Getting Started - Course Preparation

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.

Syllabus Checklist

• Course Information: Include college name, course name, course number, reference number, term, year, meeting times, location and campus.
• Instructor Information: Include instructor name, office hours location, office hours, telephone number, e-mail address and Web address.
• Course Material: Give textbook name, author, publisher, editions and ISBN number. List any additional required or recommended materials or supplies.
• Course Description: Provide the College catalog description of the course.
• Course Objectives: List objectives of the course to inform the student of the skills/concepts one can expect to master upon successfully completing the course.
• Student Outcomes: State the knowledge the student will acquire, the demonstration of knowledge, and by what measure; i.e., examinations, class projects, class or homework assignments.
• Instructional Methods: Inform the student of the methods you will use in teaching the course. This may include the use of visiting practitioners, audio/visual, quizzes, exercises and field trips.
• Grading System: Include grading scale, assessments and weights of each. This will enable students to calculate course grades. Also, be sure to include W, FN, I grades and College definitions of each. The drop/add period should also be given.
• Support Services: Give the support services available to students, including career services and learning center tutoring. Also, state what accommodations are available to students with disabilities and where they can go to receive such accommodations.
• Instructor Expectations and Course Policies: State any policies you have regarding the course. Include policies on late work, absences, tardiness, cell phones, extra credit and late work.
• Topics Covered: Give a complete listing of the course topics, chapter assignments and dates.
• Curriculum Information: For information about curriculum, visit the curriculum Web pages.