Getting Started - Course Preparation

Constructing a Syllabus

The course syllabus is your roadmap to successful classroom management. Taking the time on the front end can avoid potential problems, such as grade challenges, tardiness and late work. A detailed syllabus should keep you and your students organized and focused as to the course direction.

The syllabus is one of the most important communications you will have with your students. It also serves as a road map for the entire course, outlining what students can expect throughout the course of the semester, including class meeting times, topics to be covered, grading scale, policies, examinations and project due dates.

Syllabus Tips

Although it is important to allow for some flexibility during the course, try not to deviate too much from your syllabus. In adhering to your course schedule and syllabus, you will appear to be more organized and students will be secure in their expectations. Also, make a statement that the instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus and course schedule as needed. This is to allow you room to make changes or adjustments to the course as you see fit and to avoid challenges from students when you do so.

When going over the syllabus, be sure to have a student textbook on hand to show the class. This will protect against students purchasing the wrong edition or text and reassure those who have already made their purchases. You may also want to locate a picture of the text online and copy it to your syllabus.

Strive to make your syllabus comprehensive, but try to avoid making it too verbose and lengthy, which might intimidate students or discourage them from reading it altogether.

Anticipate how you will deal with the student who is always tardy, turns in assignments late or challenges a grade.

Check with your program manager to be sure your syllabus complies with department policy.

Syllabus Checklist