An Introduction to Writing a Syllabus By the end of this module, you will: Know reasons to write a syllabus Know the basic parts of a syllabus Have sample statements for your syllabus Have a checklist for your syllabus Click here to get started!

Writing a SyllabusWhat is it? Students consider your syllabus to be a contract and a guide for the course. A well-written and organized syllabus tells the students you know what youre doing, are organized, and have reasons for what youre doing.

Writing a SyllabusWhy write one? 1. You will have fewer problems with students unfounded challenges of your grading. 2. The process of writing a good syllabus is the process of designing an effective course.

Writing a SyllabusBasic Parts Basic Course Information Course Overview Specific Course Requirements Other Relevant Information

Writing a SyllabusWhat to include? Include everything a student needs to know to succeed in your course. Click here to see a checklist for your syllabus. Feel free to print it out. Be sure to close the document when youre finished reading it.

Writing a SyllabusWhat to include? Look at this Example Syllabus and compare it to the checklist. Whats missing? Click here to the Example Syllabus. Note the parts that are missing. Be sure to close the document when youre finished reading it.

Writing a SyllabusWhat to include? After you have decided what is missing from the Example Syllabus, Click here to find out what should have been included.

Writing a SyllabusWhat to include? Missing from the Example Syllabus: o Profs name o Contact info: office, phone, , office hours o Level of course and Pre-requisites o Full explanation of grading o Elaborated explanations of assignments o Due datesTBA is not acceptable o Full text reference o Learning disabilities policy o Classroom civility policy o Encouragement note o Course calendar

Writing a SyllabusWhat Else? Make your syllabus: A reflection of your personality Encouraging and friendly in tone Visually appealing and easy to read Click here to see an example of an effective syllabus. Be sure to close the document when youre finished reading it.

Writing a SyllabusStatements There are some statements that you will want to include in your syllabus. Click on each to read samples. Learning Disabilities Academic Dishonesty Classroom Civility Click here to move to the next topic.

Sample Statements to include in a syllabus Learning Disabilities: The University of Texas at Dallas proudly supports a very diverse student body. Among our students are those with learning disabilities. If you have a learning, sensory, or physical reason for special accommodations in this class, please contact Kerrie Tate at extension She will provide the documentation to pass on to me so that I can sufficiently meet your needs. Back to Statements

Sample Statements to include in a syllabus Academic Dishonesty: Scholastic dishonesty included cheating, plagarism, unauthorized collaboration, or any other action that is not an honest participation in the learning process. By enrolling in this course, you have agreed to UTDs guidelines at : Back to Statements

Sample Statements to include in a syllabus Classroom Civility: As a member of this class, you become an important part of a learning community. Please be aware of your behavior and its effects on fellow students as well as on the professor. Talking, coming in late, leaving early, and being discourteous can all diminish classmates learning experiences in this class. In addition, realize that everyone this class might be in a position someday to recommend you professionally. Do all you can to earn and keep their positive opinions of you. Back to Statements

Writing a SyllabusOther Statements Other statements you might want to include in your syllabus are: Click on each to read samples. Extra Credit Policy Grade Dispute Policy Encouragement Note Click here to move to the next topic.

Sample Extra Credit Policies If you want to have extra credit in the class: From time to time, there might be extra credit possibilities in this course. I will let you know about those opportunities as they are available. Do not depend on extra credit to Salvage your grade in this class. If you will not offer extra credit in the class: There will not be extra credit in this class. Please spend Time working on the material assigned and reading your Texts. If you are not making the grade youd like to make In the course, please come talk to me so I can offer some Strategies to help you succeed at learning the material. Do not ask me for extra credit. Back to Other Statements

Sample Grade Dispute Policy If you do not understand the reason you received a specific grade on any assignment, you may talk to me about it at any time. If you honestly believe a grade should be reconsidered, take time to review my comments and follow these instructions: Wait at least 24 hours after you received the grade but no more than one week to talk to me about it. Review your video or paper and take notes about areas that concern you Make an appointment with me and bring your original evaluation. Back to Other Statements

Sample Encouragement Note I hope you enjoy this course as much as I enjoy teaching it. If you are having any problems, questions, or just want to talk, I encourage you to contact me in person, on the phone, or via . I WANT TO TALK TO YOU!!!! Don't let small problems during the semester grow to a crisis at the end. It's always easier to fix anticipated difficulties than to untangle a mess. Back to Other Statements

To Conclude: Your syllabus is one of the most important parts of your course. Students use it as the guide to the class. If you give it a lot of thought and spend time writing it, you will have a smooth semester. Click here to check your understanding of this information.

Which of the following is a reason to write a syllabus? A. Students will never challenge your grading B. It is a binding legal document C. Writing it will help you develop the course D. You can sell it to your students in the bookstore Check your answer

Which of the following is a reason to write a syllabus? A. Students will never challenge your grading B. It is a binding legal document C. Writing it will help you develop the course D. You can sell it to your students in the bookstore

Which of the following are pieces of basic course information that you should include in your syllabus? A. Extra credit policy B. Classroom location C. Prerequisites D. Course readings Check your answer

Which of the following are pieces of basic course information that you should include in your syllabus? A. Extra credit policy B. Classroom location C. Prerequisites D. Course readings

Which of the following will give students an overview of the course? A. Course learning goals and objectives B. Authors of the course textbooks C. Attendance policy D. All of these give students an overview Check your answer

Which of the following will give students an overview of the course? A. Course learning goals and objectives B. Authors of the course textbooks C. Attendance policy D. All of these give students an overview Now that you have completed this module, please press to exit.