Syllabus
The syllabus communicates important information to students and sets the tone for the course. From this document, students learn what they should expect from the instructor and what the instructor will require of them in order to successfully achieve the course learning goals. While there is no single model for a syllabus, syllabus design should align out-of-class assignments, in-class activities, discussion/lecture topics and learning goals. Common components of a syllabus include:
- course description
- learning goals
- course policies (honor code, late work, attendance, ground rules, …)
- grading policies and criteria
- reading lists
- textbooks
- office hours
- semester timeline or calendar
- deadlines and due dates
Example Syllabi:
- Fundamentals of Biological Anthropology - Susan Sheridan, Anthropology
- Honors Humanities Seminar - Mark Roche, German Language and Literature
- Integration in American Culture and Society - Korey Garibaldi, American Studies
- Semiconductors I: Fundamentals - Doug Hall, Electrical Engineering
Additional Resources:
- Functions of the Syllabus — Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard University
- Syllabus Rubric - University of Virginia
- Preparing an Effective Syllabus: Current Best Practices - Jeanne M. Slattery and Janet F. Carlson
- McKeachie’s Teaching Tips, Chapter 2 — Available for checkout from the Kaneb Center Library
