Required Texts: The Art of
Reasoning, Kelley, How We Know What Isn't So, Gilovich
How to Lie With Statistics, Huff
The dates and assignments contained in this syllabus are presented as a guide only. Actual dates and assignments may vary due to unforeseen occurrences.
| Date | Text Assignment | Web Readings | Homework
(Even exercises only) |
| June 9 |
Introduction Kelley: 1-10
Classification Kelley: 11-29 |
Ch 2: A,C | |
| 10-11 | Definitions Kelley: 35-57
Propositions Kelley: 65-84 |
Puzzles | Ch 3: A,B
Ch 4: A,D |
| 12, 15-16 | Basic Argument Analysis Kelley: 91-119
Fallacies Kelley: 127-156 |
Ch 5: D,F
Ch 6: A,B |
|
| 17-18 | Advanced Argument Analysis Kelley: 165-184 | The Left Hemisphere | Ch 7: A,C |
22 |
Categorical Propositions Kelley: 191-217
Categorical Syllogisms Kelley: 223-259 |
Ch 8: A, D
Classes do not meet on Friday, June 19 Ch 9: F, H Midterm on June 23rd (Tuesday) |
|
| 25-26 | Gilovich: 1-74 | The Skeptic's Dictionary | Ch 10: B, D
Ch 11: A, D |
| 29-30 |
Gilovich: 74-124
Statistical Reasoning Kelley: 521-552 Huff: 1-26 |
Alternative News and Views | Essay on Statistical Regression
Ch 17: A, C |
July |
Explanation Kelley:
561-587
Huff: 27-52 |
More Puzzles | Essay on Lost Data
Ch 18: A, B No class on Friday, July 3rd |
| 7-9 | Huff: 53-99
Huff: 100-142 |
Essay on Statistics in Advertising and News | |
| 10 | FINAL | Final Essay on your own beliefs and belief-forming procedures Final on July 10th (Friday) |