A syllabus is a written agreement between the professor and the students taking the course. Students benefit from a syllabus that lays out clear goals and expectations and other information that helps them succeed in the course and capture the overall view of the course from the beginning.
As you develop your syllabus, consider the student's perspective. Let the syllabus set the stage for the course, providing answers to the obvious questions: "Why do I need this course? What will this course enable me to do that I can't do without it? What are the course requirements and how do I meet them? How will I be evaluated? How will the final grade be determined and what is the grading scale?"
In the syllabus establish policies that will minimize problems later: attendance, unexcused absence, late work, academic dishonesty, grading, participation, etc.
In the syllabus, provide resources: glossary of relevant definitions, bibliography of related sources, other resources available to students (people, materials, technology, facilities, etc.).
QCC SYLLABUS TEMPLATE
2. Course prefix, number and title
3. Pre-requisites and co-requisites
4. Hours (class, recitation, laboratory) and credits
5. Course description (from catalog)
6. Curriculum/curricula for which the course is required and curricular objectives addressed by the course
7. General Education objectives addressed by the course
8. Course objectives/expected student learning outcomes
9. Summary of main topics covered in the course (include laboratory topics when applicable)
10. Example texts/readings/bibliography/other materials required or recommended for the course (as applicable)
11. Methods by which student learning will be evaluated (range of evaluation methods to be employed; note whether certain evaluation methods are required for all sections)
12. Required attire (if applicable)
13. Academic Integrity policy
14. Other expectations for student performance (if applicable)
1. Department, course prefix, number and title (from the Course Syllabus) (i.e., Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, MA-303 Number Systems)
2. Semester and year (i.e., Fall 2005); hours and location of class (i.e., MWF 9:00 – 9:50, Room H-110)
3. Instructor’s name and contact information, including office location and hours
4. Texts/readings/bibliography/other materials required or recommended for this course section
5. Course description/overview (optional) – this is the instructor speaking to the students about the course; it may include a description of particular emphases for the course, the method of instruction, class format, etc.
6. General Education objectives addressed by the course (from the Course Syllabus)
7. Course objectives – expected student learning outcomes (from the Course Syllabus); instructors may add to this list.
8. Outline of dates, topics and assignments for class meetings reading, homework assignments, papers, lab projects, performances, presentations, exams, etc.); include a disclaimer stating that minor changes may be announced during the term
9. Methods by which student learning will be evaluated:
a. description of and due dates for all assignments, exams, lab reports, performances, field trips, class participation, and any other student activities that will be graded
b. description of the basis for grading
c. additional policies affecting evaluation (late assignments, etc.)
10. Attendance requirements and other expectations for student performance, including required attire (if applicable); include a statement that students who wish to request accommodation for disabilities should notify the instructor within the first two weeks of the term and present appropriate documentation from the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.
11. Academic Integrity policy (departmental or College)