By Daniel E. Vogler
Three strong beliefs associated with a course syllabus:
1. The syllabus is the key tangible evidence of planning from instructor to the world.
2. The planning manifested through the syllabus can reduce, before a class even meets, about half the work for teaching a course.
3. The syllabus serves as a communication device and contract to shift the responsibility for learning to the student.
A course syllabus can be justified from an administrative, accreditation, instructor, or student perspective. These are the main groups that can benefit from a complete, detailed, and precise organization of a course. These varied groups can all be satisfied with the same document, a course syllabus. Below are 17 possible functions of a syllabus.
1. Describing course content scope
2. Communicating course focus
3. Suggesting prerequisites
4. Detailing logistics
5. Identifying course goals
6. Sequencing/scheduling instruction
7. Identifying performance objectives
8. Constituting a contract
9. Identifying reference material
10. Providing modifications base
11. Motivating students
12. Permitting self monitoring
13. Facilitating optional learning activities
14. Establishing evaluation system
15. Advertising/promoting/recruiting clientele
16. Serving as an articulation tool
17. Meeting accreditation requirements
The principal purpose of a syllabus is to inform students in a formal and timely way of the nature and content of the course, policies and procedures that will apply, and logistics involved in participating in classes. In addition to being informative, however, a syllabus is also a promise of yours that is both explicit in what it states will be part of the course, and implicit in what it infers (by not including) will not be part of the course. The syllabus needs to be consistent with the latest approved curriculum action, and everything done or required in the class at any time throughout the term should be in agreement with what the syllabus states or does not state. Additional textbooks should not be required during the term, the grading system should not be significantly altered, important projects should not be required if not explained or provided for in the syllabus, attendance should not be graded if the syllabus does not make it clear that it will be factored into the final grade, etc. If anything will be significant and unique, it should be explained in the syllabus, or it would better be left until another term. A well planned and well written syllabus is always well worth the time and effort required to prepare it. A weak syllabus, on the other hand, or no syllabus, could result in serious personal, professional, and legal problems.
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