A syllabus is one of the most important parts of any course. A good syllabus should be complete and well organized. An instructor’s job is easier with a well written syllabus.

One of a student’s first interactions with a course is via the syllabus. A well crafted syllabus can aid in a successful course. The syllabus introduces the course instructor, describes the course goals, expectations and requirements, and provides a course schedule in addition to the outline of the topics to be covered. It may be seen as a prospectus, plan and contract. A well-written syllabus acts as a reference for students throughout the semester.

PEDAGOGGLES

Creating a Course Syllabus (Vol. 1, No. 8)

EXTERNAL WEB RESOURCES

1. A Syllabus Development Tutorial, CTL at U of M, Syllabus Tutorial (http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/tutorials/syllabus/)

2. Learning-Centered Syllabi Workshop, Iowa State, Learner-Centered Syllabi (http://www.celt.iastate.edu/teaching/syllabi.html)

3. Write a Syllabus, Carnegie Mellon, http://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/design/syllabus/index.html