Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Logic and Reasoning
Course Code
SZF_200
Branch of Science
Other social sciences
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Business Management; Communication Science; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Management Science; Marketing and Advertising; Political Science
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Ģirts Jankovskis
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The course’s “logic and reasoning” aims to develop students "ability to critically analyze, engineer and evaluate arguments using principles of logical thinking and reasoning strategies. The course will provide knowledge of the basics of formal and informal logic, methods of making and evaluating arguments. Particular attention will be paid to the application of reasoning in the academic environment. The course will be particularly relevant in the Bachelor’s thesis development process, helping students:
- Accurately formulate research questions and hypotheses on the basis of logically sound reasoning;
- Create a structured and reasonably substantiated Bachelor’s thesis text, providing a clear logical sequence and convincing conclusions;
- Critically evaluate and interpret academic sources, distinguishing logically substantiated claims from erroneous reasoning;
- Develop the ability to systematically argue and justify their position, which is essential both in the defence of Bachelor’s thesis and in academic discussions;
- Identify and avoid typical errors of reasoning that may weaken the quality and reliability of research paper.
Preliminary Knowledge
The course is intended for students of RSU Faculty of Social Sciences (SRF) bachelor programmes in the 6th semester and therefore students are expected to already have:
- learn the basics of academic writing and analysis of texts necessary for the development and critical evaluation of arguments;
- the amount of knowledge relevant to the bachelor’s programme has been acquired in political science, law, communication science or economics and business, depending on the study programme, in order to apply reasoning in their field.
- basic skills in logical thinking and analytical approach obtained in previous study courses have been developed.
Additional prerequisites in logic or philosophy are optional as the course will provide the necessary introduction to these issues.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.After completing the course, students shall: Is familiar with the basic principles of formal and informal logic, the theory of logical reasoning and its application in different sectors. Able to identify and explain logical errors such as mistaken inference, the construction of incorrect arguments and demagoguery. Is familiar with the reasoning strategies and types used in scientific, political, legal and public communication. Understands the importance of critical thinking in academic and social discourse, is able to apply it by analysing different texts and sources of information. Learn arguments scoring techniques that help identify plausible and valid arguments in academic and public space.
Skills
1.After the study course, students will be able to: Develop logically sound and structured arguments that meet academic and professional requirements. Analyse, evaluate and critically evaluate arguments recognising their strengths and weaknesses. Identify and avoid logical errors such as faulty correlation, circle reasoning, authority argument, or false dilemma. Constructively defend and justify their views through rational, logical and evidence-based arguments. Apply reasoning methods in the development of Bachelor’s thesis by establishing a clear and reasoned investigative reasoning. Analyse and structure academic and professional texts highlighting key arguments and a series of logical conclusions. To recognise and analyse arguments in political, legal and media discourse, able to distinguish manipulation from sound reasoning.
Competences
1.After completing the course, students will acquire the following competences: Ability to critically evaluate information and arguments by making academically and professionally sound decisions. Independent ability to analyze and structure complex information by linking different arguments into a coherent, logically sound whole. Ability to apply logical and argumentative methods in academic and professional settings, including Bachelor’s thesis writing, policy analysis, law and media communication. Ability to identify and respond effectively to incorrect reasoning and disinformation based on facts and rational conclusions. Self-reflection and the ability to develop your reasoning skills by analysing and improving your thinking process.
2.The course will significantly improve students’ ability to write and defend Bachelor’s thesis, as it will help to develop a clearly articulated and logically orderly research argumentation; analyse and evaluate theoretical literature by distinguishing reliable academic sources from unsubstantiated claims; avoid errors of reasoning that may weaken the logical structure and credibility of the Bachelor’s thesis; draw up precise and reasoned conclusions based on critical analysis and systematic reasoning; convincingly defend your work in oral presentations through logically arranged and reasoned arguments.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Practical task – developing and defending an argument |
30.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Students in small groups should develop and present a reasoned position on a particular academic or societal topic demonstrating the ability to use logical reasoning and avoid logical errors. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Test on the fundamentals of logic and theory of reasoning |
30.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Test with multiple choice questions and short answer tasks for the theoretical part of the course – formal and informal logic, logical errors, types of arguments. |
||
|
2.
Bachelor’s thesis reasoning plan |
40.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Students should prepare their Bachelor’s thesis reasoning scheme - according to the course, re-evaluate their BD application - the worded research problem, study question/study objective, hypothesis, study tasks, study structure, chosen theoretical and methodological approach. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to the course and the importance of logical thinking.
Description
Course objectives, structure and rating system. The role of critical thinking in academic and professional settings. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Formal and informal logic: basics and applications
Description
Differences between formal and informal logic. Types of logical relationships. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theory of reasoning and its role in academic work.
Description
Structure of arguments and creation of rationale. Types of reasoning and strategies. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Logical errors and erroneous reasoning.
Description
The most typical logical errors and their analysis. Error recognition in academic and public discourse. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar: logical errors in practice.
