraphrasing published work without citation, and paraphrasing in a inappropriate way even with citation. Re-using work created for another course also counts as plagiarism in most contexts. Unless group work is explicitly permitted or required, it is expected that all of the work that you turn in is original and your own, and that any sources that you make use of are correctly cited.

If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing, it is absolutely mandatory for me to turn you in to the Dean of Students Office of Community Standards and Conduct.

Class Attendance

Attending class is strongly encouraged.
Homework assignments due in class can only be turned in personally the day of that class or before. In-class assignments and activities likewise cannot be made up.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices will not be needed in this class except for accessibility purposes. It is strongly recommended that you have a paper copy of the textbook that you bring to class with you. You’ll be better off (and research supports this) if you take notes on paper and transcribe it onto your computer than if you type your notes directly. Furthermore, many of the logical notations used in this class are difficult to transcribe electronically.

Please don’t distract others by checking email or social media on your phone, tablet, or laptop, using a music player or headphones, or doing work for another class during our discussions. For the most part, you should put away your computer, silence your phone, turn off your music, and engage with your classmates and I. Students making distracting use of electronic devices will be asked to leave and counted absent for the day, without being warned. Students who require devices for accessibility purposes are encouraged to notify the professor, who is happy to work with you to make any accommodations.

What to Call Me, Other Faculty, and TAs

I prefer to be called “Matt,” “Matthew,” “Professor Brown,” or “Dr. Brown.” My preferred pronouns are he/him/his. Professors regardless of gender should be referred to by title or degree, “Professor X” or “Dr. X.” Teaching Assistants who have not obtained a doctoral degree should be referred to as “Mr. Y” or “Ms. Z,” never using “Miss” or “Mrs.” unless the teaching assistant instructs you otherwise.

Concealed Handguns on Campus

As of August 1, 2016, concealed handgun license holders are permitted to carry their weapons onto the campus and into the general buildings of the University. Unlicensed individuals may not do so, and unconcealed weapons are not allowed. You are not required to disclose whether your status as licensed carrier, nor whether or not you are carrying a handgun at any particular time, to me or anyone other than an official peace officer. Nevertheless, I ask that you voluntarily refrain from bringing weapons into the classroom. Furthermore, I will designate my office as an exclusion zone, prohibiting the concealed carry of a handgun in that space. You will be provided with oral notification to that effect upon visiting my office.

University Policies

The information contained in the following link constitutes the University’s policies and procedures segment of the course syllabus: <http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies>

A syllabus is a living document. This descriptions, timelines, and policies contained in this syllabus are subject to change in the interest of improving the quality of the course, at the discretion of the professor. Adequate notice will be provided for any changes, and in many cases they will be discussed with the students.