Modal Logic (Undergrad)

Goals and Prerequisites: This is an introductory course in modal logic. There's no presupposition that you've studied modal logic before, or even logic before. The aim of this course is to learn the basics of modal logic, with an eye towards its history and applications.

Textbooks: We're using the following textbook by Sider:

Theodore R. Sider. Logic for Philosophy. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2010.

For copies of the first two chapters of this book which we will be using, see Files. The book is available at the bookstore and easily available via online booksellers.

Requirements: The requirements are four homework sets (45%), one midterm exam (20%), one final exam (20%), and participation in class, which means participating when we're working on problem sets together and participating in discussion (15%).

Homework and Exams: You may work in groups of 2-3 on the homework, but everyone must write up their own solutions, and you must clearly indicate with whom you worked on the first page of your homework. Homeworked should be turned in via canvas in the form of a single scanned pdf of handwritten work. For the location of scanners on-campus, see here (and then click the 'locations' tab); for a CNET article on scan apps for phones, see here. There is no late homework (except in the usual exceptional health-related etc. circumstances, in which case you should just get in contact with the instructor). Below is the schedule for the homework and exam dates. These will be assigned roughly 2 weeks ahead of time, and you'll get a very clear study guide for the midterm and final two weeks ahead of time. 

• Homework 1: Due Friday September 30 by 5pm.
• Homework 2: Due Friday October 14 by 5pm.
• Midterm Exam: In-class, Thursday October 27.
• Homework 3: Due Friday November 18 by 5pm.
• Homework 4: Due Friday December 2 by 5pm.
• Final Exam: Tuesday, December 6, 4:00-6:00pm

Lecture Schedule. For the schedule of the lectures, and the associated readings, see Lecture Schedule.

Instructor Information: Sean Walsh, email: walsh108 at uci.edu, office: SST 703 (go to 7th floor of SST, veer left out of elevators and head to end of hall).

Office Hours: Thursday 5:00-6:00. If you are unable to attend my office hours, please feel free to make an appointment. The procedure for appointments is: email me with some of your time availabilities.

Other Resources: see the course pages for previous year: Fall 2015.

Academic Integrity: see here for the university's academic integrity policies and procedures, which we shall follow.

Problems with the website? Please let me know (email: walsh108 at uci.edu). I would greatly appreciate any information about elements of the website which are not working properly.