Writing Fun With Logical Reasoning: Clearer Thinking and Richer Writing

Good critical thinking, reading, and writing, is based on sound reasoning. In this class we will study the logical fallacies that weaken good arguments as a means to detect these fallacies and avoid them in our own thinking and writing. This will be done with word games and fun writing exercises that will push students and raise their confidence as they see their thoughts on paper.

Students will engage in verbal discussions focusing on one logical fallacy each class. We will look at colorful historical examples of each fallacy, make up our own examples of the fallacy, and then write responses based on sound reasoning. 

Unit 1: An Introduction to Logical Fallacies. What are they and why do we like to use them so much?
Unit 2: Exploring the Straw Man Fallacy. Let’s just calm down.
Unit 3: Exploring the Band Wagon Fallacy. We all like music, but we don’t have to play the same instrument.
Unit 4: Exploring the Appeal to Authority Fallacy. Because Mr. Big says it’s so.
Unit 5: Exploring the False Dilemma Fallacy. Let’s go to the park or not have any fun at all.
Unit 6: Exploring the Hasty Generalization Fallacy. It worked for Marco so it’ll work for all of us!
Unit 7: Exploring the Slothful Induction Fallacy. Even though both prototypes exploded it’s clearly a fluke.
Unit 8: Review with games and quizzes.