Description
Analysis and discussion of specific examples of logical errors. Methods for evaluating arguments. |
-
Test
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Test on logic basics and theory of reasoning (test – 30% of final assessment)
Description
Test with multiple choice questions and short answer tasks. Verification of formal and informal logic, logical errors and types of reasoning. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Assessment and logical validity of arguments.
Description
What makes the argument strong or weak? Criteria for assessing the reliability of arguments. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar: analysis of academic arguments.
Description
Presentation and critical evaluation of arguments prepared by students. Application of reasoning across disciplines. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Practical task – development and defence of the argument (seminar – 30% of final assessment)
Description
Group work: students should develop and present a reasoned position on a specific academic or societal topic. Simulation of discussions and defence of reasoning. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Methods and strategies of reasoning in scientific writing.
Description
How to build a convincing scientific reasoning. Use of evidence in academic reasoning. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar: argumentative strategies in Bachelor’s thesis.
Description
Analysis of students’ Bachelor thesis reasoning plans. Application of reasoning in formulating the research problem. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Logic and reasoning in the discourse of law, politics and media.
Description
As reasoning is used in legal, political and media communications. Manipulation and rhetorical techniques. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Bachelor’s thesis reasoning plan (Seminar – 40% of final assessment).
Description
Students must prepare a reasoning scheme for their Bachelor’s thesis. Critical evaluation and feedback on schemes developed by students. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Course summary and preparation for the final test.
Description
Repeating the main topics of the course. Discussion on the application of reasoning in academic and professional activities. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Course summary and preparation for the final test.
Description
Repeating the main topics of the course. Discussion on the application of reasoning in academic and professional activities. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Final discussion and reflection on the course.
Description
Feedback on learning and application of the course in the study process. Student discussion about the importance of reasoning in their future academic work. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
30 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to the course and the importance of logical thinking.
Description
Course objectives, structure and rating system. The role of critical thinking in academic and professional settings. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Formal and informal logic: basics and applications
Description
Differences between formal and informal logic. Types of logical relationships. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Theory of reasoning and its role in academic work.
Description
Structure of arguments and creation of rationale. Types of reasoning and strategies. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Logical errors and erroneous reasoning.
Description
The most typical logical errors and their analysis. Error recognition in academic and public discourse. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar: logical errors in practice.
Description
Analysis and discussion of specific examples of logical errors. Methods for evaluating arguments. |
-
Test
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Test on logic basics and theory of reasoning (test – 30% of final assessment)
Description
Test with multiple choice questions and short answer tasks. Verification of formal and informal logic, logical errors and types of reasoning. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Assessment and logical validity of arguments.
Description
What makes the argument strong or weak? Criteria for assessing the reliability of arguments. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar: analysis of academic arguments.
Description
Presentation and critical evaluation of arguments prepared by students. Application of reasoning across disciplines. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Practical task – development and defence of the argument (seminar – 30% of final assessment)
Description
Group work: students should develop and present a reasoned position on a specific academic or societal topic. Simulation of discussions and defence of reasoning. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Methods and strategies of reasoning in scientific writing.
Description
How to build a convincing scientific reasoning. Use of evidence in academic reasoning. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Seminar: argumentative strategies in Bachelor’s thesis.
Description
Analysis of students’ Bachelor thesis reasoning plans. Application of reasoning in formulating the research problem. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Logic and reasoning in the discourse of law, politics and media.
Description
As reasoning is used in legal, political and media communications. Manipulation and rhetorical techniques. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Bachelor’s thesis reasoning plan (Seminar – 40% of final assessment).
Description
Students must prepare a reasoning scheme for their Bachelor’s thesis. Critical evaluation and feedback on schemes developed by students. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Course summary and preparation for the final test.
Description
Repeating the main topics of the course. Discussion on the application of reasoning in academic and professional activities. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Course summary and preparation for the final test.
Description
Repeating the main topics of the course. Discussion on the application of reasoning in academic and professional activities. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Final discussion and reflection on the course.
Description
Feedback on learning and application of the course in the study process. Student discussion about the importance of reasoning in their future academic work. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
30 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Copi, I. M., Cohen, C., & McMahon, K. (2016). Introduction to Logic (14th ed.). Pearson.Suitable for English stream
2.
Walton, D. (2008). Informal Logic: A Pragmatic Approach (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
3.
Weston, A. (2020). A Rulebook for Arguments (5th ed.). Hackett Publishing.Suitable for English stream
4.
Toulmin, S. (2003). The Uses of Argument (Updated ed.). Cambridge University Press. (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
5.
Fisher, A. (2011). Critical Thinking: An Introduction (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. (akceptējams izdevums)Suitable for English stream
6.
Zalta, E. N. (Ed.). (2023). Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Logic and Argumentation Sections. Stanford University.Suitable for English stream
7.
Govier, T. (2018). A Practical Study of Argument (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.Suitable for English stream