Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for PHL 191 Winter 2025


Course Number:
PHL 191
Course Title:
Analysis & Evaluation of Argument
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Identifies and analyzes arguments by discerning simple logical patterns of argument, extracting arguments from the contexts in which they occur, restating them in clear and concise terms and clearing away needless language in formulating arguments. Illustrates common reasoning errors involving fallacies and provides logical alternatives. Prerequisites: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Articulate key rules for argument and critical reasoning in the field of philosophy.
  • Identify the influence of culturally based perspectives, values and beliefs to examine how diverse perspectives affect human experience.
  • Construct arguments on issues using critical reasoning to identify and investigate theses and evaluate information and its sources.
  • Respond to arguments on issues using critical reasoning to identify and investigate theses and evaluate information and its sources.

Integrative Learning

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to reflect on one’s work or competencies to make connections between course content and lived experience.

General education philosophy statement

Philosophy courses ask students to use critical thinking and reasoning skills in multiple ways: to identify the content, structure, and influence of beliefs, to examine how diverse philosophical perspectives affect human experience, and to construct and respond to arguments on a variety of philosophical issues. They encourage students to both create and understand theirs and others’ frameworks of meaning, and to use this new understanding in their own lived experience.

Course Activities and Design

The course will be conducted in both the standard classroom and distance learning settings; it will involve lectures, discussions, and other assignments such as exams and papers.
 

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Grades will be based on regular quizzes, homework, and other written material.  Any other requirements will be discussed the first week of classes.