Creating a Syllabus

A successful class starts with a clear, concise, and complete syllabus. The U of A Undergraduate Course Syllabus Policy is the best place to start. Additionally, we have compiled a syllabus checklist with more detailed guidelines.

 

  • Use 1st and 2nd person point of view--YOU, I, WE pronouns instead of "The student"
  • When creating your lesson plans, try to work backwards. Start with the intended learning outcome and build up to that point by asking how those outcomes can best be achieved. The learning outcome must be a measurable condition.
  • It is important to have clearly defined Rubrics to assess learning outcomes with essays, presentations, research papers, etc., or anything without obvious right/wrong answers. If you aren't familliar with Rubrics, there are many books and online resources available. The following book is a good introductory text on the subject and should be available at the U of A bookstore:

      Stevens, Dannelle and Levi, Antonia. (2005) Introduction to Rubrics : An assessment tool to save grading time, convey effective feedback and promote student learning. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.

    Syllabus Checklist

    Instructor (and TA) information

    		   Additional Comments
    Office Location  
    Office phone number(s)  
    Email  
    Office Hours or statement of "open-door" policy  
    Teaching Philosophy  
       

    Course Information

    		    
    Title of Course  
    Semester course is being offered  
    Day, time, room number  
    Credits  
    Prerequisites or co-requisites  
    Use of Blackboard/Web CT website  
    Welcome Message from Instructor  
    Course format--i.e. "Learner-Centered"; active learning and participation  

    Course Description

    		    
    Formal (could be the catalog descritption)  
    Course Goals  

    Learning Outcomes (Objectives)

    -Preferred to be in a bullet list

    		 
    Motivational information  
    Tips on succeeding in the course  
    Outlines of topics (of course calendar)  
       

    Material

    		    
    Titles & authors of required/recommended books  
    The cost and location of the publishing packet  
    Calculators, disks, student response systems  
    Lab supplies/Art supplies  
       

    Classroom Policies

    		    
    Attendance and tardiness  
    Participation in discussions or activities  
    Civility/Code of conduct  
    Cell phones, laptops, and pagers  
    Newspapers and food policy  
    Academic integrity  
    Tape recording policies?  
    Class notes/handouts availability (policy)  
    Seating options  
    Reminder: All ground rules should adhere to the following criteria: 1) definable, 2) reasonable, 3) enforceable. (An un-enforced or un-enforeable rule is worse than no rule at all.)  

    Assignments, Assessment, and Evaluation

    		    
    Grading Criteria, weight of assignments and exams  
    Kinds of papers or projects  
    Due dates, submission procedures  
    Kinds of exams, dates  
    Reading assignments, due dates  
    Acceptability of handwritten work  
    Typing styles requirement (including APA or MLA or other style requirements)  
    Re-write and make-up policies  
    Policy on late assignments  
    Testing procedures or policies  
    Code of academic integrity statement  

    Student Support Services

    		    
    Disability Services/accomodation policies- http://drc.arizona.edu/instructor/syllabus-statement.shtml  
    Writing Center Support  
    Learning Resources Center  
    Counseling/consultation  
    Department or college resources/webpage  
       

    Instructional Approach/Emphasis
    Writing intensive  
    Service learning, practicum, internship  
    Cases studies  
    Cooperative learning activities  
    Team-based learning  
    Peer reviews, or sharing  
       

    Health, Safety, or Ethical Requirements
    Lab Procedures  
    Ethical conduct for use of human subjects  
    Confidentiality requirement  
       

    Other useful Information
    Calendar  
    Study Time expected  
    Withdrawl dates  
    College/departmental requirements  
    Team member contact info (or study buddies info.)  
    Subject to change notice