What are the key elements of a good syllabus?

The Syllabus, I believe, should be a basic outline of what the class is going to entail. It doesn’t necessarily have to be followed to a tea, especially if students have difficulty in one subject more than other.

That being said, I believe it should contain: Class dates, the readings that need to be completed before class, the exam dates, what each exam will cover.

Also, the thing on EVERY one’s mind is…. The Curve. What percentage breakdown will you give for the A, A-, B+… etc. If you aren’t sure, be sure to state that. If you want to try to do a bell curve, state it.

Also, it’s good to make sure all your information is down as well. What books are required or recommened? What are you office hours, and where is your office?

Some extra stuff would be a website link to where you might post extra information on lectures, or the readings.

Hope this helps.

I’d say keep it simple. Always include a statement indicating that you reserve the right to alter the syllabus, because sometimes there are unexpected things that come up. Basically think of the syllabus as a guide, but not a pair of shackles.

I developed syllabi for a couple of courses, and the biggest problem has always been that I tend to overestimate the amount of material that I can cover in a class session. Sometimes you have to give yourself and the students enough time, so what I’ve ended up doing is leaving at least one day unplanned, just in case I need to do some shifting around.

Good luck

I would keep it simple. If they become too wordy, students will be less likely to look at it. I would have a brief overview, like 1-3 sentences, about what each day in class will cover. That way students can keep track of what the class covers. I would then include a list of any handouts/assignments that will be given in class that day. Most importantly, I would have, in bold, what is DUE that day. That is most important to many students, as it helps them keep track of their homework.

I would not have the syllabus mimic the lesson plan. As an alternative, you can pass out an outline of what you will be covering each day, either to all the students, or have it available to students who are interested. Many will find it a waste of paper because some students do not need to have that much information.

I have never developed a syllabus, but I have attended 4 years worth of college classes and can give you a student’s perspective.

Include details on your attendence policy – can students miss class, are there any consequences, should they contact you if they will be out, etc.

Include a good way for students to reach you. Don’t just put down your office phone # if you are never there to answer it. Give several ways of contact to open the lines of communication.

List every course date and include what will be covered that day and what will be due. Try to make this as detailed as possible (but also make a note that the schedule is tentative and can be changed at your discretion.)

Include any other class policies – like cell phones, eating, sleeping, doing other homework, leaving for the bathroom, etc. Students like to have this information and it is good to have written down